Occupational Health and Safety Representatives

An occupational health and safety representative (OHS representative) helps the employer and workers to improve health and safety in the workplace by identifying and resolving health and safety concerns. OHS representatives are required in workplaces with five to nine workers who are engaged in activities that are considered highly hazardous by the regulations.

Duties of OHS Representatives

Some of the duties include:

• providing a channel of communication between the employers and workers;
• conducting regular inspections and talking with workers about their health and safety concerns;
• participating in reportable incident investigations (both accidents and dangerous occurrences);
• assisting the employer with the development of safety procedures, policies, and programs; and
• meeting with the employer regularly to discuss concerns.

How to Select OHS Representatives

In a non-unionized workplace, the representative is appointed by their co-workers. In a unionized workplace, the representative is appointed in accordance with the union's bylaws.

For more information about OHS representatives, please see Related Items below.

Training for OHS Representatives

Under the regulations, OHS representatives are required to attend training and seminars about health and safety. Time spent at training courses must be treated as paid work time. The training must be conducted by WorkSafe Saskatchewan or by an approved instructor.

Please visit WorkSafe Saskatchewan for information on the available training courses.