Safety matters in every workplace!

I am very pleased to introduce a comprehensive Maritime specific Health and Safety update covering all aspects of Maritime. We have recently set our strategy for 2023 and as part of that national strategy we recognise that we need to be more effective in communicating with our Maritime members in every sector on Health and Safety issues that are relevant to you and your colleagues.

Health and Safety should not be viewed as a minor issue, bureaucratic red tape, or of lesser importance to industrial matters within the workplace such as pay, pensions or sick pay.

I have witnessed negativity towards Health and Safety in many formats, yet the one fundamental that we all want to ensure is that every single worker returns home to their loved ones at the end of their respective shift.

Why is it that Health and Safety is viewed in such a way by many, as an inferior subject to industrial matters, yet a safety issue in the workplace can turn emotive very quickly?

How organised are we in terms of safety in your workplace? Is Health and Safety a standing item of discussion at your branch or regional council? If not, why not?

Do we just expect to roll out the Health and Safety issues when we have a dispute to strengthen the argument whilst not fundamentally organising around health and safety?

I have a concern with regards to Health and Safety structures and our involvement in safety inspections, risk assessments and safety representation in all sectors and this is something that we need to place a clear focus on for 2023.

In order to assess our Health and Safety Representative cover in every workplace we will be seeking to complete a national matrix of Health and Safety Representatives to ascertain where we have gaps, but also where we have reps who require training and improved support to assist with undertaking the role of a safety representative.

If you are interested in becoming a Health and Safety Representative or would like more details on the role then contact our dedicated Health and Safety department for more information

Darren Procter, National Secretary