Safety Representative Training Course
HSA-Aligned 3-Day Programme - 21 Hours - CPD Certified - 3-Year Certification
Book a Public Course
This course is available as a public scheduled course open to individual bookings. View upcoming dates and secure your place today.
Course Overview
This 3-day course follows Health and Safety Authority (HSA) guidelines. It prepares elected and appointed Safety Representatives to carry out their role under Section 25 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. In plain terms: a Safety Representative speaks for colleagues on safety, and this course shows them how. The course covers the law, hazard identification, risk assessment, workplace inspections, and accident investigation. We deliver it at your premises anywhere in Ireland or at our public courses. Certification is CPD-accredited and valid for 3 years. Workers follow safe practices more readily when their views are heard. The best way to get buy-in is to involve workers in writing and reviewing those practices.
Who Should Attend
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employees can nominate themselves or be nominated to be their co-workers' Safety Representative.
Elected Safety Representatives
Staff selected by employers or elected by employees to act as Safety Representative under Section 25 of the 2005 Act.
Aspiring Safety Representatives
Employees who want to become a Safety Representative and speak for colleagues on safety.
Safety Committee Members
Members of the workplace safety committee who want to build their knowledge.
Existing Safety Representatives
Current Safety Representatives who need refresher training, especially after changes to work practices or safety systems.
Topics Covered
- Role and functions of the Safety Representative under Section 25
- Legal protections for Safety Representatives under Section 27
- Employer duties and employee responsibilities under the 2005 Act
- Safety consultation and representation processes (Sections 25 and 26)
- How to spot hazards and inspect the workplace
- How to assess risks step by step
- How to investigate accidents and incidents
- Safety statements: purpose, content, and review requirements
- How to talk to and consult your employer
- Ways to get workers to take ownership of safety
- HSA enforcement powers and the role of inspectors
- Practical exercises: hazard hunts, risk assessments, and mock investigations
Course Details
Delivery
On-site at your premises anywhere in Ireland, or at scheduled public courses. Remote instructor-led delivery via Microsoft Teams also available.
Duration
21 hours across 3 days - includes theory, practical exercises, workshops, and assessment.
CPD Hours
CPD-accredited by the CPD Standards Office (Provider Number: 22657).
Certification
Phoenix STS Safety Representatives Certificate valid for 3 years. Refresher training recommended before expiry or when work practices change.
Maximum Learners
12 participants per session. Small groups allow real discussion, time in the exercises, and attention from the instructor.
Prerequisites
No formal prerequisites. The course suits new Safety Representatives and those due refresher training. You need a good level of English.
Why Choose This Course
Practical, HSA-aligned training that equips Safety Representatives to make a real difference in their workplace.
HSA-Aligned Curriculum
Course content follows HSA guidelines. Your Safety Representatives get training that meets national standards and expectations.
CPD-Accredited Certification
Accredited by the CPD Standards Office (Provider No. 22657). 3-year certification recognised as structured professional development.
Practical Exercises
Includes hands-on hazard identification, risk assessment workshops, and mock accident investigations - not just theory.
Experienced H&S Instructors
Our instructors have done this work themselves in manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and corporate settings.
Flexible Delivery
Choose on-site training, public courses, or remote delivery via Microsoft Teams. We schedule around your work.
Legislation Focused
Covers the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 in depth, including Sections 25, 26, and 27. Your representatives leave with a solid legal foundation.
What's Included
Your course fee includes everything needed for the 3-day programme:
Course Materials - printed handouts and reference documentation covering all three days
CPD-Accredited Certificate - Phoenix STS Safety Representatives Certificate valid for 3 years
Practical Exercises - hazard identification, risk assessment workshops, and mock accident investigations
Legislation Reference Pack - key sections of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
Inspection Checklists - workplace inspection templates and hazard reporting forms
Post-Course Email Support - direct access to your instructor for guidance after completing the course
Renewal Reminder Service - we'll contact you before your 3-year certificate expires
What You'll Learn
The course covers five core areas across three days. It blends legal knowledge with practical skills.
The Irish Compliance Context
Thorough understanding of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, with focus on Section 25 (Safety Representatives), Section 26 (Safety Consultation), and Section 27 (protections for Safety Representatives). You will learn what employers must do, what employees must do, and how the HSA enforces the law.
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Practical ways to spot hazards, assess risks, and rank corrective actions. You will learn systematic inspection methods. You will also complete risk assessments that meet Irish safety duties.
Workplace Inspections
How to plan an inspection, carry it out, record what you find, and report it to management. Includes practical inspection exercises and template checklists.
Accident and Incident Investigation
How to investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses. You will learn root cause analysis, evidence gathering, and witness interviewing. You will then turn findings into recommendations that stop the same thing happening again.
Consultation and Communication
How to consult with employers, speak for colleagues on safety matters, and take part in safety committee meetings. Practical exercises cover communication, negotiation, and presenting safety concerns.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, you will be able to:
- Represent your colleagues confidently and effectively on workplace safety matters
- Understand your legal rights and protections under Section 27 of the 2005 Act
- Identify workplace hazards and assess risks using recognised methodology
- Plan and conduct systematic workplace safety inspections
- Investigate accidents and incidents, find root causes, and stop repeats
- Consult effectively with employers as required by Sections 25 and 26 of the 2005 Act
- Contribute to the preparation and review of the workplace safety statement
- Encourage co-workers to take ownership of safety
Course Programme
The 3-day programme balances legislation, theory, and practical exercises across seven hours each day.
Day 1: Irish Compliance Context and Safety Consultation
- Welcome and course introduction
- Overview of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
- Role and functions of the Safety Representative (Section 25)
- Safety consultation requirements (Section 26)
- Legal protections for Safety Representatives (Section 27)
- Employer duties and employee responsibilities
- HSA enforcement powers and the role of inspectors
- Group discussion: safety consultation in your workplace
Day 2: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
- Principles of hazard identification
- Types of workplace hazards: physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial
- Risk assessment methodology and documentation
- Safety statements: purpose, content, and review
- Practical workshop: workplace hazard identification exercise
- Practical workshop: completing a risk assessment
- Workplace inspection planning and checklists
Day 3: Inspections, Investigations, and Communication
- Conducting systematic workplace inspections
- Practical exercise: mock workplace inspection
- Accident and incident investigation methodology
- Root cause analysis and evidence gathering
- Practical exercise: mock accident investigation
- Communication and consultation skills for Safety Representatives
- Course review, assessment, and certification
Irish Compliance Context
The role of Safety Representative is established in Irish law. This course supports compliance with the following legislation:
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 - Section 25
Section 25 of the 2005 Act gives employees the right to select a Safety Representative to speak for them on safety, health, and welfare at work. The representative can inspect the workplace, investigate accidents, and accompany HSA inspectors. In plain terms: employees choose the representative, and the employer must facilitate the role.
Section 26 - Safety Consultation
Section 26 requires employers to consult employees and their Safety Representative on safety arrangements. That includes risk assessments, safety statements, and any new safety measures. In plain terms: employers must seek workers' views on safety before decisions are made.
Section 27 - Protections for Safety Representatives
Section 27 protects Safety Representatives from being penalised for doing the job. Their pay, conditions, and prospects cannot suffer because they performed the role. In plain terms: a representative can raise safety concerns without fear of reprisal.
General Application Regulations 2007
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 set out detailed safety rules for areas such as manual handling, display screen equipment, personal protective equipment, and workplace design. Each of these areas carries its own duties for employers.
If your organisation also needs outside support with its safety management system, see our health and safety consultancy service.
Benefits
For the Safety Representative
- Confidence to speak for colleagues on safety
- Clear understanding of your legal rights and protections under Section 27
- Practical skills in spotting hazards, assessing risks, and inspecting
- The ability to investigate accidents and recommend fixes
- CPD-accredited certification recognised by employers and the HSA
For Your Organisation
- Meet your consultation duties under Section 25 of the 2005 Act
- Fewer accidents and incidents because hazards get spotted early
- A stronger safety culture built on worker involvement
- Better prepared for HSA inspections with trained Safety Representatives in place
- Demonstrate commitment to employee safety and welfare
Assessment and Certification
We assess learners through participation, practical exercises, and a written assessment on the final day.
Phoenix STS Safety Representatives Certificate - issued upon successful completion, valid for 3 years
CPD Certificate - confirming CPD hours (CPD Standards Office, Provider No. 22657)
Certificate Validity - 3 years from date of issue
Refresher Training - recommended every 3 years, or sooner when work practices change or new safety systems arrive
Renewal Reminder - Phoenix STS will contact you before your certificate expires
Our Instructors
All Phoenix STS health and safety instructors are experienced professionals. Each has practical experience of safety consultation and representation across several industries. Our instructors hold memberships with recognised professional bodies:
- IOSH - Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
- IIESMS - Institute of Industrial Engineers and Safety Management Systems
- IIRSM - International Institute of Risk and Safety Management
- L&DI - Learning and Development Institute of Ireland
Qualifications include BSc Environmental Health and Safety Management, Higher Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, ISO 45001 Lead Auditor certification, and QQI Level 6 Train the Trainer.
Ready to Train Your Safety Representatives?
Give your Safety Representatives the knowledge and skills to make your workplace safer. Places are limited to 12 per course. Secure your place today.
ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 9001:2015 certified. CPD-accredited training provider (Provider #22657). Over 15 years' experience delivering accredited safety training across Ireland.
Compare Our Health & Safety Courses
Safety Representative Training
This course - 3-day HSA programme
Duration: 21 hours (3 days)
Max Learners: 12
Cert Validity: 3 years
Focus: Section 25 Safety Representative role, hazard ID, risk assessment, inspections, investigations
Prerequisite: None
Ideal for: Elected/appointed Safety Representatives, safety committee members
Manual Handling Course
Practical lifting and moving skills
Duration: 4 hours
Max Learners: 12
Cert Validity: 3 years
Focus: Safe manual handling techniques, risk assessment for lifting tasks, injury prevention
Prerequisite: None
Ideal for: All employees involved in manual handling tasks
Available Nationwide Across Ireland
Phoenix STS delivers the Safety Representative Training Course on-site at your premises anywhere in Ireland, and at scheduled public courses at venues across the country.
We have delivered this course in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Kilkenny, Athlone, Sligo, Dundalk, Longford, and right across Ireland. On-site training costs the same flat rate wherever you are.
Contact us for an on-site training quotation or call 043 334 9611.
Safety Representatives and Practical Consultation
The role is about consultation
A safety representative helps communication between employees and management. The role should support consultation, issue reporting, safety observations and practical follow-up. It should not be used to transfer the employer's safety duties onto the representative.
Representatives need clear boundaries
Safety representatives should know what they can raise, how to record concerns, and who to speak to. They should also know how inspections are handled and when to refer a matter to management or a specialist. The course makes those boundaries clear.
Good consultation needs action
Consultation only works when concerns are heard and followed up. Notes, action lists, inspection findings and feedback routes should be simple to use. They should show clearly what changed as a result.
Fit the role to the workplace
A safety representative in a care setting, office, school, warehouse or service business may see different issues. Training should help them apply the same consultation principles to the risks and people in their own workplace.
Related Health and Safety Training
Useful Phoenix STS pages connected to this course.
Safety Managers Training Course
Training for managers who need to understand their practical safety management role.
Risk Assessment Training Course
Training for identifying hazards, controls and practical assessment records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Content last reviewed: March 2026. This page is regularly updated to reflect changes in Irish legislation and HSA guidance.
Under Section 25 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employees have the right to select a Safety Representative to consult with their employer. The Act does not force employers to appoint one. It does require employers to facilitate the role once employees choose someone. The HSA strongly encourages it as best practice.
The Phoenix STS Safety Representatives Certificate is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. Book refresher training before it expires. Do it sooner if work practices or safety systems change significantly.
Yes. We deliver the course on-site anywhere in Ireland. On-site delivery lets us build your own hazards, safety systems, and procedures into the training. That makes it more relevant and easier to apply straight away.
Yes. We run scheduled public Safety Representative Training Course dates. Public courses are ideal for individual Safety Representatives or small groups. Visit our public courses page to view upcoming dates and book your place.
The maximum class size is 12 learners. Small groups mean real discussion, enough practice time, and proper instructor attention across the three days.
Yes. We deliver the theory parts live via Microsoft Teams. This suits teams spread across several sites. Contact us to discuss the best option for your organisation.
Section 25 of the 2005 Act gives a Safety Representative clear rights. They can inspect the workplace, investigate accidents and dangerous occurrences, and accompany HSA inspectors. They can make representations to the employer, receive information on hazards and protective measures, and consult on safety, health, and welfare matters.
Yes. The legal framework and practical skills apply to every industry. Our instructors have worked across manufacturing, construction, healthcare, retail, hospitality, and corporate sectors. For on-site delivery, we tailor the exercises to your own workplace hazards and procedures.
No. There are no formal prerequisites. The course is designed for newly appointed Safety Representatives as well as those needing refresher training. It starts with the fundamentals and builds progressively over three days.
The Safety Representative Training Course covers the full consultation role under Section 25: hazard identification, risk assessment, and accident investigation. The Manual Handling Course is a short practical course on safe lifting and moving. They serve different purposes and work well together.