Health & Safety

The TUC are running a free online course for young union members in June entitled ‘An introduction to the role of union health and safety rep’, tutored by the excellent Dave Smith.

In 2015 at Blackfriars Crown Court, Lorraine Barwell, a 54-year-old grandmother, was kicked twice, once in the body and once in the head, during the restraint of a prisoner in custody. She died from brain injuries caused by the second blow.

Like all infections, a national problem becomes a bigger problem within the prison system because of the close proximity we have with each other and with prisoners.

It is important for employees to report any injury or near miss as soon as possible.

The TUC have reintroduced an introductory session regarding the role of the Health and Safety Rep aimed exclusively at young union members.

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) is a lightweight form of concrete, with an estimated useful life of around 30 years. RAAC has been used in hospitals, schools and other public sector building construction since the late 1950s/early 1960s up until the mid-1990s.

Whatever your opinion may be about rats, two things can be agreed upon universally: they are extremely clever and very resilient.

Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas formed by the radioactive decay of small amounts of uranium that occur naturally in all rocks and soils. Radon is everywhere, outdoors, and indoors. In most areas, levels are low and the risk to health small.

The NEC have recently become aware of a fire in a prison establishment which has raised many concerns.

Following new concerns of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), the TUC are advising that an organising approach to support Branch Officials should be taken in order for them to ask the right questions of their employers and consider routes to escalation.