In a recent survey most UNISON members identified health and safety as the most important workplace issue for them. Health and safety can be a matter of life and death.

UNISON is at the forefront of campaigns on issues such as stress at work and violence in the workplace.

Everybody who works has basic rights, which include things like sufficient space to work in, clean and well-lit workplaces and safe working practices.

To be effective in our fight for safe working conditions we have Health and Safety reps on the ground (see the ‘Contacts’ page for a full list) as well as the Branch Health and Safety Officer who is the primary contact between UNISON and the Employers.

UNISON Health and safety reps work to make the workplace as safe as possible. They can:

• Make representations to the employer on behalf of members on any health, safety and welfare matter
• Represent members in consultation with Health and Safety Executive inspectors or other enforcing authorities
• Inspect designated workplace areas at least every three months.
  A calendar of upcoming inspections will be added to the site soon
• Investigate any potential hazards, complaints by members and causes of accidents, dangerous occurrences and diseases

If you have a Health and Safety concern or an accident at work, please contact your local UNISON rep. If you do not have a rep at your site, please contact the Branch Health and Safety officer or UNISON Direct on 0845 355 0845.