BEHIND EVERY HEALTHY EMPLOYEE lies a well-trained union safety representative. Well, maybe not every employee, but there is now little dispute that workplaces with union safety reps and safety committees can have significantly lower injury records - up to 50 percent less - than those where there is no such formal structure. But the mere presence of reps is not in itself sufficient - they must also be trained and supported by both their union and their employer. When these preconditions are met, employers can benefit from a reduced incidence of injuries, ill health, absence and downtime. They are also likely to secure improvements in productivity and public image, as well as in employee relations, skill levels, motivation, morale and retention. Safety reps lend expertise to an employer and facilitate communication with employees. As such, they help employers to comply with their legal duties and are generally a cost-effective presence.
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