Public and Commercial Services Union

23 March 2009

There are a number of ways to get involved with your union and one of those is to become a PCS safety representative. Many members join a trade union due to health and safety issues and as a safety rep you can make a difference. Workplaces with union representatives and safety committees halve the injury rate of those without.

The safety regulations provide a legal framework that allow a recognised trade union to appoint safety rep and take part in safety committees.

The key function of a safety rep is to be consulted by the employer to ensure effective health and safety in the work place. Other functions are

• To investigate potential hazards and dangerous occurrences at the workplace
• To investigate complaints by an employee represented relating to health, safety and welfare
• To make representations to the employer on health and safety issues
• To carry out workplace inspections
• To represent the employees at workplace with inspectors of the HSE and any other enforcing authority
• To receive information from the inspectors
• To attend safety committees.

Now don’t be put off by the list above, because in order for a PCS safety rep to be able to carry out their functions under the act the employer must:

• Allow a safety rep time off with pay to fulfil the duties as above
• Allow training with pay in order to enable a safety rep to perform the functions.

From a PCS perspective we provide excellent training for safety reps at the PCS regional centres. The department will also provide good training on safety and for some it is also possible to achieve external professional qualifications.

Within the MOD there is a growing concern that a large number of accidents and incidences and unsafe work practises could be prevented if someone in that workplace felt they had the right and ability to say ‘Stop’ and it is our colleagues who are often injured as a result. PCS wants to look after its members and by having more trained competent safety reps in the workplace we can prevent more accidents and dangerous occurrences.

As a result of our drive to attract more safety reps we are mapping where our current reps work. If you are a current PCS rep or if you would like to get involved and become a PCS safety rep please take a few minutes to fill in the health and safety questionnaire.

It is vitally important that we represent our members in health and safety and we need your help to do so.