Consultation

Employees are recognised as the most valuable source of information on hazards and health and safety matters in the workplace. They are legally entitled to appoint safety representatives to act on their behalf and discuss health and safety issues with their employer. They are legally bound to bring matters that affect their health & safety to their employers attention.

Consultation has to be in good time, which means that the employers have to provide employees, or their elected representatives, with the necessary information and give them time to discuss the matter and express their opinions before a decision is reached.

The legislation concerning the duty to consult is contained in two sets of regulations :

The Safety Representatives and Safety Committee Regulations 1977

Health & Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996