Know the role of health and safety representatives and committees

Both the health and safety representative and Joint Health and Safety Committee must:

• inspect your workplace for safety issues at least once a month
• meet at least once every 3 months
• recommend to your employer ways to improve safety
• get information from your employer about dangerous materials and safety records
• get information from your employer about safety tests for equipment and materials in the workplace
• help your employer investigate accidents and injuries
• respond to your safety complaints or questions

Your health and safety representative or your representative from the Joint Health and Safety Committee can:

• give you information about health and safety issues in your workplace
• listen to your ideas for changes in the workplace and pass them on to your employer
• help you deal with safety issues or help you to work with an inspector from the Ministry of Labour