Hi Dave

I find the best way to promote these guys (and girls) in a positive and proactive way to both workforce and management, is to get them involved in your risk management programmes, training and instruction, committee meetings etc.....

Let people see them actively engaged in safety and the decision making process, this will get them involved with the workforce, build on communication links and trust [if you have the right people doing the job], make them value added and it will be a self-promotion campaign.

Just a thought !

Chris

David

In addition, some other ideas you may wish to consider:

1 Drafting a statement from the most senior person in the organisation supporting the reps (and highlighting their importance), worker involvement and circulating to all managers and staff.

2 Discuss with the reps and managers about how they see their role and draft a short note on what the safety reps role is, their relationship with managers and how they operate. Many people make assumptions about the role of safety reps and become unstuck.

One definition of the safety rep's role I have used is:

a Assist managers develop safe systems of work, procedures, policies etc that are effective in practice.

b Audit safe systems of work, procedures, policies etc to ensure they remain effective.

c Establish a dialogue with managers, supervisors and workers to facilitate effective worker involvement.

3 Establish a clear consultation programme linked to the company's health and safety future plans. This could set out in advance when specific issues are likely to be addressed. Your communications can then be geared up to use the safety reps proactively in shaping future programmes.

Progress made can be then fed back into the communications so that the efforts of the safety reps can be acknowledged and supported. This helps establish the role and function of reps to both managers and employees.

4 Use priority issues to focus reps proactive potential. This could be done through targeted working groups on specific issues where the reps as individuals or a group are asked formally to report on how the issue in question could be addressed. As work progresses the work of the reps within the group could be publicised, as well as employees discussing matters with the reps.

Cheers.

Nigel