Risk assessments on returning to work are essential and need to be carried out by competent managers trained in health and safety and consulted on with the unions.
GMB union concern for government struggling to make decisions on Covid-19
Once again this government is struggling with major decisions over their guidance on COVID-19. That is why we need to be alert and not let complacency take over when keeping our colleagues and families safe.
The bumbling announcement by Boris Johnson this week was not clear and has sowed further uncertainty and fear without clear leadership. They just can't do the right thing. However, from our point of view, whether gyms, pubs and restaurants are open, the safeguards and hygiene standards in our workplaces should remain in place and we shouldn't accept inferior PPE or any relaxation of health and safety risk assessments.
Risk assessments on returning to work are essential and need to be carried out by competent managers trained in health and safety and consulted on with the unions.
The importance of risk assessing a situation can't be overestimated, for most working environments. Whether it is for COVID or working with dangerous chemicals or weed killers, or facing possible violence or any kind of hazardous workplace, we need to make sure safety is paramount. Not just for the worker, but their families and friends who would be devastated if a fatality happens and more so if it is caused because of negligence or complacency.
The GMB trade union recently welcomed moves by Knowsley Council management following a union site visit to the waste yard in Huyton, with a view to addressing health and safety issues. One of our members who is also a union rep was nearly killed in the yard three years ago, yet little or no steps were taken to Improve the working environment since that horrendous incident. The Knowsley Branch Officers and the rep who is now back at work, recently invited me into have a look at the hazards and risks facing staff in the yard in Stretton Way. After the site visit, a report was submitted to the GMB union branch and after discussions the council is now implementing many of the recommendations. New pedestrian walkways and parking bays are being designed and painted with new safety guidelines introduced for staff and visitors. More space is being created between vehicles and better car parking as well as new safety signage and lighting being explored.
This is a good example of the council and GMB trade union working closely to keep our members alive and safe.
Site visits, joint working on risk assessments and training are worthwhile when we see positive responses that can reduce absenteeism through accidents and similar events. It is something we should all work together on to keep our people safe from all harm.
Paul Holleran
Health & Safety Officer
Education Officer
GMB union
North West & Irish Region
