As lockdown restrictions start to ease and Government guidance changes regarding work, we have been busy talking to employers, schools, academies and Sandwell Council about the importance of the need to consult on workplace changes to ensure workers are safe at work.
Whilst we have consulted on many risk assessments, It is disappointing that some schools and academies have not yet shared their risk assessments with GMB.
We have made our concerns known to the Director of Education who is in contact with Headteachers daily.
Health & safety legislation states:
Where there are union-appointed safety representatives, the employer must consult them on health and safety matters affecting the employees they represent. The Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 provide for the appointment of safety representatives (where there is a recognised trade union).
GMB is a nationally recognised Trade Union and therefore we ask all members to ask their Head Teacher if the risk assessment has been shared with us to consult upon.
We must be clear, if we have not been consulted on the assessment we can not determine if you are safe at work, GMB have produced model template letters which can be sent to employers if you do not feel safe and have also produced a checklist which we ask all members to look through.
Our members are the eyes and ears of the Union and we need your help – would you consider becoming a safety volunteer or workplace rep?
If you are interested or need any support or advice, please contact us.
Posted: 3rd June 2020