25. EXPERTS OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
25. Experts of Occupational
Safety and Health
The Occupational Safety and Health Manager represents the primary employer in
this collaboration. The OSH Manager is responsible for coordinating the joint effort
between the employer and employees at the workplace. The employer will appoint
the OSH Manager, unless an employer wishes to take the position himself (small companies).
The functions of the OSH Manager are defined in the Decree on the Supervision
of Occupational Safety and Health (20.1.2006/44). At a shared workplace the OSH
Manager of the employer who is the supervising authority will function as the OSH
Manager.
The Occupational Safety and Health Delegate represents the employees in this
collaboration with the employer concerning occupational safety and health
matters and the occupational safety and health authorities. A delegate and two
vice delegates shall be elected for the period of two calendar years at all work-
places where there more than 10 employees. The OSH Delegate has the right to
stop dangerous work. The functions and obligations of the OSH Delegate are
defined in the Act on the Supervision of Occupational Safety and Health and his
functions in the Decree on the Supervision of Occupational Safety and Health.
Emloyees classified as office personnel may also elect their own delegate from
among themselves if they so desire. At a shared workplace the OSH Delegate
of the employer who is the supervising authority will function as the OSH Delegate.
The Occupational Safety and Health Representative represents the department or
professional group of workers that designates him. He / she participates e.g. in safety
inspections, the department action plan’s preparation and an accident investigation.
The Occupational Safety and Health Representative has active role in own department’s
safety improvement. The OSH Representative is essentially in contact with the
line organization according to the negotiation procedure and if necessary, with the
OSH Delegate and the OSH Manager.
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