Health & Safety
Everyone should be able to go to work without having their health damaged or made worse. Yet every year, around two and a half million people are made ill because of work.
This is a huge number. Around half of these people are in pain because of injuries such as back pain, neck pain and RSI. A further half a million people have to take time off work because of stress.
Yet it is not work that makes people ill. Bad working practices and poor safety precautions are the cause.
Almost all work-related illness is avoidable, most of it through forward planning and good safety practices.
UNISON takes health and safety very seriously which is why we aim to have at least one UNISON safety representative to cover every workplace where we have members.
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UNISON's health and safety unit researches and produces a range of material on hazards, standards and good practice at work. Our regular newsletter 'Health and Safety organiser' is also packed with up-to-date info on health and safety issues.
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Had an Accident at work?
If you have an accident or injury at work call UNISONdirect on 0845 355 0845 or complete this form. Click here
There are also a lot of useful websites to help you see below for links
Centre for Corporate Accounability
Hazards
Health & Safety Executive
NASHiCS
TUC
Frequently Asked Health & Safety Questions and Answers
How does Unison ensure that it’s members rights under Health & Safety Legislation are upheld?
By ensuring regular workplace inspections are carried out and that where applicable proper and robust risk assessments are undertaken and by representing your views on both Area and Force Health & Safety meetings.
Are there any special arrangements to be considered for new and expectant mothers?
Employers are required to conduct a specific risk assessment to identify whether she is exposed to any process, working condition or physical, chemical or biological agent which may damage her health and safety or that of her baby. The assessment must take into account any advice provided by her doctor or midwife about her health.
What are the minimum and maximum temperatures that are applicable to my office?
Employers must ensure that the temperature inside buildings is “reasonable” during working hours. This means providing reasonable comfort without the need for special clothing. Workrooms should be at least 16 degrees for most types of work. The acceptable range of thermal comfort lies between 16 and 24 degrees.
Although a maximum temperature is not specified, workplaces must be adequately thermally ventilated and the excessive effects of sunlight should be avoided.
Can I do anything about my cramped working conditions?
Every workroom should have sufficient floor area, height and unoccupied space. A minimum of 11 cubic metres should be allowed per person working in a room. In a typical room, a floor area of 4.6 square metres is required. Where the ceiling is 3 metres high or more, the floor space can be reduced to 3.7 sq metres.
I use a computer at work; can I have free eyesight tests?
The Display Screen Equipment Regulations state that designated DSE users must be provided with free eyesight tests and may request further tests at regular intervals. This is generally every two years.
Can I have a break away from my computer screen?
Yes. Safety professionals advise that you should have a break away from intensive DSE use every 30 minutes. A break would normally entail a change in the physical activity you are carrying out and not necessarily a break away from your office or work station.