Safety Representative Training Course
Comprehensive 3-day training programme for elected and appointed Safety Representatives. Following Health and Safety Authority (HSA) guidelines, this course covers the legal framework under Section 25 of the SHWW Act 2005, hazard identification, risk assessment, workplace inspections, and accident investigation. On-site or remote delivery across Ireland with 3-year certification.
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Course Overview
The Safety Representative Training Course follows the content recommended by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). The course provides general guidance on the roles of Safety Representatives and employers, and the employee’s responsibilities in the process of safety consultation and representation so that accidents and ill-health at work can be prevented.
Safety Representative Training Course delivered by Phoenix STS.
Workers are more inclined to follow safe work practices when they believe their thoughts are appreciated and considered. After all, workers are the ones who do the work, and they will know it better than anybody else. Getting workers engaged in formulating and reviewing safe work practices is the best approach to get them to follow them.
Legal Requirements for Safety Representatives
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 provides for consultation between employers and employees to help ensure cooperation to prevent accidents and ill-health in the workplace.
⚖️ Section 25: Selection of Safety Representatives
Section 25 allows employees to select and designate a representative from among their number to represent them on matters relating to safety, health, and welfare at work.
📋 Section 26: Consultation Procedures
Section 26 lays out the procedures for consultation between employers and employees on various workplace safety and health issues.
🛡️ Section 27: Protection of Safety Representatives
Section 27 provides protection for safety representatives against penalisation for performing their duties.
What Can You Do as a Safety Representative?
After completing the Safety Representative Training Course, you will be equipped to carry out the following duties under the 2005 Act:
🛡️ Powers and Functions of a Safety Representative
- Accompany HSA Inspectors: Accompany a Health and Safety Authority inspector on workplace inspections (see Section 64)
- Be Present at Interviews: Be present when an inspector interviews an employee about an accident or dangerous occurrence, where required
- Make Representations: Make oral or written representations to inspectors, including about accident or dangerous occurrence investigations
- Make Suggestions: Make suggestions to the employer on workplace safety, health, and welfare matters
- Receive Information: Receive advice and information from inspectors about workplace safety, health, and welfare
- Consult with Colleagues: Consult and communicate with other safety representatives at the same workplace, including those on different shifts
- Conduct Inspections: Carry out workplace safety inspections and investigate hazards
- Investigate Accidents: Investigate accidents and dangerous occurrences and recommend preventative actions
Why Choose This Course
The Safety Representative Training Course provides comprehensive preparation for fulfilling this important workplace role:
📋 HSA-Aligned Content
Course content follows the guidelines recommended by the Health and Safety Authority for safety representative training.
⚖️ Comprehensive Legal Coverage
Understand your rights and responsibilities under Sections 25, 26, and 27 of the 2005 Act.
🔍 Practical Skills
Develop skills in hazard identification, risk assessment, workplace inspections, and accident investigation.
💬 Communication Training
Build communication skills for effective consultation with employers and representation of colleagues.
👥 Small Class Size
Maximum 12 learners ensures adequate time for workshops and practical exercises.
🎓 Expert Instructors
All tutors hold minimum QQI Level 8 in their subject matter and QQI Level 6 Train-the-Trainer certification.
Course Aims and Objectives
Course Aims
The Safety Representative Training Course aims to:
- Provide those selected and appointed as Safety Representatives with knowledge of legislation and regulations
- Equip Safety Representatives to fulfil the role assigned to them
- Develop understanding of the employer’s duties in relation to consultation
- Clarify the employee’s role in the participation of consultation
- Explain the role of the safety committee
Course Objectives
Upon completion, learners will be able to:
- Understand the relevant legislation and specific provisions relating to the role of the Safety Representative
- Know the duties of the employer and the employee under health and safety law
- Identify hazards and assess the risks associated with common workplace hazards
- Recognise the importance of routine workplace inspections and conduct them effectively
- Investigate accidents and recommend preventative actions
- Understand the function and role of the Health and Safety Authority
- Source information relevant to the Safety Representative role
- Understand the Safety Statement and its importance to health and safety
Who Should Attend
Under the 2005 Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work Act, employees can nominate themselves or be nominated to be their co-workers’ safety representative:
🛡️ Appointed Safety Representatives
Those selected by employers or elected by employees to fulfil the role of Safety Representative.
👤 Aspiring Safety Representatives
Employees interested in becoming a Safety Representative and representing their colleagues on safety matters.
👥 Safety Committee Members
Those who represent their department or division on the workplace safety committee.
🔄 Refresher Training
Existing Safety Representatives requiring refresher training to maintain competence.
Course Programme
The Safety Representative Training Course covers comprehensive topics over three days:
Day 1: Legislation & Role
- Safety, Health & Safety Legislation
- Role of the Safety Representative
- Role of safety committee members
- Safety consultation process
- Communication skills for safety reps
Day 2: Risk Management
- Hazard identification process
- Risk assessment methodology
- Carrying out safety inspections
- PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
- Toolbox Talks
Day 3: Investigation & Resources
- Occupational Health
- Accident investigation techniques
- Recording and analysis
- Risk control and safety management
- Sources of safety information
Additional Topics
- The Safety Statement
- Role of the HSA
- Useful references and resources
- Practical workshops
- Course review and Q&A
Benefits of Safety Representative Training
👤 For Individuals
Fulfil Your Role Effectively
Gain the knowledge and skills to represent your colleagues confidently on safety matters.
Understand Your Rights
Know your legal protections under Section 27 and your powers under the 2005 Act.
Develop Practical Skills
Learn hazard identification, risk assessment, inspections, and accident investigation.
Build Communication Skills
Develop skills to consult effectively with employers and represent colleagues.
🏢 For Organisations
Legal Compliance
Support effective consultation as required by Sections 25 and 26 of the 2005 Act.
Improved Safety Culture
Trained Safety Representatives promote engagement and ownership of safety among workers.
Early Hazard Identification
Safety Representatives identify and report hazards before they cause incidents.
Better Accident Investigation
Effective investigation leads to better prevention and fewer repeat incidents.
Pre-Course Requirements
Before Attending
- No prior qualifications required: Suitable for newly appointed or aspiring Safety Representatives
- English language proficiency: Training is delivered in English; learners must have fluency in English
- Specific requirements: Please let us know if learners have any specific learner requirements
Course Details
Duration
- 3 days (approximately 21 hours)
- Comprehensive coverage
- Includes practical workshops
Class Size
- Maximum 12 learners
- Skill-based focus
- Adequate workshop time
Training Methods
- PowerPoint presentations
- Question and answer sessions
- Practical workshops
- Remote or face-to-face delivery
Assessment
- Workshop participation
- Continuous assessment
- Practical exercises
- Competency demonstration
Certification
Your Certification
Upon successful completion, learners will receive a Phoenix STS Safety Representatives Certificate.
Refresher training is recommended at intervals not more than every three years, or where there is a change in work practices resulting in the introduction of new safety systems in the workplace.
Our Instructors
All our tutors are experienced in workplace safety and will detail all the essential duties and roles of Safety Representatives. They hold:
Our instructors bring practical experience in safety representation and consultation across multiple industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Page last updated: January 2026
