Electing an occupational safety and health delegate

Become an occupational safety and health delegate – you have a driving force

The occupational safety and health delegate represents the workplace employees in matters related to

occupational safety,
health and
the ability to work.

The occupational safety and health delegate and deputy delegate are personnel representatives elected by employees in matters related to occupational safety and health. They participate in preparation and decision-making related to occupational safety and health, as well as in workplace inspections. Occupational safety and health delegates are entitled to receive the information necessary to manage cooperation activities.

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. Their duties also include encouraging employees to pay attention to issues related to occupational safety and health, report deficiencies and make suggestions for improvement.

Tehy member, become an occupational safety and health delegate

Why should I become an occupational safety and health delegate?

You will gain a broader perspective of your own workplace, the entire field, and occupational safety and health activities.
You will have a vantage point over the field and be able to represent the workplace employees in matters related to occupational safety and health.
You will improve your own expertise and open up new opportunities in the future.
You will expand your networks.
You will be able to utilise your increasing expertise and develop yourself further.
You will become an in-depth expert in occupational safety and health.

The work of an occupational safety and health delegate involves plenty of exposure, presentations and discussions. Good communication skills are helpful for handling the work tasks. It is an advantage if you are active and enjoy taking on a variety of things. A good representative is easily approachable in matters related to occupational safety, health and work ability.

You will receive training and support for the tasks

As an occupational safety and health delegate, you are not alone, as training and support for the duties are available. We offer support for occupational safety and health delegates by organising basic training, continuing education and negotiation days.

The basic course on occupational safety and health provides you with an overview of the principles of occupational safety and health as well as cooperation, in addition to tools for related practical work in your workplace. After completing the basic course, you can supplement your skills with any continuing education that you feel is necessary. The regular negotiation days cover current issues related to occupational safety and health.

In addition, Tehy’s experts will help you if you have any questions that you need help with and answers to.

So, do not hesitate to run as a candidate in the occupational safety and health elections!

I am interested in the position, what do I do?

Do not hesitate to run as a candidate in the occupational safety and health elections of your workplace!

The election of the occupational safety and health delegate, deputy delegates and members of the OSH committee must be organised in such a way that all workplace employees have the opportunity to participate.

The time and place of the election must be announced at the workplace. The notification must be made visible to everyone who is entitled to vote in the workplace elections. The notification must be visible at least 14 days before the election date.

The nomination procedure must be announced publicly, so that those interested in the position know how/are able to stand as candidates. Often, the notification is posted on the organisation’s internal communication channel, such as the intranet, a bulletin board or another channel that is accessible to everyone. So follow your workplace’s internal communication channels or contact your union representative or local branch.

Election instructions have been drawn up for organising occupational safety and health elections, which must be followed. The instructions for each field can be found on the website of the Centre for Occupational Safety.

The occupational safety and health delegate represents employees in matters related to occupational safety and health.

Organising occupational safety and health elections

The occupational safety and health elections are approaching and are already being launched at a rapid pace in various organisations. In the autumn of 2025, employees will elect their representatives for workplace occupational safety and health cooperation. The new term will begin on 1 January 2026.

Through the elections, the employees will elect

an occupational safety and health delegate and
two deputy delegates.

An occupational safety and health delegate and two deputy delegates are elected at workplaces where at least ten employees work regularly.

Election instructions

The election of the occupational safety and health delegate, deputy delegates and members of the OSH committee must be organised in such a way that all workplace employees have the opportunity to participate.

Election instructions have been drawn up for organising occupational safety and health elections, which must be followed. The instructions for each field can be found on the website of the Centre for Occupational Safety.

Once agreed, the time and place of the election must be announced at the workplace. The notification must be made visible to everyone who is entitled to vote in the workplace elections. The notification must be visible at least 14 days before the election date. The selection process begins with the nomination of candidates at least 14 days before the election date.

The nomination procedure must be announced publicly, so that those interested in the position know how/are able to stand as candidates.

Provide Tehy with the relevant information

Once the occupational safety and health elections have been held, remember to report the information of the occupational safety and health delegate representative and other employee representatives to Tehy.

You can submit the notification via this form.

Training for the duties

We offer training for occupational safety and health workers. Participate in basic or orientation training when you start your duties and then proceed to continued education!

Katso koulutukset

Useful materials for occupational safety and health delegates

Occupational safety and health delegates, deputy delegates and occupational safety and health contact person

The occupational safety and health delegate and deputy delegates are personnel representatives elected by the employees in matters related to occupational safety and health. If the workplace does not have an occupational safety and health representative, it is also possible to agree on the election of an occupational safety and health contact person in the occupational safety and health cooperation agreements. Read more about them:

OSH committee

Useful materials daily activities at the workplace

FAQ on occupational safety and health

Principles of cooperation