An occupational and safety representative is legally required to be elected at workplaces with more than ten employees. They represent the entire staff of the company.
The duties of the occupational and safety representative include ensuring the physical and mental well-being of the staff as well as workplace safety and health. They negotiate with the employer regarding occupational safety and work closely with occupational safety authorities.
Issues related to the work environment and employee well-being primarily fall under the occupational and safety representative’s responsibilities. However, in practice, the occupational and safety representative and the shop steward often address these problems together, as workplace well-being and employment conditions can be closely linked, especially during various workplace changes.
You can ask about your workplace occupational safety and health representative from Loimu’s advocacy team or your employer.