Introduction to Fire Safety Management

Figure 3.7
Consultation with employees

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Introduction to Fire Safety Management
46
of changes and in the solving of any potential problems, 
rather than being merely informed after decisions have 
already been taken.
One of the most effective methods of establishing a 
safety culture is to consult with employees over safety-
related matters, and be seen to act on their suggestions, 
where reasonably practicable. This is the main differ-
ence between consulting with employees and merely 
informing them as required by current legislation. This 
statutory consultation raises the profi le of safety among 
the workforce and ensures that the management team 
is seen to be committed to the partnership approach to 
safety.
Current safety legislation provides for the appoint-
ment of recognised trade union safety representatives 
(this has to be completed in writing).
The employer has to consult with the safety 
representative to ensure the adequacy of arrangements 
to safeguard health and safety at work.
In addition, the law allows for the formation of 
safety committees to ensure that consultation can be 
managed effectively and which can monitor and review 
the measures taken to ensure health and safety at work.
3.4.1 Specifi c legislation that requires 
consultation (other than HSWA)
The Safety Representatives and Safety Committees 
Regulations 1977 (SRSC), which deal with the appoint-
ment of representatives in unionised workplaces, and 
the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) 
Regulations 1996, which applies where the workplace in 
question is not covered by a recognised trade union.
The Schedule to the MHSW Regulations had the 
effect of updating the SRSC Regulations by placing an 
obligation on employers to consult safety representa-
tives in good time with respect to:
➤
Workplace measures which may affect the health 
and safety of employees
➤
The arrangements for appointing competent 
persons
➤
Any statutory obligations to provide health and 
safety information to employees
➤
Any statutory obligations to plan and organise the 
health and safety training of employees and
➤
The health and safety consequences of the intro-
duction of new technology.
In addition to these duties, the employer must also pro-
vide any such facilities and assistance as time off and 
training that safety representatives may reasonably 
require in order to carry out their full range of functions.