- Thu, Aug 6, 2020 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM BST
UNISON is launching a new campaign, Be on the safe side, to recruit more safety reps in workplaces across the UK – as the need for them becomes greater than ever.
UNISON has campaigned tirelessly on health and safety issues to protect its members at work during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the lockdown eases around the UK the need to ensure members carry out their jobs in safe workplaces – assessing the risks and making sure employers protect their staff.
UNISON has supported its safety reps in carrying out their difficult role, whether ensuring that members have access to correct PPE, conducting workplace risk assessments or addressing the particular risks to Black and vulnerable workers.
UNISON members in schools, hospitals, offices, call centres and care homes know exactly what they and their colleagues need to be able to work safely while carrying out their duties.
Your day to day work skills are invaluable as a safety rep.
UNISON members do a variety of roles delivering essential services to the public. If you are a cleaner working with chemicals, a catering assistant preparing food, a teaching assistant working with children, a nurse or health care assistant caring for patients in hospital or the community, a social care worker supporting vulnerable adults in a residential setting or in someone’s home, an office worker dealing with the public face to face or dealing with queries in a call centre, no-one understands YOUR job better than YOU.”
Safety reps have certain legal rights which can help them make a difference for their members. And they are entitled to time off to perform their role.