New Hazards Magazine is out now – essential for anyone serious about workplace safety

20 Nov. 2024: The highly acclaimed and influential Hazards Magazine autumn edition is out now. A must not only for safety reps and activists but all working people and responsible employers. Edition 167 puts a spotlight on; the UK silica crisis, Starmer and the so called ‘red tape’, sexual harassment at work, tips for organising, what’s happening Down Under and much more.

Various hard copy subscriptions available for individuals and organisations or become a Friend of Hazards Magazine by making a donation

Bursting to Go: A new report on workers’ experience of toilet access and facilities

19 Nov. 2024: Today is World Toilet Day highlighting that, access to toilet facilities should be a fundamental right for everyone, regardless of where they live or where they work. Toilets should be of adequate capacity, be of easy access, and suitable for all. Unbelievably that is not always the case for many workers around the UK even today. The evidence can be seen in a new TUC report which is based on a survey of trade union members around the country.

Access to toilets is a fundamental workplace need. When workers lack adequate access, they may delay using the restroom, leading to serious physical health issues over time. It also causes stress and distraction, a serious risk in safety-critical roles where workers must be able to concentrate on the job at hand. Regular restroom breaks are also crucial for staying hydrated and maintaining bodily health, particularly in physically demanding jobs. Teachers, drivers, postal workers, firefighters and many others report urinary tract infections, kidney strain, digestive issues and other health complications as a result of having to ‘hold it in’. There is an additional concern for pregnant, mature, menopausal or disabled workers. Read the full TUC report here and the equally shocking findings from the Train Drivers Union – ASLEF here.

Petition to introduce new air quality and PPE rules for health and social care settings

18th Nov. 2024: Learning from the Covid-19 pandemic it is now time for the UK Government to set new rules on air quality and infection control in health and social care settings. Preparing now will prevent and control airborne infections through new ventilation and filtration requirements. New PPE standards and improved staffing rules combined with robust monitoring and inspections towards compliance will help protect health workers.

Covid and other infectious diseases are spread by airborne aerosols. There are several ways to prevent them by improving air quality and using well-fitting respiratory masks. Some research has found that reinfection can increase the risk of long-term serious organ damage and care workers have amongst the highest prevalence of long Covid. There are many tools to protect people in health and social care including, improving ventilation/air filtration, reintroducing PPE masks and Covid testing, and supporting ill staff to stay home.

Support our carers and communities by sharing and signing the petition .

Hazards at TUC Midlands with Safety Reps and a visit from the HSE

14th Nov. 2024: GMHC headed down to Birmingham this week to attend the Safety Reps Connect event at the TUC on Summer Lane. Dozens of safety reps gathered from 17 unions to talk about safety and hear presentations on the HSE’s (Health and Safety Executive) ten year strategy – Protecting People and Places. Other talks included, Health and Safety at Work Act – Now and into the Future, Neurodiversity at Work and Workplace Stress. It was also an opportunity to speak to union officials, the GMHC, Janine Booth – author and equality campaigner and Thompsons solicitors. The Hazards stall had a range of resources for reps to take away, the most popular being, climate action, air quality, hazardous materials, the body map – which shows work-related diseases, the Training Safe app and the Hazards Magazine.

HSE Policy Lead, Kayleigh Roberts presented an overview of the HSE’s 10-year strategic objectives in what was seen as a rare but welcome appearance by an HSE representative. The objectives included, a focus on stress, mental health building trust, safe innovation towards ‘net zero’, continuing a strong safety culture and ensuring HSE is a good place to work. It was acknowledged that lung disease and mental ill health was unacceptably high though it is believed that this could be helped through the Working Minds campaign, a new NEBOSH qualification on stress and better support for disabled workers.

The main focus of the talk was on what is termed, ‘Health Surveillance’ for regulated hazards. In essence this is a series of health checks to identify work-related ill health even after control measures had been put in place. The HSE believes this will help with early detection, fill any gaps in control measures and provide an opportunity for workers to discuss issues. Examples of Regulations that would require health surveillance include; hazardous substances, hand-arm vibration and noise at work. HSE appointed health professionals would cover, substances that are hazardous to health, asbestos, lead and ionising radiation. The HSE expects the programme to include, OHS professionals with an understanding of the workplace, the risks involved and to adhere to additional training where required. The HSE believes there is currently a disconnect between employers, individuals, testing, providers, knowledge, results and timely follow up. Testing in itself if fraught with issues such as quality of tests, standards, lack of interpretive data over a series of tests and the questions over the expertise involved. The HSE sees the surveillance initiative as something that would support early identification of work-related ill health by professionals who know this field as well as complimenting control systems. It wasn’t clear how the initiative would be resourced or enforced and how employers would engage with the proposals considering the funding and enforcement challenges facing the HSE. The decade-long cuts to the HSE has been frequently highlighted by the GMHC, the TUC, Thompsons and today by the Reps Connect organisers. This particular topic was deemed to be ‘…a question for the politicians and department heads’.

On supporting disabled workers there was a range of encouraging phrases banded about to promote a safer and inclusive approach to ill or disabled workers. Much of it was about removing barriers, workplace adjustments, improving communications, language and understanding in the workplace together with explaining the legal requirements for employers. Click the following link to get a better overview of the HSE’s Best Practice Guide.

Poverty wages and poor conditions for staff at multi million pound GAIL’s bakery chain

Nov 2024: “Despite the cost of that frappuccino and almond croissant, 88% of GAIL’s workers don’t have access to sick pay & often feel stressed at work, 83% say they don’t get paid breaks, & 58% are subject to changing schedules with one week’s notice or less.”

Founded in 1990, with its first bakery opening on Hampstead High St in 2005. There are now 131 stores open. Primarily in London and the South, but now with stores in Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool. GAIL’s has announced expectations that it might open between 300-500 stores across the country It employs 2742 employees as of December 2023. It’s rapid expansion over the last few years a result of its sale to Bain Capital Credit, massive global asset firm. £135.3 million in turnover, operating profit of £15.9 million in 2023. A higher-end bakery and cafe hiding poor conditions.

Despite the challenges GAIL’s workers are pushing back and like at McDonalds, Starbucks and Amazon, staff have had enough and are organising to get a better deal. Show your support by contacting GAIL’s, leave a review or follow them on social media. Fair pay and conditions is better for worker health, the economy and makes good business sense.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getorganisednow

X: https://twitter.com/organise_now

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organise_now/

Still breathing in toxic air? Time for a bit of DIY

12th Nov. 2024: As we spend more time indoors, it’s useful to to consider the air quality at home, work and at school. This time of the year sees spikes in viruses, Covid-19, flu and other airborne contaminants so it’s a useful reminder to look at the free resources available from the Hazards Centre.

Cleaning the Air at Work gives you a heap of links, information of safe levels and even a DIY air filtration system

How to Build a UK DIY Air Cleaning Device

Everything you need to know about what’s in the air and more

Trade Union Clean Air Network – Let’s Talk About Air Pollution

Hazards at UNISON North-West (Eastern) Organisers Away Day

7^th Nov. 2024: GMHC attended the UNISON North-West (Eastern) organisers away day at the amazing Working Class Movement Library in Salford. The meeting was well attended with highly experienced organisers and presided over by Regional Manager, Vicky Knight. The organisers discussed the plans, issues, challenges and successes of their service groups, with worker safety never far from the surface. Mental health, leave arrangements, health and safety rep (HSR) training, menopause, customer aggression, Covid-19, building materials were areas that touched on regular organising work.

The GMHC session included an overview of the Hazards Movement, the basics of health and safety organising, the value of trained HSRs and the Hazards Campaign Manifesto – which was distributed prior to the meeting. There was also some time given to a brief look at the potential opportunities for organising around The Employment Rights Bill 2024-25 tabled in Parliament on 10^th October 2024. The bill seeks to improve the wider IR picture for workers but there’s some scope to organise around potential safety and equality components of the bill. Job insecurity causes immense stress for workers and their families, shifting the dial on zero hours contracts, fire and rehire, redundancy and unfair dismissal would go a long way in reducing stress and excessive hours. Improved leave conditions including for; menopause, bereavement and parental leave would support a better work-life balance, improve health, family time and the workplace culture. Preventing sexual harassment, including by third parties at work has already moved along in this parliament by expanding areas of the Equality Act. The potential for employers to protect workers from harassment through preventive measures, reporting and improving policies would be a welcome start. Stress, workloads, harassment and mental health are very much areas that fall under workplace health and safety. Unions like UNISON in the NW are already offering training and development to their staff and reps on safer working and equality. The Employment Rights Bill may still have some time to go with consultation, committee stages, amendments, multiple readings in both chambers but after 14 years of eroded rights, this offers some hope for workers.

November means Young Workers Month

6th Nov. 2024: There’s no shortage of events and activities during the TUC’s Young Workers Month. All too often younger workers have the lower pay, job insecurity and weaker conditions than the wider workforce. Whether they are new to the workforce, trainees, volunteers, apprentices, interns they can also be at greater risk of workplace injuries. When it comes to safety, young workers have the same protections as all workers – no excuses, no cutting corners and no risk to health. The GMHC has put together some information, events and resources from around the country to support young workers this month and into a safer future.

Young Workers: Resources and Events November 2024

TUC: Young worker events around the country click here

GMHC: Resources for young workers

PCS: Young Members Page

USDAW: A better deal for young workers

LRD: Young Worker Trends

UNISON: Young Workers Charter

CWU: Young Workers Under 30

Prospect: Young Workers Network

GMB: Young Workers in action

RMT: Young Workers Info and Events

HSE: Young People’s Health and Safety – No Excuses

All-Party Parliamentary recognition of HASWA at 50

4^th Nov. 2024: GM Hazards attended the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health. The Parliamentary reception adjacent to the House of Commons marked the 50^th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Sponsored by Leigh Day solicitors and the TUC the event had guest speakers including Sir Stephen Timms Minister of State for Social Security and Disability, Ian Lavery MP amongst many other speakers and guests from unions, the House of Lords, safety and asbestos groups, medical professionals, charities and legal representatives. The speakers acknowledged the need for a Health and Safety at Work Act and the significance it has had to workers lives over the last 50 years. Shelly Asquith Head of Safety at the TUC noted the number of fatal injuries at work had fallen by 80% since 1974 but 138 this year is still way too high. The final speaker of the evening was an inspiring speech from Harminder Bains, joint head of the asbestos and mesothelioma department at Leigh Day. Harminder reminded the assembled crowd that 5,000 people a year are still dying from asbestos-related cancers and that real action, funding and research was desperately needed – more so than words and acknowledgements. With personal experience of mesothelioma in her family she stressed the urgent need families around the country had especially in managing asbestos-related diseases with little or no support. Comparing the significant resources going into the lower numbers involved in road traffic accidents, asbestos-related diseases had a long way to catch up. Better prevention and funding, particularly through education, research and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reversing years of decline is badly needed in the UK. Harminder struck a chord with attendees, most who had seen or supported workers and colleagues affected by toxic dust over many years. The remainder of the event was an opportunity to network and to discuss the opportunities that may arise from the change in government this year and their commitment to re-calibrate the industrial relations landscape in the UK.

The Hazards Campaign has committed to effective and long-lasting changes to worker safety in their Manifesto. Adopting the approach outlined in the Manifesto would see a sharp decline in worker illnesses, injury and fatalities. It would prioritise strong accountability and enforcement through an effective and resourced regulator. Restoring the HSE’s Mission Statement and Priorities. To read and share the Hazards Manifesto click here.

Unions publish new report and recommendations on the health impact of night-working

1st Nov 2024: If you have ever worked long shifts or night-shifts you’ll know the impact it has on your body clock. Night-time workers are often forgotten with a strong focus on the daytime economy. Night-work can impact your mental and physical health significantly from diet, less exercise, isolation, lack of sunlight, long hours, lack of support, social life and relationship difficulties. The Greater Manchester Hazards Centre supports the findings from unions to improve the health and safety of night-time workers. The new report, Health and Safety Impacts of Night Working was recently published by the TUC and five major UK unions. The full report can be found here but in its conclusion it comes up with 8 recommendations to help protect night-time and shift workers. Click on the document below for the 8 recommendations.

UCL hosts Global Launch of 2024 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change

30 Oct. 2024: GMHC attended the Global Launch of the 2024 report of the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change. This virtual launch of the 2024 Report was funded by the Wellcome Trust and developed in close collaboration with the World Health Organization, the report represents the work of 122 leading experts from 57 academic institutions and UN agencies globally. Published ahead of the 29th UN Conference of the Parties (COP) in Baku, it provides the most up-to-date assessment of the links between health and climate change.

Moderated by BBC journalist Dr Smitha Mundasad with keynote speeches from leading voices on climate and health including Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization; Rt Hon Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Patron of the Helen Clark Foundation, and member of The Elders; Dr Richard Horton, Editor-in-Chief of The Lancet. The launch was followed by a panel discussion with leading academics and representatives in climate change and human health.

GMHC noted from the report that workers around the world are increasingly being affected by the impact of climate change. Food quality and water supplies, extreme and frequent adverse weather events, heat stress, disease, drought and pollution to name a few. Although the report shows UK workers are less affected than more southern and eastern countries, through global supply chains the UK is heavily reliant on imported food and goods from countries that are badly affected. Outdoor workers in particular are at great risk especially in mining, forestry and agriculture. These industries not only have a huge environmental impact but the workers, who are often migrant workers are mentally and physically affected by these more frequent extreme conditions. The highly exposed industries supply us with rare earth metals for our tech and our demand for out-of-season and all-year-round food supplies. GMHC has been campaigning on heat stress, clean air, safer working practices, stronger regulations, enforcement and corporate accountability for some time now. GMHC welcomes new evidence that will lead to better policy making and preventative safety measures at a local and international level.

For the extract relating to workers, ‘change in labour supply‘ and the report conclusion, courtesy of The Lancet click here

For the full report, courtesy of The Lancet click here

Long-awaited changes to the law on sexual harassment at work

26 Oct 2024: Under UK equality legislation new protections from sexual harassment came into force on 26/10/24. Employers now have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment and create a safe working environment. See the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) preventative guidance for employers.

Hazards Connects with the Salford Resource Centre

18 Oct. 2024: The Salford Unemployed and Community Resource Centre (SUCRC) held a community open event on 18^th October 2024 as a way to engage local residents and workers in the area. GMHC went along with some resources for workers and chatted to employment law advisors, John Howard and Abdul-karim Al-Malahi about their work as well as the campaigning work of the GMHC.

The SUCRC was established in 1980, since then they have continually campaigned, supported, advised and represented unemployed and employed people across the region. The SUCRC offers a range of support services for their community, including for older people, people with disabilities, unemployed people and workers who are facing difficulties.

Despite immense funding challenges they have a free employment law service which provides information and guidance for locals who are either in or out of work. Some of the initial advice on employment matters include; unfair or constructive dismissal, unlawful deductions, redundancy discrimination, breach of contract, disciplinary issues and grievances.

For guidance on employment matters contact the centre for initial advice on 0161 789 999 or email secretary_stuc@hotmail.co.uk Workers can also contact their trade union, to find out which union is most relevant to your work – see the Trade Union Congress (TUC) guide for details. For guidance on work safety matters speak to your workplace safety rep and see the GMHC website.

Modern Slavery and Exploitation in Greater Manchester

18 Oct 2024: GMHC attended the Tackling Modern Slavery and Exploitation in Greater Manchester: An introduction with local experts event on the 18th of October 2024. The event was part of the Anti-Slavery Week of events and was organised by the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Greater Manchester Deputy Mayor’s office.

The focus of the event was to raise awareness about modern slavery and ask businesses, organisations and individuals in Manchester to recognise signs of exploitation. The panel discussion also highlighted what the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s approach is towards addressing this complex organised crime. Read more here.

Hazards at the TUC Unionreps Connect event

15th October 2024: The Unionreps Connect event took place at the TUC in London on the 15^th October. Hundreds of union reps from multiple unions descended on Congress House for a full day of employment related talks, workshops, stalls and networking.

The Greater Manchester Hazards Centre (GMHC) set up shop at the event where the two co-ordinators (Janet and William) spoke to and advised dozens of reps including safety reps and workplace activists on a variety of safety issues. The topics raised by reps were consistent with a number of areas in the Hazards Manifesto including; air quality, better recognition and understanding of mental health issues, long Covid, resources and research to support reps on safety matters, enforceable workplace safety systems, campaigns for a more active and independent regulatory body, the value of the annual Hazards conferences, toxic substances, the Hazards Magazine, heat stress and better accountability over building maintenance.

At the GMHC stall, numerous Hazards guides and the CO₂ monitors stimulated conversations about how to organise workers on safety matters. Reps were keen to know more about strategies to obtain genuine consultation with management over workplace changes and safety issues as well as evidence-based approaches to enforcement. The working environment, inadequate accident/ incident reporting (including mental health), workloads, stress and air quality in the workplace were popular discussion topics. There was demonstrations and guidance from GMHC on measuring CO₂ as a proxy for air quality, resources from the Trade Union Clean Air Network (TUCAN) and even a guide on how to build your own air filtration system. Many reps were concerned that their workplaces were not getting adequate natural or mechanical filtration potentially impacting health and general well-being. The Act Now on Mental Health leaflets, Hazards Magazine and TUCAN leaflets/guides were pretty much all snapped up as reps added them to their conference bags.

There were speeches from TUC General Secretary, Paul Nowak and Justin Madders MP and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets).

With a choice of eight workshops reps appeared energised by the insights, experiences and information shared out. The Supporting Neurodivergent Members workshop provided a good understanding of what neurodiversity means and how it affects individuals. It looked at what reasonable adjustments could be made in the workplace along with follow up links to useful resources. The Gender and Health and Safety workshop discussed the often overlooked or ignored risks to women’s health and safety, from badly fitting PPE to mental health issues affecting both men and women including menopause and andropause. The Social Media Challenges in the Workplace workshop highlighted the obligations many workers may unwittingly have both in and out of the workplace. This included being unaware of company policies, grey areas, views expressed, pictures and sharing posted content. The rise in misinformation and right-wing propganda on social media was a common concern at the workshop. The Big Employment Law workshop was also well attended and discussed The Employment Rights Bill with looking at ways how to organise and use this to improve rights and conditions.

Finally, earlier in the day Emma Game from Thompson Solicitors provided a valuable guide to amendments to employment legislation based case law and arbitration or court rulings. Towards the end of the event reps had a chance to share how they could take lessons from the talks and the stalls back to the workplace for organising and supporting members along with engaging potential members.

World Mental Health Day 10 October 2024

World Mental Health Day 10 October 2024: Unhealthy conditions including exclusion, discrimination, and exposure to risks like harassment, high workloads and poor working conditions can pose significant risks to workers. This can adversely affect mental health, overall quality of life and consequently participation or productivity at work.

Today is a good reminder that workers can organise with their trade union and ensure employers are meeting their responsibilities. There are three main areas where trade unions should take direct action:

1. A strategy for preventing work related stress and mental ill health
2. Supporting individuals at work with mental ill health
3. Providing a positive mental health work environment

For those not yet in a union, you can still ‘Act Now’ by sharing and downloading our free Act Now on Mental Health leaflet

Hazards and the Troublemakers

5th October 2024: The Hazards Centre had two stalls at this years annual Troublemakers At Work Conference held in Manchester. The event was attended by a range of voluntary and community organisations, trade unions, campaign groups and political figures. Of the visitors to the Hazards stall many were interested in how to organise and enforce their rights to protect workers and volunteers. Workloads and stress came up regularly but there was also interest in how climate change and the diminishing role of the HSE were affecting safer working. The Hazards Magazine was a popular resource as was the easy-to-use guide from the Hazards Centre on organising for safer workplaces.

The main events and workshops included; Fighting Back Under Labour, Precarious and Migrant Workers Organising, Confronting Far Right Ideas in the Workplace and Anti-Union Laws, Lessons from the Strike Waves amongst many others. To see more on this event held on 5th October 2024 and the campaign work of Troublemakers At Work click here.

Calling Safety Reps – How does your workplace record accidents?

October 2024: The GMHC is keen to know if and how you record accidents/ incidents at your workplace. Our short survey is anonymous and will help to inform us about any areas of accident reporting that we should campaign on. Use the link below to start the survey. If you are interested in becoming a health and safety rep (HSR) contact your union. To find out which union covers your workplace please click here.

Start the Survey Here

If you are in the North West of England you can leave your email address if you’d like to join our North West Safety Reps Network. Thank You.