The occupational safety and health delegate is a personnel representative elected by the employees in matters related to occupational safety and health. The parties in cooperation on occupational safety and health at workplaces are the employer and the employees. The election is based on law.
Similarly, the law provides for the right to training for the occupational safety and health delegate, i.e. the elected person has the right to receive training for the job. The training must not result in costs or loss of earnings for the trainee.
Standing up for occupational safety, health and working ability
The occupational safety and health delegates familiarise themselves with matters affecting the safety and health of their own workplace, as well as occupational safety and health regulations. The task will provide the delegate with a broader perspective of their own workplace, the organisation, the entire field, and occupational safety and health activities. In other words, this is a position where you have a good vantage point! Your own skills will be broadened, as will your networks. The position gives the delegate the opportunity to deepen their skills in occupational health and safety.
The work of an occupational safety and health delegate involves being present, listening and debating interesting topics. A good occupational safety and health delegate is active and does not hesitate to highlight occupational health and safety, health and working ability issues with both the employer and the personnel.
Are you the next occupational safety and health delegate at your workplace?
When I was an active member of the local Tehy branch, the union representative asked me ”Hey, how would you like to become a candidate in the occupational safety and health delegate election? I think you would be great for the role.”
I hadn't thought about it at all and went to find out what the job entailed. I got excited and became a candidate!
I am pretty sure that without that question from the union representative, I would not have sought out this role. Thank you Päivi, for asking me to do this!
I dare say that not many of us think that we could do the job. Ask and nominate a local colleague for the position of occupational safety and health delegate – it is really important!
It is equally important, though, to communicate about candidates that are members of Tehy and to remind people of the importance of voting.
Anyone interested in improving safety and wellbeing at work should feel free to stand for election in the occupational safety and health delegate election!