1. Health and Safety Representation andSmall Firms: Reflections from Sweden Kaj Frick Lule å and Mälardalen Universities, Sweden

2. Regional Safety Representatives (RSR) By law: Grown from 1974. Now also white collar RSRs Political goal: Improve OHS-dialogue in small workplaces Unions may appoint RSR where no joint OHS committee 2100 RSR in 2005 (≈ 280 full-time) 4/5 of 290 000 workplaces, with 900 000 employees RSR try to appoint & train local reps = Both RSR + local rep Paid half by unions, half by taxes (other reps by employers

3. RSRs – a success story Strict evaluation hard, and not even attempted BUT Most workplaces lack local reps – Covered by RSRs 65 000 visits = 5–10 x Lab. Insp. (or OHS services) Few conflicts: Varies with I.R. in the industry Many more employers ask for help than complain RSR train & solve problems, e.g. unsafe containers Employer representatives find most quite useful

4. Why it works – Good IR and OHS traditions Strong labour and tradition of corporatist co-operation. Still 80% in unions, members also in most small firms Managers-employers used to co-operate. And they like it Authoritarian management not needed, or good, for profits Mainly positive IR also in small firms = Interference OK Experienced-moderate RSRs: Senior reps or Union officers OHS strong political value: workers rights & public health

5. Problems: Role, Funding & Structure Harder to promote OHSM than to solve OHS problems No mechanisms/fora to resolve conflicts Small firms: much fewer local/regional reps than large Underfunded: Only one visit in 3 years Government may cut their half but unions can’t pay it all Private services up – Less OHS resources: Size, reps, competence, OHS services, unionised, inspections. Destructure & Globalize: Supply chain & Foreign raids