1. The Role of the Workplace OSH Representative
Deals with workplace & Individual Problems
Knows the OSH & Gender equality laws
Represents workers with management
Speaking up for members, on their behalf
It is difficult for individual workers to represent themselves

2. Supporting Workers
Investigate Accidents, injuries & ill health Identify hazards and risks Do health & safety inspections Monitor the employer for breaches of the law Negotiate individual & Collective problems Raise Awareness Compensation claims & Rehabilitation

3. The OSH Representative
The trade union has the right to elect a workplace representative
The ILO Conventions No.164 gives the right to
Information
Be consulted & part of decisions
Protection from dismissal or unfair treatment
Allowed to talk with workers and inspect
Contact the labour inspect / stop work

4. Getting Organised Arrange a contact point with workers
Carry a mobile phone
Keep a diary
Use a note book and take notes
Keep records and information
For
Interviewing / taking up a case / negotiating / reporting back to members

5. Listen carefully and actively
Interviewing a Member
Listen carefully and actively
Ask Questions –/ what / how / where / when
Get the facts - witnesses
Think about body language – theirs and yours
Do not interrupt – let the person finish
Never shout or dominate
Take notes – but ask first
Propose solutions – ask what the member wants
Ensure confidentiality

6. The Joint OSH Committee
Discussion and joint decision making – union / management
Investigates accidents, near misses, checks health of worker
Agrees on changes and improvements
Uses a planned and strategic approach
Is open and transparent – resources / why / how & what
Ensures the welfare services of workers
Meets regularly / takes minutes / reports decisions and plans / keeps workers informed

7. Promotional Framework for OSH Convention No. 155
ILO Conventions on OSH
Promotional Framework for OSH Convention No. 155
Main points
Governments must develop OSH policy and establish national systems and programmes that promote a culture of the prevention of accidents and ill health

8. ILO Conventions on OSH OSH Convention No. 155
Main points
Employer must take responsibility to protect workers
Government must develop policy, laws, enforcement
Employer must respect the rights of OSH representatives
Provide training for OSH representatives
Establish joint OSH Committees

9. ILO Conventions on OSH continued
Occupational Health Services Convention No. 161
Main points
Governments must establish services for:
Workers rehabilitation
Monitoring of health
Assessments of risks
Welfare provisions
Advise employers
Assist with OSH programmes

10. ILO Conventions on OSH continued
Working Environment Convention No. 148
Main points
Employers must:
Ensure air with no toxic vapour or dust
Acceptable noise levels that do not cause deafness
No vibration of machines

11. Chemicals Convention No. 170
ILO Conventions on OSH
Chemicals Convention No. 170
Main points
Covers the safe use of chemicals at work
Protections to workers, communities and the environment
Safe storage, disposal, transport & treatment

12. ILO Conventions on OSH
The government of Bangladesh has not ratified any of the OSH Conventions The trade unions can lobby government, conduct campaigns and negotiate for ratification

13. Principles of OSH Management is Responsible in law to Protect prevent
promote
The physical, mental and social well being of women at work

14. Role of OSH Committee Representatives
Identify hazards
Assess the level of risk
Inspect the workplace
Decide the best actions with members
Take up the issue with management and propose & negotiate the solution

15. Negotiating Skills Bargaining in good faith
Collective bargaining – negotiating for members
Cannot agree to something not agreed by members
Stages of Negotiations
Before – Preparation
During – in the negotiation
After – reporting back to members, monitoring
Bargaining in good faith

16. Use adjournments / breaks
Negotiating Skills
Golden Rules
Never negotiate alone
Never argue with your team
Never agree on something you have not agreed with the members
Use adjournments / breaks