#osh representatives

[safeday]

The key role of social dialogue during the COVID-19 crisis.

At the national level, governments who prioritized the active participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations in OSH governance have been able to collectively develop and implement emergency laws, policies and interventions. At the workplace level, workers’ participation and engagement, through joint OSH committees and workers OSH representatives, have been key in promoting compliance and designing and applying suitable and effective measures to eliminate hazards or minimize risks that are adapted to the workplace and workers’ needs.

[safeday]

What is social dialogue?

Social dialogue refers to all types of negotiation and consultation, or simply the exchange of information between, or among, representatives of governments, employers and workers on issues of common interest relating to economic and social policy. Social dialogue may:
be informal or institutionalized, and often includes both;
take place at different levels (international, national, regional, local or workplace);
involve the social partners in different economic sectors, within a single sector or in a single company or group of companies.

[safeday]

Participation of the social partners in the OSH governance.

Creating a sound culture of prevention on OSH requires the participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations in the governance of safety and health at work. The tripartite partners may have different interests and perspectives. Tripartite consultation and discussion may contribute towards an improvement in communication and lead to a better understanding of any concerns and constraints they might have (paving the way for joint and agreed actions and for the development of a collaborative culture for addressing OSH challenges). - Strong coordination among all the stakeholders is required to define common goals, priorities, objectives and targets for strengthening the OSH national system, bringing about more efficient use of the available resources.

[safeday]

Evidence shows a positive relationship between the engagement of workers’ representatives on OSH in the workplace and better OSH performance.

The Key functions of an OSH representatives is : - representing workers in all matters relating to OSH monitoring the measures taken by employers to meet their OSH responsibilities - investigating OSH issues raised by workers inquiring into any potential risk to workers’ safety and health that arises from their work - making representations to management on matters that affect the safety and health of workers - collaborating with and assisting the employer to address OSH risks promoting and encouraging the cooperation of workers in the field of OSH - participating and representing workers in decision-making processes regarding OSH - investigating occupational accidents and diseases, as well as near misses