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'Safety reps plan' for transport
Page 41
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FAR-REACHING proposals for legislation are urged by the Health and Safety Commission, providing for the appointment of safety representative and the setting-up of safety committees at workplaces. They constitute a new challenge for transport and other industries.
The proposed legislation stems from the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. Mr Bill Simpson, chairman of the Health and Safety Commission has said: ''The Commission regard this proposed legislation as vital in making the new Health and Safety at Work Act really work.
"Safety representatives with the legal status to carry out certain functions would be very effective 'safety watchdogs'. They would also have a crucial role in creating a much more positive attitude to health and safety at work."
A four-month "lead-in" period is envisaged by the Commission and if, as expected, the Secretary of State for Employment endorses the proposed Regulations promptly the new deal for safety at work could be in force by January or February 1977.
The proposed regulations would give safety representatives appointed from among employees by a recognised trade union various functions such as: • Representing employees in consultations with employers about health and safety measures and in workplace consultations with Health and Safety Executive or other enforcement officers; • Investigating potential hazards and dangerous occurrences in workplaces and examining the causes of workplace accidents; • Investigating complaints by any of the employees they represent about health, safety or welfare at work; • Making regular safety inspections at the workplace; • Carrying out inspections after notifiable accidents and dangerous occurrences and in the event of industrial diseases.
No function given to a safety representative would be construed as imposing a legal obligation on him, though safety representatives, in common with all employees, must conform with Sections 7 and 8 of the Health and Safety at Work Act.
The Regulations would also provide that safety representatives should have time off with pay to carry out their functions. If any two safety representatives ask, in writing, for a safety committee, the employer would have to establish one within three months.
A booklet setting out the Commission's proposals has been circulated to interested bodies. Copies will shortly be available through HMSO.
Separate guidance is to be made available to employers who do not have recognised trade unions in their workplace explaining how employees should be consulted on health and safety matters.