Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

17.28
Safety Representatives and Safety 
Committees Regulations 1977
These Regulations, made under the HSW ACT Section 
2 (4), prescribe the cases in which recognized trade 
unions may appoint safety representatives, specify the 
functions of such representatives, and set out the obli-
gations of employers towards them.
Employers’ obligations to consult non-union employ-
ees are contained in the Health and Safety (Consultation 
with Employees) Regulations 1996.
17.28.1 Appointment – Regulation 3
A recognized trade union may appoint safety represen-
tatives from among employees in all cases where one 
or more employees are employed. When the employer 
is notifi ed in writing the safety representatives have the 
functions set out in Regulation 4.
A person ceases to be a safety representative when:
➤
the appointment is terminated by the trade union
➤
they 
resign
➤
employment 
ceases.
A safety representative should have been with the 
employer for two years or have worked in similar employ-
ment for at least two years.
17.28.2 Functions – Regulation 4
These are functions and not duties. They include:
➤
representing employees in consultation with the 
employer
➤
investigating potential hazards and dangerous 
occurrences
➤
investigating the causes of accidents
➤
investigating employee complaints relating to health, 
safety and welfare
➤
making representations to the employer on health 
safety and welfare matters
➤
carrying out inspections
➤
representing employees at the workplace in consult-
ation with enforcing inspectors
➤
receiving 
information
➤
attending safety committee meetings.
Safety representatives must be afforded time off with 
pay to fulfi ll these functions and to undergo training.