Posted By Maggie Atterbury An untrained Safety Rep is more of a liability than an asset in any company. A one day awareness course is certainly not enough and I would recommend that new Reps are given day release to attend the TUC 10 day Stage 1 Safety Reps course. After aquiring some experience in a year or two, the Stage 2 course would be appropriate. I would also include tham in any in-house safety training so that they are aware of the company safety systems etc. This is what we do in our Local Authority. The Safety Committees and Safety Representatives Regs 1977 give Safety Reps the right to time off with pay to attend appropriate training. They also point out that Safety Reps do not have "responsibilities" i.e. do not become part of the company safety management system, but are there to represent the interests of their members in discussions with managers. I hope this helps. Maggie Atterbury

Posted By David Carter Kelvin, in 2001 I attended a 5 day safety representatives training course at the MSF (now AMICUS)College. This opened my eyes to how ignorant I had previously been. The knowledge gained on the course enabelled me to make a much greater, effective contribution to health and safety in the workplace. 12 months later I returned to the college to study part 2. This was again a five day course. The classroom tuition and the workplace implementation / utilisation of the skills learnt have, in my opinion, had a truly beneficial effect for all concerned. For myself, the workforce and for the business. The comment from Maggie is spot on. Having sat on the untrained side of the fence myself I speak from experience. No matter how keen, or well intentioned the untrained safety representative might be, this situation is best avoided. The Code of Practice approved under regulation 4(2) of the SR&SC's recognises the need for safety representatives to be allowed time off with pay in order to attend basic training as soon as possible after being appointed. Although the CoP does not stipulate the lenght of training, it is recognised that the training should take into account the functions of the safety representative. It would not be reasonable to expect a person to be able to grasp the basics of all the functions of a safety representative (including the purpose and use of relevant legislation) in an afternoon, day or even a few days. Hope this helps.

Posted By Peter Lee As a former H&S TU Rep my employer at the time allowed me time off for TUC Stage 1, 2, 3 and TUC Certificate in OSH (one day a week for around 9 months), NEBOSH Cert and NEBOSH Dip 1, guess they saw the benefit of having well trained reps. The moral of the story, invest in them and they will invest in you.

Posted By Peter Lee Hey up Richard ows tha know am frum south yorkshire then ? PS don't train em up too well cos they leave when they get NEBOSH , ahem (cough cough) !

Posted By Alison Melrose I'm a safety rep for my company (one of them at least) and I got a half day "course" on what is expected of me. Granted I have the Nebosh Certificate (self funded) but thought I might get some additional training. Have been told there is no funds so no chance! Not a member of any union (company doesn't have any) so can't go there...if your company is willing to pay for your training - take it as a lot of companies won't!!

Posted By David Carter Kieran If Alison takes your advice I think that she would be in a strong position to win the case. Joining a union however is not to everyones liking - each to their own. If the company turn around and offer in-house training then they could legitimately refuse to allow for paid time off (the case of White v Pressed Steel Fisher 1980)and Alisons reasons for joining the union would then be negated.