The scope of consultation
Don't limit the scope of consultation to a pre-set list - there will be times when you should involve employees about issues that are not on the list.
Consult employees on key health and safety issues
Consult and involve employees and health and safety representatives on:
- accident and investigation reports, risk assessments and emergency plans
- occupational health issues including the provision for employees and how effective it is
- the nature of the post, knowledge and experience suitable for the role of your competent person (for example health and safety manager)
Provide feedback
Provide feedback to explain decisions and respond to issues raised by employees or their representatives within a certain time. It will demonstrate that you are committed and how you have considered what they say.
The appropriate method of responding (in writing or verbally), and reasonable timescales for providing a response, will depend on the nature and circumstances of the issue and the workplace. Agree these arrangements with your employees or their representatives in advance.
Address health issues as well as safety ones
Employee involvement is a good way to help you address work-related health issues such as stress or musculoskeletal disorders, particularly if you have usually involved them on safety matters more in the past.
Involve employees promptly and routinely
Commit to involving employees and health and safety representatives promptly and routinely. It develops a shared understanding of the key issues and how to address them.
Agree to respond to the issues raised by your employees and their representatives within certain time and share the reasons for your decisions with them. It will demonstrate that you are committed and how you have considered what they say.