Posted By Malcolm Speaking as someone who is a poacher turned game keeper, I would reply to your question as follows. I would advise you to try to include safety reps in the risk assessment process as much as possible. They will bring with them a shop floor knowledge that could prove invaluable in conducting an effective risk assessment.(what happens on the floor rather that what is supposed to happen) The question regarding training is one for personnel opinion, the TUC safety rep stage 1 and 2 courses are excellent in providing reps with a suitable general knowledge in relation to H&S, they are 20 days training over about 12months, and are free to all reps that have a union afiliated to the TUC. Attendence on this style of course from a private provider would be very expensive. There was also some talk in the past, that they may be IOSH accredited.

Posted By Laurie It should also be borne in mind that Safety Reps are often the only ones in the company, apart from the safety officer, to have received any formal H & S training. As far as I am concerned, this makes them valued allies, Laurie