The Health and Safety Agency (HSA) has published a new guidance document for workplace safety representatives.  

In Ireland, workers are entitled to elect safety representatives to represent them on matters related to occupational safety and health in the workplace. Employers are required to consult with safety representatives, consider any representations they make, and act upon them if necessary. 

Fórsa deputy general secretary Katie Morgan, who also sits on the board of the HSA, said: “Workers are best placed to identify the risks that they face on a day-to-day basis at work. It is of critical importance that employers listen to safety representatives and meet their legal obligations to ensure representatives are properly trained.” 

She underlined the importance of this new guide for workers who are new to the role, or considering taking it on, saying: “This document outlines the role, resources, and responsibilities safety representatives and employers have. We would strongly encourage union members to consider becoming safety representatives in their workplaces, as unionised workplaces with safety representatives who are union members help create safer workplaces.” 

Read the document here.  

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