What is the fundamental difference between a health and safety representative of employees safety?

Health and safety representative

* Elected by employees to represent their interests in health and safety matters.

* Has a right to:

* Inspect the workplace and identify health and safety hazards.

* Investigate accidents and make recommendations for preventing future accidents.

* Represent employees in discussions with management about health and safety issues.

* Receive information and training on health and safety.

* Must:

* Act in the best interests of all employees.

* Keep confidential any information obtained in the course of their duties.

Employee safety representative

* Appointed by the employer to promote safety in the workplace.

* Has a responsibility to:

* Monitor the workplace and identify health and safety hazards.

* Report any potential safety issues to management.

* Assist in the development and implementation of health and safety policies and procedures.

* Conduct safety training for employees.

* Investigate accidents and make recommendations for preventing future accidents.

* May not:

* Act in the best interests of any particular employee or group of employees.

* Keep confidential any information obtained in the course of their duties.

The fundamental difference between a health and safety representative of employees safety is that the former is elected by employees to represent their interests, while the latter is appointed by the employer to promote safety in the workplace. This difference in status gives health and safety representatives more independence and autonomy in their role, as they are not beholden to the employer in the same way that employee safety representatives are.