GMB London, Health & Safety Bulletin

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GMB HEALTH & SAFETY Representatives RIGHTS

On the 1st October 1996 non Trade Unionised workplaces gained rights regarding consultation with employees on health and safety matters at work, on the surface a potential threat to GMB members but a closer study of the new rights clearly shows up the difference and the weakness of these regulations:

GMB Health and Safety Representatives Rights

To INVESTIGATE potential hazards and causes of accidents at the workplace.
To INVESTIGATE employee complaints concerning health, safety and welfare at work.
To MAKE REPRESENTATIONS to the employer on any health and safety matter in the workplace.
To INSPECT the workplace on a quarterly basis.
To INSPECT the workplace after a reportable accident, dangerous occurrence or reportable disease.
To VIEW documents relating to health and safety in the workplace.
To REPRESENT employees in consultation with HSE inspectors and to receive information from them.
To ATTEND meetings of safety committees.
TIME OFF for HEALTH & SAFETY training.
PAID TIME OFF to carry out all of the above functions.

Non Trade Union Health & Safety Representatives Rights

To MAKE REPRESENTATION to employers on potential hazards and/or dangerous occurrences.
To MAKE REPRESENTATION to employers on general matters affecting health and safety, and on matters which they are consulted.
To REPRESENT the workforce in consultation with HSE inspectors.
TIME OFF, with pay for training.

Thus it can be seen that it is Trade Union membership and GMB health and safety representatives who still benefit from proper representation and full legal rights in the workplace. The GMB has a reputation for training, and resources to back this up, second to none. Non Trade Union safety representative’s rights are no match for those established under the Safety Representatives and Safety Committee Regulations (1977).

Make Sure You Are Covered - Make Sure You Are In The GMB

For further details on the regulations, please contact your Regional Health & Safety Officer or Regional Organiser.

Produced by the GMB, London Region,
Thorne House, 152 Brent Street, Hendon. NW4 2DP
Tel: 020 8202 8272
Fax: 020 8202 2893