Health and safety safety representatives

The Health and safety representative elected by the personnel serves as the workers’ and employees’ representative in issues related to occupational safety, occupational health care, and activities designed to uphold working ability and rehabilitation. He or she participates in the occupational safety inspections and surveys carried out at the workplace, and represents the personnel within the framework of occupational safety cooperation.

The Health and safety representative is familiar with the occupational safety regulations and instructions and work-related risks. The representative provides advice and assistance in selecting the correct working methods, offers information on safety equipment and personal protective gear such as safety clothing and footwear.

Additionally, he or she represents the staff in issues related to wellness at work and rehabilitation by assisting employees in rehabilitation and network meetings, etc. The representative is duty bound hold in confidence all information concerning the state of health of the employees that may come to his or her attention.

Under the Act on the Supervision of Occupational Safety and Health, the occupational safety representative is authorized to suspend any work that poses a direct and serious risk to the life and limb of the workers.