Disclosure hazards for safety reps

A safety representative nominated under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 who wishes to make complaints directly to outside agencies concerning environmental hazards at his workplace may well compromise his own position as an employee. In O'Connell v Tetrosyl Ltd (Industrial Relations Review & Report, 367, 6 May 1986), the Employment Appeal Tribunal considered whether such action amounts to misconduct, justifying dismissal by employers.