“
If RAAC was suspected in an agricultural workplace then the first step would be to approach the farmer or manager with concerns. I would expect a survey and risk assessment as the next steps. Employers have a duty of care. If concerns are ignored it would escalate to either the HSE or local council building and planning departments, or possibly both
Steve Leniec Unite agricultural subsector chair
”
“Secondly, a comprehensive remediation plan to address the risks in public buildings including reinforcement, replacement, and
removal. You can find the letter here:
https://tinyurl.com/3e94j2m7
“We have also been bringing unions together to strategise on RAAC via a working group, and discussing how we influence those in government to take action and educate our own members. In terms of any further action the NISC might suggest, this could develop though the democratic structures of the working group and/or other usual channels.”
If you suspect RAAC Over what workers can do if they suspect a worksite building is unsafe
(for this or any reason), Unite’s Matthew Belsey on the HSE Agriculture Industry Advisory Committee said, “Any building work would be the responsibility of employers, landowners or tenants,
who should approach the landlord or their agents accordingly. If ignored and presenting real danger from collapse, or anything of concern, get in touch with your Unite rep. You can refuse to work in the building.
“Most farm workers are highly skilled and regularly undertake building projects including laying concrete, often at slack times. On the worst sites, it is more of a problem – [owners] may not care and are loath to spend money, or don’t have funds. In those cases the employee can only go to their Union or leave. If conditions are really dangerous the HSE can intervene, especially where building work is concerned.
“The concern is that employees in bad employment will be frightened to comment or make a perceived fuss.”
Unite’s agricultural subsector chair Steve Leniec added that much modern farm construction is metal
33 uniteLANDWORKER Winter 2023/24
framed or precast concrete, whereas RAAC has mainly been used for walls and ceilings. “If RAAC was suspected in an agricultural workplace then the first step would be to approach the farmer or manager with concerns. I would expect a survey and risk assessment as the next steps.
“Employers have a duty of care and if concerns are ignored I would assume it would escalate to either the HSE or local council building and planning departments, or possibly both.”
Find out more
HSE has a page aimed at Owners and Managers
www.hse.gov.uk/education/raac for managing risk from RAAC.
Alamy
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