Usdaw safety reps want to PIN down dangers
Usdaw safety reps want to PIN down dangers
Retail union Usdaw is to call for extended rights for union safety reps, including the right to issue Provisional Improvement Notices (PINs). A proposition backing the call for safety reps to have the power to issue the legally-binding notices to stop illegally dangerous work was passed at the union's Blackpool conference. Maureen Shanks from the union's Southern division told delegates Australian-style PINs are necessary because of concerns that the government could be undermining the health and safety system to reduce so-called 'burdens on business'. She said: 'Experience in Australia has shown that employers are more likely to involve safety reps at an early stage rather than risk a PIN being issued when changes are implemented.' She added: 'In my experience even senior managers in stores have very little knowledge of health and safety laws and yet the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) appear to be moving toward self-regulation. How can you self-regulate when you do not know the rules?' Responding to the proposition, Usdaw general secretary John Hannett said the union is supporting the TUC's campaign for greater powers for health and safety reps. Other propositions passed in the health and safety debate included calls for more resources for the HSE and more training for health and safety reps on risk assessments.
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