Safety representative and union representative: What is the difference?

A good working environment requires wellbeing, fairness and safety. Two key roles in this work are the union representative and the safety representative. With amendments to the Working Environment Act from 1 January 2024, the role of the safety representative has become even more important. Let’s take a closer look at the differences and what the legal changes mean.

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What does a union representative do?

A union representative is elected by colleagues to represent them in matters relating to salary, working conditions and employee rights. The role involves:

• Negotiating salary, working hours and pension schemes

  
  

• Representing employees in discussions on organisational changes

  
  

• Participating in meetings with management, e.g. during an HR system replacement

  
  

• Managing conflicts related to working hours, employment contracts or vacation

  
  

Example: When transitioning from individual offices to an open-plan workspace, the union representative may negotiate for compensation, quiet rooms or the possibility of working from home.

 

What does the safety representative do?

The safety representative has primary responsibility for health, environment and safety (HSE) in the workplace. The role requires a minimum of 40 hours of HSE training and includes:

• Conducting annual safety inspections of the physical working environment

  
  

• Focusing on the psychosocial working environment (e.g. stress, bullying, conflicts)

  
  

• Ensuring that hired-in and self-employed workers are included in HSE procedures

  
  

• The right to stop work that poses a danger to life or health

  
  

Legislative changes from 1 January 2024

The Working Environment Act has been amended to strengthen the role of the safety representative:

• A safety representative is required in companies with 5 or more employees (previously 10)

  
  

• The role now also covers temporary and self-employed workers

  
  

• Responsibility includes the psychosocial working environment – including stress, bullying and mental health

  
  

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Practical examples

IT startup with 7 employees
The safety representative ensures proper lighting, ergonomic workstations and addresses psychosocial issues such as conflicts and stress.

Construction project with temporary workers
The safety representative safeguards the safety of temporary workers and has the authority to stop hazardous work.

Large office with high stress levels
The safety representative assesses psychosocial conditions and proposes measures such as flexible working hours and stress management training.

 

 

 

Why are both roles important?

• The safety representative ensures a safe and psychologically healthy working environment

  
  

• The union representative ensures fairness and transparency in working conditions

  
  

Together, they contribute to greater wellbeing, reduced sick leave and increased trust between employees and management.

 

 

• • How is a union representative elected?

    A union representative is elected by the employees through a democratic process, often in cooperation with the trade union.
    

  • How is a safety representative elected?

    A safety representative is also elected by the employees, typically through a vote at the workplace.
    

  • Both union representative and safety representative at the same time?

    Yes, but it is not recommended, as it may lead to conflicts of interest.

  • Can there be multiple union representatives and safety representatives?

    Yes, in larger companies, it is often necessary to have multiple union representatives and safety representatives.

  • Is it mandatory to have a union representative?

    No, it is not a legal requirement for a company to have a union representative. The election of a union representative is voluntary and depends on whether the employees wish to have a representative who can raise matters on their behalf. Union representatives are often present in companies where employees are members of a trade union, but it is not a requirement for the company to have a collective agreement or be affiliated with a trade union in order to have a union representative.

  • Is it mandatory to have a safety representative?

    Yes, according to the Working Environment Act, it is mandatory for all companies with at least five employees to have a safety representative. The safety representative plays an important role in monitoring the working environment and ensuring compliance with the Act. They are also responsible for contributing to risk assessments and proposing measures to improve workplace safety.

    
    

     

     

     

     

  • Collaboration

    Union representatives and safety representatives have distinctly different areas of responsibility, yet they complement each other effectively. The union representative works to ensure fairness and serves as the employees’ voice towards management, while the safety representative focuses on safety. What they share in common is their role in promoting employee well-being, each in their own way.

    
    

    We hope this has provided greater clarity regarding the roles of union representatives and safety representatives. They are both essential for a safe and supportive working environment and contribute to a healthy and productive workplace.

How can we help you? Get in touch for a friendly chat.

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  Karina Strandrak Belseth

  Partner • Head of HR • Oslo

  karina.belseth@aider.no

  +47 95 26 01 55

  LinkedIn