New ‘Safety Reps’ course launched online
THE Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has today (Thursday 8th March) launched a short online course for safety representatives designed for new and existing safety representatives on its elearning portal at www.hsalearning.ie. The aim of the course is to raise awareness of the role of a safety representative, and to provide health and safety information relevant to this role. The course will also provide essential information for those considering becoming a safety representative.
Martin O’Halloran, Chief Executive, Health and Safety Authority said, “The role of safety representative in the workplace has an important function in the overall management of safety, health and welfare at work. Experience has shown that where workers get involved in making sure their safety and health is protected, it is more successful in that workplace. By electing a safety representative, employees can contribute to developing and sustaining a safety culture at work.”
While the course does not replace training, it provides information that may be useful as part of the training process. On successful completion of the 30 minute course, learners should be able to:
* identify key sections of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005,
* describe the role (functions) of a safety representative, * identify the rights of a safety representative,
* understand the basis of risk assessment, and
* source information and resources available to safety representatives.
Joanne Harmon, Head of Education, Health and Safety Authority said, “This free short course will help learners to understand the positive impact safety representatives have in the workplace. It is accessible 24/7 on www.hsalearning.ie and the course can be taken at their own pace and time. On passing the short assessment, a certificate of completion can be downloaded which may be added to the learner’s training records.
“The Group Manager function can also be very useful as it allows supervisors or tutors to set up groups of learners to take the course and to monitor completion rates. The course can also be used as a refresher for those who are already in the role and it can be taken any number of times.”
The 30 minute course is also suitable for employers, employees, safety committee members and health and safety practitioners. This short course for safety representatives is supported and promoted by ICTU and IBEC. Further supports and resources are available to safety representatives at www.hsa.ie