Safety representative

Safety representative training is available for HSE employees elected or selected to serve as safety representatives in their workplace. Managers must ensure that those elected understand their role. This training provides the necessary knowledge and skills for the safety representative role.

More information on the role of a safety representative

This training is only available to HSE staff.

Factors to consider

These factors will help you determine the requirements for safety representatives:

• training needs assessment (TNA)
• number of employees
• diversity of roles
• geographical spread of work locations

Safety representatives must be included on the Health and Safety Committee. Attendance at these meetings can be rotated depending on the number of representatives for the service or department.

Who this training is for

All new safety representatives must complete this 3-day course.

Re-elected or re-selected safety representatives do not have to repeat this training. You can continue in your role with the National Health and Safety Function's support and engagement.

Course specification

This course teaches elected safety representatives about safety representation. It includes the requirements outlined in Annex 2 of the HSA Safety Representatives and Consultation Guidelines.

Participants will be given a certificate of completion from a HSE-approved training provider.

Duration

3 days (online).

Assessment

A theory assessment will take place on the final day of the training.

How to book

Managers can book this training through the health and safety helpdesk.

Training records

Managers must keep copies of employees' training records on file. This is in line with the HSE National Records Retention Policy. The policy requires managers to keep electronic files for 7 years after an employee's term of service ends.

A template for recording training dates is included in the OSH training toolkit.

Ongoing support

Trained safety representatives are supported in their roles through regular updates, communicating with the NHSF, and attending safety representative networking events.