"This publication is the outcome of EPSARE - the European Project on Safety Reps carried out by researchers and trade unionists. It is a condensed version of the report which gives the essentials of an initial assessment of the enabling conditions and factors for the work of safety reps in the European Union (EU). The project reviewed all the available literature, and collected information and knowledge from descriptive studies and key informants. It also developed a theoretical model to describe the key conditions and factors relating to safety reps and their influence on health and safety at work.
This initial report starts with a status review of safety reps in the EU, followed by an analysis of the conditions and factors for effective representation, and concludes by attempting to pinpoint the key needs and challenges for trade unions, safety reps, researchers, policy-makers and government agencies. A growing body of research shows that participation through representation impacts significantly on health and safety at work. The project findings bear out that safety reps have a huge potential for improving EU workers' health and safety at work."

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