Member Services
HEALTH AND SAFETY ROLE
With the introduction of the Police (Health and Safety) Order (NI) 1997, all Health & Safety legislation now applies to the Police Service, with the Chief Constable assuming the role of "the employer". The application of this legislation has also meant that for the purposes of the Safety Representatives and Safety Committee's Regulations 1979, the Police Staff Associations are regarded as trade unions, in order that they may appoint Safety Representatives.
All elected representatives have an increasing role to play now that the Health and Safety legislation applies to the police service. Management representatives and the Police Federations' Representatives have a crucial role to work together to make the workplace a safer place.
The Health and Safety legislation impacts on the police service in a way that no other part of employment law has in recent years. It demands management to consult with Safety Representatives and the wider work force. It creates a role for the Police Federations' Safety Representatives to carry out safety inspections, investigate workplace Accidents, attend local Safety Committees and monitor the activities of management in the Health and Safety arena.
Safety Representative's Courses have now been running throughout the UK since January 1997. The PFNI have currently 88 trained Safety Representatives (most with IOSH accreditation), some of whom have been trained in accident investigation.
Being a good Safety Representative does not depend on becoming an expert in health and safety legislation. It is about using your experience of work, and having the support of your members in the workplace and if you use the right approach, some basic skills, knowledge and organization can make you very effective. It is clear that Health and Safety is 95% common sense, good housekeeping and education of all within the working environment.
Knowing what to do will help you to ensure that your employer safeguards the health and safety of all the members you represent. It is your employer's responsibility to manage health and safety properly. Your role is to make sure that management fully complies with its obligations.
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland has representation in relation to Health & Safety issues at national level via the Home Office Standing Committee and the Joint UK Police Federations Health & safety Committee. We are also represented at local level at the PSNI Executive Health & Safety Committee. The Federation also meets regularly with the NIO, Policing Board, the Health & Safety Executive NI and the Chief PSNI Health & Safety advisor.
Safety Representatives have a vital job to do. Advice and assistance are always available if you need them, so do not hesitate to contact your Federation Representative in the first instance, should you have any problems.
