Leigh-Ann Harris Junior Research Officer, Centre for Ergonomics, Occupational Safety and Health, School of Management, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North L.A.Harris@massey.ac.nz (P47, Friday 28, Civic Room 1, 3.00)

1. Supporting your workplace health and safety (HS) representative By Leigh-Ann Harris, Dr Kirsten Olsen & Dr Robyn Walker Centre for Ergonomics, Occupational Safety & Health

5. Interviewees at one business Senior Manager Manager Manager Manager Co-worker Co-worker Co-worker Co-worker Co-worker Co-worker OHS Manager Representative Representative Representative Representative

9. Typecasting of Business B’s HS representatives Common impact: all representatives were perceived by workers to provide a legitimate channel to raise OHS concerns. Problem solvers Craft experts Purpose: to improve OHS by… Finding practical solutions to control hazards. Acting as “information conduits” by contributing technical knowledge to influence strategic OHS decisions. Activity profile Technical-operational Technical-strategic OHS activities Facilitating hazard management by forming coalitions with workers with skill & authority to control hazards or provide advice. Facilitating transfer of OHS information, particularly expert knowledge at specialised OHS committee meetings. OHS impact Improvement of production from an OHS perspective. Influence OHS procedures and standards for the management of hazards at the strategic level.