Hunt to launch new workers webpages at TUC

E120:05 9 September 2005

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, will formally launch the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) revised Workers' WebPages on 13 September 2005, in a special event at TUC Congress.

The Workers' WebPages have been redesigned to better address key concerns for workers. They include extensive information on the health and safety roles and responsibilities of employees, including the rights of agency workers. The launch of the new WebPages is the focal point of an event to celebrate the partnership that exists between trade unions and the HSE.

The revised webpages can be found at: www.hse.gov.uk/workers/index.htm from 9am Monday 12 September 2005

"The HSE recognises the importance of involving workers in successful health and safety risk management," says Lord Hunt, "I am delighted to launch these new WebPages, developed in cooperation with the TUC, which are a rich source of information on health and safety for workers."

The site now gives information and guidance to assist workers in becoming involved in health and safety decision-making, including case studies and a worker involvement assessment tool.

Dedicated information for Trade Union safety representatives has also been included. This details the role of safety representatives in investigating accidents and ill health, the provision of training and facilities for representatives, and guidance on handling data protection issues.

In addition to the Workers' WebPages, Lord Hunt will highlight a further recent example of collaborative working with the TUC: Guidance for safety representatives on sickness absence and return to work. This short guide for Trade Union safety representatives offers practical advice on how they can help their employers manage sickness absence, by providing a contact point for sick colleagues with the workplace, and by assisting with the facilitation of the return to work of sick employees.

Worker Involvement is a key element of HSC's Strategy for workplace safety to 2010 and beyond published in 2004. The HSE set up a Worker Involvement Programme in January 2005 to encourage increased and improved employee participation in workplace health and safety.

"Both the workers' webpages and the guidance on sickness absence are evidence of the strong relationship that exists between the HSE and trade unions," Lord Hunt confirms, "The Commission and the Executive value highly the work of safety representatives and are committed to our partnership with the trade unions, who share our belief in health and safety as the cornerstone of a civilised society."

Notes to editors :

• Lord Hunt will speak at: 17:45, Tuesday 13 September 2005, Room 6, Brighton Centre, Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2GR. The event is open to all accredited TUC Congress delegates, and refreshments and a buffet will be provided.
• The revised workers webpages can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/workers/index.htm from 9am on Monday 12 September 2005.
• Guidance for Safety Representatives on sickness absence and return to work can be found at: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/web02.pdf [92kb]
• The Worker Involvement Programme is dedicated to securing more and better worker involvement in sensible health and safety risk management. The programme has been undertaken because workplaces where workers are involved in taking decisions about health and safety are safer and healthier workplaces. By persuading more employers to involve their staff in taking decisions about health and safety risks and how they should be managed, and encouraging more workers to become involved, the programme will make a significant contribution to the Health and Safety Commission's vision for a safer and healthier workforce.

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