The safety representative's tasks and rights

The safety representative's (verneombud) tasks are listed in section 6-2 of the Working Environment Act (arbeidsmiljøloven). The position also gives some important rights in section 6-5.

The main task

The safety representative must look after the employees' interests in matters concerning the working environment. The safety representative must see to it that the business is set up and maintained so that the employees' safety, health and welfare are protected.

The tasks also apply to hired-in employees and to self-employed contractors who do work closely connected with the business.

What the safety representative must especially watch

Under section 6-2, second paragraph, the safety representative must especially see to it that:

• machines, equipment, chemicals and work processes do not expose anyone to danger,
• safety devices and personal protective equipment are available in sufficient numbers, easy to reach and in good condition,
• the employees receive the instruction, practice and training they need,
• the work is otherwise organised so that it can be done in a safe and healthy way,
• reports of accidents at work and similar events are sent in, as section 5-2 requires,
• the psychosocial working environment is looked after.

Warning about danger

If the safety representative learns of conditions that may lead to accidents or injury to health:

1. The safety representative must warn the employees on the spot straight away.
2. The employer or a representative must be told, unless the safety representative can put the matter right personally.
3. The employer must take a position on the matter.
4. If nothing is done within a reasonable time, the safety representative must report to the Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet) or the working environment committee (arbeidsmiljøutvalget, AMU).

Participation and information

• The safety representative must be involved when measures that affect the working environment are planned and carried out. This includes building up, running and maintaining systematic health, safety and environment (HMS) work.
• The safety representative must be notified of all occupational diseases, accidents and near misses in the area. The same applies to reports from occupational hygiene surveys, measurements, and faults and defects that have been found.
• The safety representative must become familiar with the safety rules, instructions, orders and recommendations from the Labour Inspection Authority and the employer.
• The safety representative must take part when the Labour Inspection Authority carries out an inspection of the business.

Duty of confidentiality

The safety representative has a duty of confidentiality (Regulations on organisation, management and employee participation, section 3-17). You must prevent others from learning about:

• anyone's personal affairs, or
• business secrets, for example production methods and business analyses that others could use in their own business.

The duty of confidentiality does not apply if the business, or the person the information concerns, consents. Nor does it apply when it is necessary to inform those affected about danger of accident or ill health. If you are in doubt, ask the person the information concerns.

Time, costs and protection

Section 6-5 of the Working Environment Act gives the safety representative important rights:

• The safety representative has the right to the time needed to carry out the position properly. The work must normally be done during working hours.
• The employer covers the costs of training and other safety representative work.
• Work that has to be done outside normal working hours must be compensated as overtime.
• The position must not cause loss of income or worsen the terms of work and employment.
• The safety representative has the right to training, including courses organised by the employees' organisations.

Remember

• The safety representative looks after the employees' interests in working environment matters.
• First warn and get the employer to put things right. If nothing happens, report to the Labour Inspection Authority or the AMU.
• Duty of confidentiality about personal affairs and business secrets.
• Right to time, coverage of costs and protection against loss of income.