“Consultation” refers to the obligation of employers to hear the opinions of their employees on all issues relating to safety and health protection at work. “Participation” goes beyond consultation and means that workers have a say in certain decision-making processes, such as the choice of work equipment, substances or their personal protective equipment. Participation is primarily a right vested in shop stewards or safety representatives. In the event that neither staff representatives (i.e. shop stewards) nor safety representatives have been appointed, employees themselves have to be granted direct participation rights.
