Posted By S.Alder Hi all,i am aware that i can only give a copy of a full accident report to a rep if i have written permission of the individual concerned or a suitably "doctored" form with the personal details blanked out if that individual is unwilling to grant permission. My reading of the SR and SC regs is that the safety rep can only use this information to assist in the investigation of an accident and make recommendations or suggest improvements to prevent reocurrence of an accident. My question is this: Can a safety rep legally pass this information to a union or other solicitor for the purpose of assessment before a compensation claim is made without the companies knowledge or is he/she breaking the law as the original permission was only granted for the safety rep. to have a copy?

Posted By Timothy Capner Dear S.Alder I used to be a TU Safety Rep and encountered this situation a number of times. However that was B4 the new accident books were introduced. I cannot comment upon the legality of the situation, but no TU Rep should pass on details of a member's situation to anyone. Not even their own Union without that member's express permission. The TU Rep must retain the trust of the membership and respecting privacy is a cornerstone of that relationship. You are correct in that the TU Safety Rep can only use details of the incident to improve w/place safety, not compo-claims, all other 'uses' are outside the TU Safety Rep's remit. If the IP wishes the Union to act on their behalf in other matters related to an accident, then all well and good. Hope this helps. Regards Tim C