The Safety Representative Training Course from Phoenix STS provides comprehensive training for employees selected to represent their colleagues on workplace safety, health, and welfare matters. This three-day programme equips safety representatives with the legal knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to fulfil their statutory role under Section 25 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
Safety representatives play a vital role in the workplace safety consultation process. They are the voice of employees in discussions with management about hazards, risks, and protective measures. This course follows the Health and Safety Authority’s recommended curriculum and covers everything from understanding Irish health and safety legislation to conducting workplace inspections, investigating accidents, and communicating effectively with both employers and employees.
Delivered on-site at your premises or via live instructor-led virtual classroom, the course combines legislative knowledge with practical workshops. By the end of the programme, participants will be confident in their ability to identify workplace hazards, consult with employers on safety matters, and contribute meaningfully to accident prevention.
Safety Representative Training Course
The Safety Representative Training Course from Phoenix STS provides comprehensive training for employees selected to represent their colleagues on workplace safety, health, and welfare matters. This three-day programme equips safety representatives with the legal knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to fulfil their statutory role under Section 25 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
Course at a Glance
- Duration: 3 days (21 hours)
- Class Size: Maximum 16 learners
- Certification: 3 years recommended
- Delivery: On-site or remote (instructor-led)
- Assessment: Workshop participation
- Materials: Full course handouts provided
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Safety Representative Training Course Overview
Safety representatives are a crucial link between employees and employers in workplace safety management. Selected by their fellow workers under Section 25 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, safety representatives have specific statutory rights to consult with employers, inspect workplaces, investigate accidents, and accompany Health and Safety Authority inspectors.
This comprehensive three-day course follows the curriculum recommended by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). It combines legislative knowledge with practical skills development, ensuring participants understand both their rights and responsibilities. Through workshops, case studies, and group exercises, safety representatives learn to identify hazards, assess risks, conduct inspections, and communicate effectively with management and colleagues.
By the end of the course, participants will have the knowledge and confidence to represent their colleagues effectively, contribute to safety consultations, and help create a safer workplace for everyone.
Why Safety Representative Training Matters
Research consistently shows that workplaces with active safety representatives have better safety outcomes. When employees are involved in identifying hazards and developing solutions, they are more likely to follow safe work practices. Safety representatives bridge the gap between management and the workforce, bringing practical insights that might otherwise be missed.
Legal Requirement: The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 gives employees the right to select a safety representative. While the Act does not mandate specific training, the HSA strongly recommends that safety representatives receive appropriate training to fulfil their role effectively. This course provides that foundation.
Beyond legal compliance, trained safety representatives deliver real benefits:
- Improved hazard identification through employee knowledge of work processes
- Better communication between management and workers on safety issues
- Increased employee engagement and ownership of workplace safety
- More effective implementation of safety measures
- Early identification of emerging risks before incidents occur
- A positive safety culture where everyone contributes to accident prevention
Legal Framework
This course covers the key Irish legislation that defines the role and rights of safety representatives:
Section 25 – Selection of Safety Representatives
Section 25 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 establishes the right of employees to select and appoint a safety representative from among their number. The safety representative represents employees in consultations with their employer on matters relating to safety, health, and welfare at work.
Key provisions include:
- Employees may select a safety representative to represent them
- The selection is made by the employees, not the employer
- The safety representative has specific rights to information and consultation
- Employers must allow reasonable time for safety representative duties
Section 26 – Consultation and Participation
Section 26 sets out the employer’s duty to consult with employees and their safety representatives on workplace safety matters. Consultation must occur in good time and employers must consider any representations made.
Consultation topics include:
- Any measure likely to substantially affect safety, health, or welfare
- The appointment of competent persons under Section 18
- Risk assessment findings and protective measures
- Information on hazards, risks, and emergency procedures
- Planning and organisation of safety training
Section 27 – Protection of Safety Representatives
Section 27 provides important protections for safety representatives. An employer cannot penalise or threaten an employee for acting as a safety representative or performing safety representative functions.
Key Protection: Safety representatives cannot be dismissed, subjected to unfair treatment, or disadvantaged for carrying out their duties in good faith. This protection is essential for ensuring safety representatives can raise concerns without fear of retaliation.
Section 64 – Accompanying HSA Inspectors
Under Section 64, safety representatives have the right to accompany Health and Safety Authority inspectors during workplace inspections, except during accident investigations (though this may be allowed at the inspector’s discretion). This ensures that employee concerns are represented during regulatory inspections.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for anyone who has been selected or wishes to be selected as a safety representative:
- Newly selected safety representatives requiring foundation training
- Existing safety representatives seeking refresher training
- Employees interested in becoming a safety representative
- Safety committee members
- Union representatives with safety responsibilities
- Anyone involved in workplace safety consultation
Did you know? Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, any employee can nominate themselves to be their co-worker’s safety representative. You don’t need to be appointed by your employer; the selection is made by employees.
Rights of Safety Representatives
The course covers the specific rights that safety representatives have under Irish law:
Right to Information
- Access to risk assessments and safety documentation
- Information about accidents, dangerous occurrences, and ill health
- Details of any enforcement notices served by the HSA
- Information on hazardous substances and processes
Right to Consultation
- Be consulted on matters affecting employee safety
- Make representations to the employer on safety issues
- Participate in safety committee meetings
- Consult with other safety representatives at the same workplace
Right to Inspect
- Conduct workplace inspections with reasonable notice
- Investigate potential hazards and dangerous occurrences
- Investigate employee complaints relating to safety
- Accompany HSA inspectors during workplace visits
Right to Time and Facilities
- Reasonable time off with pay for safety representative duties
- Time off for training appropriate to the role
- Access to facilities for carrying out functions
What You’ll Learn
Health and Safety Legislation
- Overview of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
- Key provisions of the General Application Regulations 2007–2020
- Sections 25, 26, and 27 in detail – rights and protections
- Duties of employers and employees
- The role and powers of the Health and Safety Authority
Role of the Safety Representative
- Understanding your statutory rights and responsibilities
- The safety consultation process
- Working effectively with employers and management
- Representing employee concerns appropriately
- Participating in safety committees
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
- Types of workplace hazards: physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial
- Systematic hazard identification techniques
- Understanding the risk assessment process
- Evaluating likelihood and severity
- The hierarchy of controls
Workplace Inspections
- Planning and conducting effective inspections
- What to look for during inspections
- Recording and reporting findings
- Following up on identified issues
- Using inspection checklists
Accident Investigation
- Purpose of accident investigation – prevention, not blame
- Investigation techniques and methodologies
- Gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses
- Identifying root causes
- Recommending preventative actions
Communication Skills
- Communicating with employees about safety concerns
- Presenting issues to management effectively
- Delivering toolbox talks
- Written communications and reports
- Building trust and credibility
Additional Topics
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – selection and use
- Occupational health essentials
- The Safety Statement and its importance
- Sources of safety and health information
- HSA resources and guidance documents
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the course, you will be able to:
- Explain the legal framework for safety representation under Irish law
- Describe the rights and responsibilities of safety representatives
- Identify workplace hazards using systematic techniques
- Understand and contribute to the risk assessment process
- Plan and conduct effective workplace inspections
- Investigate accidents and recommend preventative measures
- Communicate effectively with employers and employees on safety matters
- Understand the role of safety committees and how to participate effectively
- Access relevant safety information and HSA resources
- Represent employee concerns confidently and constructively
Benefits
For Individuals
- Gain comprehensive knowledge of your statutory role
- Develop practical skills in hazard identification and risk assessment
- Build confidence to represent colleagues effectively
- Enhance your communication and consultation skills
- Understand your legal protections under Section 27
- Earn a recognised qualification in workplace safety
For Organisations
- Fulfil your duty to allow time for safety representative training
- Improve the quality of safety consultations
- Benefit from better hazard identification by trained representatives
- Reduce workplace accidents through improved communication
- Demonstrate commitment to employee safety and consultation
- Build a positive safety culture with engaged employees
Course Details
Delivery Options
This course is available in two formats, both led by our experienced instructors:
| On-Site Training | Remote Instructor-Led Training |
|---|---|
| We deliver training at your premises anywhere in Ireland. On-site delivery allows the course to be tailored to your specific workplace, with examples and discussions relevant to your actual hazards and work activities. | Join our live virtual classroom via Microsoft Teams or Zoom. This interactive format delivers the same comprehensive content with real-time instructor engagement, group discussions, and practical exercises, ideal for dispersed teams or when on-site training isn’t practical. |
Both delivery formats include the same curriculum, assessment methods, and certification. Course materials are provided digitally for remote participants or as printed handouts for on-site sessions.
Prerequisites
- English language proficiency: Ability to understand, speak, read, and write in English
- No prior qualifications required: This course is suitable for newly selected safety representatives and those seeking refresher training
Training Methods
- Interactive presentations covering legislation and practical skills
- Practical workshops on hazard identification and inspection techniques
- Group discussions and case studies
- Role-play exercises for communication scenarios
- Q&A sessions with experienced instructors
- Full-colour printed course materials for future reference
Assessment
- Active participation in all workshop exercises
- Completion of practical hazard identification exercises
- Continuous assessment throughout the three-day programme
Certification
Upon successful completion, participants receive:
- Phoenix STS Safety Representative Training Certificate: Recommended validity 3 years
- Digital certificate: Issued via email within 48–72 hours of course completion
Refresher Training: We recommend refresher training every 3 years or when there are significant changes to legislation, work practices, or safety systems. Phoenix STS offers a complimentary reminder service to notify you before your certification expires.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 21 hours (3 days) |
| Maximum Participants | 12 learners |
| Certificate Validity | 3 years (recommended) |
| Delivery Options | On-site at your premises or remote instructor-led |
| Assessment | Workshops and practical participation |
Our Instructors
All Phoenix STS instructors hold a minimum QQI Level 8 qualification in their subject matter and a Train the Trainer qualification at QQI Level 6 or higher. They bring extensive practical experience in health and safety across multiple industries.
Our instructors are members of professional bodies, including:
- IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health)
- IIRSM (International Institute of Risk and Safety Management)
- IIESMS (Irish Institute of Emergency and Safety Management Services)
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Frequently Asked Questions
A safety representative is an employee selected by their colleagues to represent them in consultations with their employer on matters relating to safety, health, and welfare at work. The role is established under Section 25 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
Safety representatives are selected by employees, not appointed by employers. Any employee can nominate themselves or be nominated by their colleagues. The employer has no role in the selection process, though they must recognise the selected representative.
While the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 does not mandate specific training, the Health and Safety Authority strongly recommends that safety representatives receive appropriate training to fulfil their role effectively. Employers must allow safety representatives time off for training.
No. Section 27 of the Act provides important protections. You cannot be dismissed, subjected to unfair treatment, or disadvantaged for carrying out your safety representative duties in good faith. This protection is essential for ensuring you can raise concerns without fear of retaliation.
Safety representatives have rights to: information about workplace hazards and risks; consultation on safety matters; time off to carry out their functions; accompany HSA inspectors; conduct workplace inspections; investigate accidents and complaints; and make representations to their employer.
A safety representative is selected by employees to represent them in safety consultations. A competent person is appointed by the employer under Section 18 of the Act to assist with safety, health, and welfare matters. These are different roles with different functions, though in small organisations the same person might fulfil both.
We recommend refresher training every 3 years, or sooner if there are significant changes to legislation, work practices, or safety systems in your workplace. Regular refresher training ensures safety representatives remain current with their knowledge and skills.
The safety representative role requires substantial knowledge and skills. The course follows the HSA’s recommended curriculum, covering legislation, hazard identification, risk assessment, workplace inspections, accident investigation, and communication skills. Three days allows adequate time for both theoretical learning and practical workshops to develop competence.
All instructors hold a minimum QQI Level 8 qualification in their subject area and QQI Level 6 or higher Train-the-Trainer certification. They are members of professional bodies including IOSH, IIRSM, and IIESMS, with extensive practical experience in health and safety across multiple sectors.
Yes. The course is available via live instructor-led virtual classroom using Microsoft Teams or Zoom. This interactive format delivers the same comprehensive content with real-time instructor engagement, group discussions, and practical exercises. Remote delivery is ideal for dispersed teams or when on-site training isn’t practical.
Yes. The safety representative role exists in all workplaces regardless of sector. The course covers the fundamental legislation, rights, and skills that apply across all industries. Our instructors tailor examples and discussions to the sectors represented by participants.
A safety committee is a forum where employer and employee representatives meet to discuss workplace safety matters. Safety representatives typically sit on safety committees. The course covers how safety committees function and how to participate effectively.
Related Services
- Safety Awareness Training Course — General health and safety awareness for all employees
- Safety Managers Training Course — Comprehensive training for managers with safety responsibilities
- Risk Assessment Training Course — Practical skills for conducting workplace risk assessments
- Health & Safety Risk Assessments — Consultancy service for professional risk assessment
- Safety Statements — Expert preparation of Safety Statements
Page last updated: January 2026
