VCAL WORK RELATED SKILLS - SENIOR - Unit 1
Infosheet 15. Health & Safety Representatives Health and safety representatives (HSRs) Health and safety representatives (HSRs) are an important link between employees and employers. They tell employers about health and safety concerns and co-operate with them to set up and maintain workplace safety.
(HSRs) are elected by co-workers to act on their behalf in resolving health and safety issues in the workplace and to maintain safe working conditions.
Employees at every workplace are allowed by law to elect their own HSR.
When an employee asks for the election of a health and safety representative, the employer and employees must work together to conduct an election at the workplace. An employer may also call for the election of a health and safety representative without waiting for employees to ask.
As a new worker, you can ask the HSR to help you recognise and avoid health and safety hazards and risks in areas where you will be working.
Many organisations also have health and safety officers, who are not elected by employees. These officers are appointed by employers to manage occupational health and safety issues in the workplace and make sure health and safety induction, information, training and supervision are provided for employees.
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