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Network Journal 2007 Issue 1 Jan/Feb |
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The law is on your side, so use it
By law under the Safety Representative and Safety Committee Regulations 1977, trade union safety reps have powers to:
- Investigate complaints from members and any potential hazards.
- Investigate accidents and dangerous occurrences.
- Take up health and safety problems with management.
- Carry out regular safety inspections of the workplace.
- Take copies of any safety information held by the employer.
- Represent the members in discussions with visiting inspectors from the enforcing authorities.
Employers must consult with Safety Reps on any matters affecting the health and safety of members.
They also have to provide Reps with reasonable facilities and assistance including time off for trade union training and for carrying out their legal functions at work.
The union has a legal right to appoint Safety Reps. Their legal functions allow them to talk to workers, investigate hazards, and get them sorted out. Reps can use these legal powers to build the union's workplace organisation and keep in touch with members.
Helping members who are injured
If things do go wrong and a member is injured, they may have a claim against the employers' insurance. The union's solicitors need to prove that the employer was negligent and evidence from a Safety Rep is very helpful.
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