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Health and Safety Update October 2016 H&S challenges and opportunities in the workplace: let’s eradicate asbestos! Susan Murray National HS Adviser, Unite the Union Susan.murray@untetheunion.org. Unite asbestos awareness campaign Asbestos in Schools and Joint Union Asbestos Committee
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Health and Safety Update October 2016 H&S challenges and opportunities in the workplace: let’s eradicate asbestos! Susan Murray National HS Adviser, Unite the Union Susan.murray@untetheunion.org
Unite asbestos awareness campaign • Asbestos in Schools and Joint Union Asbestos Committee • International Action • Asbestos Eradication Campaign
Schools asbestos campaign Asbestos in Schools group Chaired by Rachel Reeves MP Members include MPs, unions, victims’ groups, asbestos experts, local authority representatives, Hazards campaign
JUAC – the Joint Union Asbestos Committee http://www.juac.org.uk/ ASCL, ATL, GMB, NAHT, NASUWT, NUT UCATT, UNISON, Unite, VOICE
JUAC action/achievements include • Establishment and continuation of a DfE Asbestos in schools steering group • DfE review of asbestos policy in schools • Revised DfE guidance for schools • DfE property data survey and accountability questionnaire for head teachers • Advice on gas masks in schools • Advice on warm air cabinet heaters • Freedom of information advice • Safety Reps’ advice leaflet .. And more
Asbestos survey • Up to date and accessible records • Asbestos management plan • Labelling of asbestos • Regular inspections of asbestos • Asbestos awareness training • Notify contractors • Working in other premises • Recording exposures • Asbestos removal plan • Consult safety representatives
Unite agenda for good workplace health and safety • ERADICATE ASBESTOS FROM ALL WORKPLACES • Justice, fairness, equality & dignity at work • Workers knowing how to raise concerns and feeling able to do so without fear of victimisation • Dealing positively with health and safety • Involving safety representatives • Participative research: Hazard and Body Mapping • Designing work - and PPE - to fit the workers
Unite is committed to improving health and safety in all workplaces • Union organised workplaces should be saferand healthier than non-organised workplaces