Network Journal 2007 Issue 1 Jan/Feb

Could you be a Safety Rep?

A strong network of active health and safety reps is essential to protect members at work.

Health and Safety Reps handbook

Here we explain why the role is so important and ask you to think, if you are currently only a shop steward, should you become a safety rep yourself?

Alternatively, are there other members who could take the job on and become part of the union team?

Why do we need safety reps?

Every year more than two million workers suffer some form of work-related illness (back pain, RSI, stress-related illness, etc) and there are 1.5 million workplace accidents. Most of these injuries and illness could be prevented by better management of health and safety.

Many people think of shops and factories as low-risk workplaces. It is true that fewer shop workers are killed every year than construction workers, but that does not mean that our sectors are completely safe.

Staff and customers do get killed and injured in accidents. However the most common causes of serious injuries for members are:

• Slipping and tripping - this may sound trivial but every year members suffer serious injuries such as breaks and concussion from such 'minor' incidents
• Manual handling - lifting heavy or awkward items can cause strain injuries to the back and arms, heaving overloaded cages around can also cause damage.
• Loading and unloading - reversing vehicles are one of the main causes of fatalities in retail. Cages falling off lorries or staff falling off loading bays also cause serious injuries.

Clearly safety is an issue, but every year far greater numbers go off sick because of workplace health problems:

• Repetitive tasks like checkout work or shelf-filling can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) like back pain and RSI.
• Violence against staff is a major issue and the fear of violence or exposure to persistent verbal abuse and threats is a major source of stress for retail workers.
• Other stress factors include working unsocial hours and being set unachievable targets.
• For some workers - e.g. cleaners and bakery staff - exposure to chemicals and dust can cause dermatitis and respiratory problems like asthma.

In distribution and logistics the pressure to move large quantities of goods quickly causes problems with manual handling and workplace transport. Drivers who spend time on public roads and delivering to stores and homes face a variety of risks.

Even when members are tough enough to cope with the stresses and strains of the work, Usdaw believes it is important that decent welfare facilities are provided.

Having access to decent toilets, to clean drinking water and comfortable canteens and rest rooms is important. Lighting, noise levels and temperatures in the workplace can also make a big difference.

Organising around Health and Safety

By tackling the sorts of issues outlined above, Health and Safety Reps do make real improvements at our members' workplaces. It can be very satisfying when you see improvements being made.

Independent research has proved that workplaces with active Health and Safety Reps have the best safety record. Safety Reps are the eyes and ears of the union in your workplace.

The number of Health and Safety Reps in any particular workplace is a matter for negotiation, but it is up to the union to decide who the reps are. In some workplaces members act both as Health and Safety Rep and Shop Steward. In others different members take on the two roles to help spread the load.

Many employers recognise the valuable role that Safety Reps play and are keen to encourage members to become Reps.

Health and safety at work is a fundamental right for members and is central to the union's organising strategy.

While the primary reason we need Safety Reps is to protect the health, safety and welfare of members, there are other benefits to the union itself.

Demonstrating the value of Usdaw membership

Health and safety issues crop up quite frequently in workplaces and usually affect a group of workers rather than just the one member. If there is an active Safety Rep who can get the problem sorted out, we can show both members and potential members the practical benefits of Usdaw membership. Safety Reps help to recruit members and to retain them.

A positive profile for the Union

Media coverage of trade unions is often negative and often concentrates on industrial action or other controversial issues. But on health and safety the message is almost always a positive one. Usdaw has a high profile at national level in negotiations with employers and in representations to Government.

The reason Usdaw is listened to is because the National Officials can rely on the network of Safety Reps to tell them what the real issues are in the workplace.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Do I need any prior knowledge?

A. No, if you are interested in health and safety, the union provides training and advice to help you get started.

Q. Am I expected to become an expert?

A. No. Most heath and safety is pretty straightforward. If you do need help with anything more technical, expert advice is on hand from the Union.

Q. What if my manager takes no notice of me?

A. Health and Safety Reps have clearly defined legal functions and employers have a duty to cooperate. If your manager is not complying, then your Senior Rep or Area Organiser can help.

For more info: Health and Safety Reps' Handbook

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