n By Keith Hatch
It was money well spent and the tests were offered to anyone aged 40 or over. The tests themselves were carried out by Hinkley Health, who sourced the tests and whose nurses on site carried out the screening.
The event also offered diabetes and cholesterol testing plus liver screening, alongside menopause testing too.
Sam added, “Frank Duggan was the first Unite rep to push for PSA testing, and this continued to be chased by Frank and Nick Halsall. We persisted for several years requesting the service, and without the involvement of Angie Young, Head of Hinkley Health, who arranged the procurement and delivery of the tests, the testing simply wouldn’t have happened.
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At Hinkley Point C, Unite reps have negotiated thousands of PSA tests for workers on the massive construction project.
Sam Thomas, pictured right, has worked at HPC for a decade and is a Unite senior safety rep.
Sam explained testing was the result of pressure from safety reps who had been asking Hinkley Health to provide PSA testing for several years.
Sam said, “This year, Hinkley Health finally delivered testing during Zero Harm Week and we secured 1,500 PSA test kits. This is something we hope to become an annual event.”
He continued, “We took the decision to promote the tests among members and other workers during our Unite Wellbeing Day, when around 2,000 workers came through our tent. This gave us the platform to promote the PSA tests, the resulting interest and uptake was extremely high.”
This year, Hinkley Health finally delivered testing during Zero Harm Week and we secured 1,500 PSA test kits. This is something we hope to become an annual event
Sam Thomas, Unite senior safety rep
The union organised speakers on the day covering issues including prostate cancer awareness, suicide prevention, gambling harm and financial wellbeing.
There were also information tables on Unite Young Members, Unite Apprentices, Unite Equalities, ARLA Gambling Harm, Samaritans, Lighthouse Charity and Citizens’ Advice.
As every rep who has organised an event knows, it’s not just the quality of the speakers and message that pulls in workers.
“Between the Unite and GMB branches we provided around £4,000 worth of food, refreshments, and giveaways for the workforce. This was done during working hours, meaning everyone could leave work to attend. We even had management and directors join us.”
The event was hosted by Unite branch secretary Nick Halsall, with the set up and tech done by Stefan Mahita.
21 unite buildingWORKER Spring 2026
“We also have excellent support from our Unite officer, Heathcliffe Pettifer, who consistently backs the reps and the work we’re trying to achieve on site.”
Another large construction site where Unite reps have been working to raise awareness of testing is Canary Wharf in London Docklands.
Unite convenor Trevor Simpson has also been pushing the employer to raise awareness and offer tests at this site.
Trevor explained, “The cost of tests was an initial hurdle, but Canary Wharf backed it and last year we were able to carry out voluntary testing. We tested around 100 operatives on Canary Wharf projects.”
At Canary Wharf adults over 45 were given the opportunity to be tested, and the numbers are just the start. Thanks to Trevor and Unite, Canary Wharf has agreed to continue this in the coming years.
Trevor feels that providing testing at work is vital, and that men should take up the offer when given the opportunity.
He said, “The construction industry has high numbers of men who in some cases do not have the time or inclination to go and get checked.
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