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Take the risk out of work


during this pandemic. Tat is why the union is bumping up its training in health and safety and urging members to become health and safety reps, who have specific powers set out in law. Caroline Holmes (pictured), who runs the NUJ’s reps’ training programme, said: “Health and safety reps have rights, whether your workplace recognises the union or not. Every aspect of health and safety has implications for equality, which is embedded in all our training. We know that Covid-19 has had a different impact on BAME and disabled people.


H


ealth and safety, whether in the office or working from home, is essential – but never more than


“Once you have the groundings in H&S law and regulations, your employer will have to listen to you. Failure to follow proper H&S rules can be a criminal breach. Risk analysis is also relevant if you are working from home; the display screen equipment regulations and the set-up of the computer rules apply equally. “Some employers and HRs are


trying to move H&S into ‘wellbeing’, but don’t be fooled. Employers must protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees and other people who may be affected by their business, and assess risks in the workplace. “Te employer is responsible


for health and safety; an H&S rep has no greater liability in law for health and safety


breaches than any other employee.” Caroline will be holding a health and safety webinars for branches on Tuesday 30 June and one for reps in recognised and non-recognised workplaces on Wednesday 1 July. Contact her on tutraining@nuj.org. uk to book your place. Research has shown that


workplaces with union recognition and health and safety representatives experience around half the number of serious injuries than those without them.


NUJ Active Details of reps’ and professional training can be found in the union’s bi-monthly email newsleter, which also gives news of events, campaigns, petitions and activities for NUJ members. Make training a regular item on your branch agenda. Contact campaigns@nuj.org.uk to get your event in NUJ Active. London Freelance Branch has voted to fund its members on the NUJ’s professional courses for freelances: htps://www.nuj.org.uk/events/search/?keyword=Keyw ord&type=13&daterange=12


advice H&S Te NUJ’s H&S commitee has a wealth of


resources at: htps://www.dropbox.com/ sh/bplgs792gevll7e/AADFjP6xJ19Wle8 UQwEnWfSWa?dl=0.


Get official guidance for the UK on the Health and Safety Executive website and for Republic of Ireland Health and Safety Authority.


TRAINING


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