What do we want? Here's our starter for 10
Regular safety inspections, a maximum temperature in the workplace and far greater control of carcinogens are just some of the improvements that the TUC is calling for in a new 10 point safety manifesto. 'Time for change' features 10 key recommendations which the TUC believes, if implemented by a future government, could help turn around the UK's poor health safety record, and prevent many of the 20,000 workplace-related deaths which occur in the UK every year. The TUC manifesto makes the case for good health and safety practice, in a climate where safety laws are increasingly seen by ministers as unnecessary burdens on business, and where spending cuts and changes in regulations are making it increasingly difficult to police employers who play fast and loose with their employees' safety. TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady commented: 'Every year 20,000 people die needlessly because of an accident or illness caused by their jobs, and many thousands more are unable to work because of health problems which began at work.' She added: 'This isn't just a national tragedy for the victims and their families, but is also a huge drain on the economy, costing the state billions of pounds a year. But it doesn't have to be this way. Unfortunately ministers seem convinced that despite the high number of deaths and injuries at work, safety regulations are too onerous on business and rather than being tightened, need to be watered down or removed entirely. This is completely the wrong approach, when what is needed is tougher enforcement and new safety laws. Our safety manifesto sets out to do just that.' Other changes called for in the TUC manifesto include more safety reps with more rights, tighter dust controls, extended protection for vulnerable workers, legal safety duties on company directors, and only those firms with a good safety record to be eligible for public contracts.
Stay Updated
Want to hear about our latest news and blogs?
Sign up now to get it straight to your inbox