How to choose a safety representative at work?

Taken from the column Ask the lawyers / Professional traffic issue 4 in 2025

Question :
We want to elect a safety representative at work. How do we do that?

Answer :
The safety representative is the employees' representative for the working environment, and it is therefore you as employees who choose who will have the role. All employees can be elected, except the manager. A safety representative is usually elected for a period of two years, but it is possible to agree on both shorter and longer periods if you wish.

The election itself does not have to be complicated. Many choose to do it by show of hands or written vote at a staff meeting. The most important thing is that all employees have the opportunity to participate in the election, and that it takes place in an orderly manner. If there is a union in the workplace that organizes the majority of the employees, the union can also appoint who will be the safety representative.

Once the safety representative has been selected, the employer should notify the safety representative and ensure that the safety representative receives the training required by law. This way, the workplace will have a safe and clear spokesperson for health, environment and safety.