What Are the Duties of a Safety Representative?

All companies must adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, commonly known as OSHA, regulations. A safety representative assures that these rules are followed and the workplace is safe. The duties of a safety representative are specific to the workplace, as many types of industries exist. Yet, the general definitions of a safety rep's duties follow a common thread.

Ensures a Safe Workplace

• The safety rep works to ensure a safe workplace, on and off the main company site. Accidents and hazards are reduced when OSHA regulations are followed. Integrating and coordinating health and safety programs is a large part of the safety rep's duties. To accomplish the safest workplace possible, a safety rep assesses and monitors the implementation of the company's written safety plan, as well as the employees' care in following safety rules. The safety representative also updates, or even writes the company's written safety guidelines.

Safety Training

• All workers in a company must have approved safety training to correspond with OSHA regulations for that particular industry. The safety representative must provide, or obtain outside agencies to provide, the OSHA 10- and/or 30-hour safety course. Additional training should be given frequently, either as short refresher courses, or by conducting training on a job or piece of equipment that is new to the workplace or employees. A safety rep can provide supervisors with "toolbox talk" sheets to use with small groups of workers to accomplish this requirement, or the safety rep can conduct the short training sessions.

Coordinates With Regulating Agencies

• The safety person represents the company in working with city, state and federal agencies to keep workers and the public safe from hazards of all types. Various aspects of any workplace can require following rules other than just safety, such as the state and federal EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), city zoning laws, or DOT (the Department of Transportation).

  The safety rep must work with agencies on all levels to assure proper measures are in place for short-term or on-going workplace activities. This may involve obtaining construction permits, permits to move equipment across state lines, and the proper licensing of all vehicles that travel on any roads.

Oversees Outside Contractors

• In many industries, outside contractors are often used. It is the responsibility of the safety representative to oversee these "sub-contractors" regarding safety issues. These issues include proof or implementation of safety training and assurance of proper licenses for equipment operators. The safety representative also coordinates the regulations from outside agencies with the representative of the sub-contracting company.

Record-Keeping

• A safety representative keeps records on the safety training of employees and outside contractors. Documentation of all workplace injuries and illnesses must also be kept.

Safety Postings

• It is generally the responsibility of the safety representative to display safety postings where all employees can view the information. The postings include workers' rights posters and information on how an employee can contact OSHA or other related agencies. The safety rep also assures the placement of permanent and temporary safety signs. Safety reminder posters are often posted by the safety rep, as well.