Posted By Piper
I have received a request from our trade union representative that he receives full information about all accidents that have occurred. While I do wish to work along with the unions I do have some concerns principally regarding the release of perhaps personal information (many of our accidents occur to members of the public). My understanding of the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations is that safety reps are entitled to accident information on notifiable accidents. I have no difficulty in sharing general trend analysis information on accidents.

I would be interested in views on the strict legal entitlements to full disclosure

Posted By David MacFarlane
Piper,

We have both Safety Reps and Reps of Employee safety. As H&S Manager I make sure that they receive information on ALL accidents. I feel that it is important that its a level playing field between Union and Non-Union Reps. Its a positive step to include the Reps and can be a focus for discussion at Safety Committee Meetings - Accident investigation proceedures, Reactive measures, recommendations, etc.

Dave M.

Posted By holmezy
Hi all,

if the same request was made to me...which it hasnt been ....yet!!..then I would happily give copies of any reports, investigation etc to reps, committees etc however I would ensure that any personal info was deleted beforehand.

happy to be of help or corrected,,,,

Soon be alcoholoclock........

Holmezy

Posted By John Murgatroyd
I think you'll find that you have to give the reps any information about accidents/incidents, with the personal info removed if you want. Any entries in the accidents book can be marked (by the person concerned, NOT you) as to whether they want their personal info released to a rep with the accident book entry.

Safety reps have specific rights enshrined in law which enable them to:

inspect the workplace regularly to identify potential hazards and causes of accidents;
investigate employee complaints concerning health and safety issues at work;
make representations to the employer on matters arising out of health, safety, and welfare affecting employees at work;
investigate accidents or dangerous occurrences;
inspect relevant health and safety documents; and
establish a joint union-management safety committee
Employers are required to consult safety reps, especially about:

the introduction of any new measures at a workplace that may substantially affect health and safety;
arrangements for appointing competent persons to assist the company with health and safety and implementing procedures for serious and imminent risk;
any health and safety information required to be provided to employees;
the planning and organisation of health and safety training for the workforce, such as induction training; and
health and safety implication of the introduction of new technology
Employers are legally required to provide safety reps with the resources to carry out their role. This might include:

a room and a desk at the workplace with facilities for storing correspondence;
ready access to internal and external telephones and, now, to email and the internet;
access to typing, duplicating and computer facilities;
provision of a notice board; and
use of a suitable room for confidential reporting back to individual employees and consulting with members.
Other facilities should include copies of relevant statutes, Regulations, Approved Codes of Practice and HSE guidance, copies of safety journals, and legal and international standards that are relevant to the workplace.

There will be more rights for safety reps soon. Get used to it. Many of you are WRONG with your attitude, since safety reps frequently know MORE about their workplace hazards than the "safety" consultants (and also about the law apparently)