SIPTU Wexford
Services Industrial Professional & Technical Union
 

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Safety Representatives and Employees Rights and Consultations - Section 13, Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act, 1989

Workers are entitled to select Safety Representatives to represent them in any discussions with their employer. An employer has to consider representations made by a Safety Representative, and where necessary, act upon it. Safety Representatives may:

  • investigate accidents and dangerous occurrences
  • meet with HSA inspectors
  • carry out inspections of the workplace
  • accompany a HSA inspector on a tour of inspection
  • get time off for training courses to acquire necessary knowledge to discharge their functions:

Employers have a duty to consult workers and Safety Representatives "in advance and in good time" on any measures proposed which may substantially affect safety and health. Experience has shown us that although these rights are enshrined in legislation, Safety Representatives still have to fight hard at workplace level to secure them.

Ensure you have a Safety Representative in your workplace and give them your support and co-operation


What To Do

In order that safety and health practices may be effective in your workplace, the following steps need to be taken:

  • select a Safety Representative from among the workforce;
  • ensure s/he can attend SIPTU training courses;
  • support the Safety Representative by consulting frequently with them;
  • make sure that all safety and health issues are properly listed for action;
  • ensure the issues requiring attention are communicated to the employer using relevant /effective consultation means;
  • monitor progress through the consultative mechanism;
  • if progress is lacking refer to the SIPTU local branch for assistance; and
  • if all else fails refer to the HSA - Health & Safety Authority www.hsa.ie

These are set out in the flow chart below - This flow chart is a step by step depiction of how to organise Safety Representatives to be effective in the workplace.
   

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Services Industrial Professional & Technical Union

Wexford Branch
North Main Street, Wexford

Tel: (053) 42848
Fax: (053) 23765
e-mail: wexford@siptu.ie

Michael Wall
Branch Secretary

Geraldine Malone
Assistant Branch Secretary