ARC 2012: Too many health and safety representatives ‘drifting out’ of important role

John Walpole: 'Extremely valuable work is being blighted'. Photo: Guzelian

Calling on the CSP to undertake a review of the reps’ role, Mr Walpole said their ‘incredibly valuable’ work was currently being blighted by high turnover rates and glaring gaps in provision. He referred to a local example, in which five different people had filled a health and safety rep’s position over a four-year period.

Helen Welham, from the national group of regional safety reps, pointed out that reps had wide-ranging responsibilities and were legally entitled to be consulted on policy changes, backed by ‘protected time’ when performing their duties.

As well as holding a remit to focus on developments affecting people’s physical health, such as musculoskelatal issues, they could also look at the implications for staff’s overall wellbeing. Some reps had produced ‘excellent resources’ on bullying, for example, Ms Welham noted.

But according to Ian Scrase from South Central safety reps and stewards, being a health and safety rep lacks the ‘kudos’ associated with being a steward. It was vital to get rid of the ‘us and them culture’, he added.

Katrina Humphreys, from Cheshire Mersey and the Isle of Man, said she knew of one area that had lacked a health and safety rep for eight years. Noting that she might be opening a ‘Pandora’s box’, Ms Humphreys said had been taken aback on learning that an NHS manager was apparently combining the health and safety role with her management duties. The motion calling on the CSP to review the reps’ role was backed by delegates.