Provide facilities and assistance

You must provide your representatives with facilities they may reasonably need to carry out their functions. Although the needs of health and safety representatives will vary from workplace to workplace, in general you should make sure they have access to equipment and assistance such as:

• a telephone and office area where they can have a private and confidential conversation as part of their role;
• suitable storage space for paperwork, records or reference material such as a lockable cabinet or desk;
• intranet and internet facilities;
• communication and distribution facilities such as a photocopier and a notice board to circulate information to the employees they represent; and
• time with you or senior management to discuss health and safety issues whenever the need arises.

You should also allow representatives to have facilities for investigation of hazards, complaints, and incidents, including private discussions with employees. This does not mean that you or your management representative cannot be on the premises at the time of the investigation.

• Allow paid time off
• Provide information
• Set up a health and safety committee