Safety Representative Training

Introduction

Well-trained Safety Representatives serve as a vital link between workers and management. Training enhances their ability to communicate effectively, interpret safety data, and represent employee concerns clearly and professionally. This collaboration fosters a culture of mutual trust and shared responsibility, and strengthens the organisation’s safety culture.

The goal of Safety Representative training is to equip Safety Representatives with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to effectively represent employees on health and safety matters and contribute to a safer workplace.

Safety Representatives Training and the Law

Irish law requires that Safety Representatives receive adequate training, paid for by the employer, to support their consultative role in promoting health and safety. The training should enable the Safety Representative to acquire the knowledge necessary to discharge their functions under the Act. The level of training should match the complexity of the workplace hazards and the representative’s duties.

In all sectors except for construction, the employer is legally obligated to ensure that Safety Representatives receive training. On construction sites with >20 employees, the Project Supervisor at the Construction Stage (PSCS) must ensure that Safety Representatives receive training.

Separately, employers are responsible for training Safety Representatives on the specific hazards and safe systems of work in their own workplaces.

Best Practice for Safety Representative Training

Learning Objective

The learning objective is to empower Safety Representatives as effective advocates who help bridge the gap between workers and management in creating a healthier, safer workplace.

Safety Representatives should be trained to

1. Understand safety processes and legislation.
2. Consult effectively with both employees and management.
3. Participate in safety inspections or investigations.
4. Represent employees’ safety concerns appropriately.
5. Communicate effectively with managers and staff.
6. Promote a positive safety culture.

Who Provides Training

Training can be provided by commercial training organisations or Trade Unions.

Trainer Profile

The trainer should have at least a basic qualification in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). Ideally, they should also have practical experience in a Safety Representative role to ensure the training is relevant and grounded in real-world practice.

Training Syllabus and Duration

Training should include the following topic areas:

• Overview of Occupational Health and Safety.
• Role of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA)
• The preventive approach to safety and health at work.
• Safety and health legal system and legislation.
• The safety consultation and participation process.
• Role and functions of Safety Representative
• Safety culture and safety leadership.
• Risk-control and safety and health management at work.
• Hazard identification and carrying out risk assessments.
• Safety Statement.
• Accident investigation, recording and analysis.
• Safety performance evaluation – including leading and lagging indicators.
• Protection of Vulnerable Workers.
• Engaging employees in safety awareness initiatives.
• Communication skills for Safety Representatives.
• Sources of safety and health information
• HSA resources and tools.

The level of detail provided on each topic will depend on the size, level of risk, degree of complexity and level of development of the safety and health management in the workplace. The law does not specify how long Safety Representatives training should be, but good practice is to provide between three to five days of training. Even for lower-risk workplaces, the training course should last at least three days, with practical sessions to demonstrate the issues under study.

Class Size and Delivery Format

Training can be delivered online, in person (face-to-face), or through a blended format combining both methods.  To ensure effective learning and interaction, class sizes should be limited to no more than 20 participants. Training should include both theory and practical exercises. The training should include informal discussions and group activities.

Assessment & Certification

Assessment is not mandatory. However, it is considered good practice to include a short test or multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ) at the end of the course. This helps reinforce learning, check understanding, and provide feedback to learners.

Learners should receive a certificate for attending the training.

Initial and Recurrent Training

Safety Representatives should receive initial and refresher training. The law does not specify how frequently refresher training should be, but good practice is about every three years.

Peer Learning

Safety Representatives should be encouraged to support and learn from one another—both within their own organisation (past and present) and from others in the wider sector. Learning from fellow Safety Representatives helps share knowledge, solve problems faster, and encourage teamwork across departments. By sharing real-life experiences and practical tips, they gain a deeper understanding of safety that goes beyond formal training.

Experienced Safety Representatives should mentor newer ones, sharing lessons from past incidents and practical knowledge. This builds confidence and accelerates learning beyond formal training.

In large organisations, Safety Representatives from different departments meet regularly to share concerns, review incidents, and propose safety initiatives. This promotes cross-functional learning and empowers employees to shape safety culture.

It is important to create safe spaces for discussion—both formal (Safety Committees) and informal (coffee chats).

Safety Representative: Competence Indicators