Free health and safety event at Elgin Community Centre for workers from overseas

HSE/SCO/161/2009 15 September 2009

"Your employment rights and access to training and education"

Migrant workers throughout Moray are urged to attend a free information evening in Elgin on Wednesday 23 September 2009, where advice will be provided about their rights and responsibilities under health and safety law, access to English language training and education and where to go for help with other matters.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE), the Moray Council's Community Planning Partnership, ESOL Services (English for Speakers of Other Languages), Moray College and Citizens Advice Bureau Moray have teamed up to provide migrant workers with practical information on their right to a safe working environment, what to do if they are concerned about their health and safety at work and training and education services available.

The event is taking place at Elgin Community Centre, Elgin, IV30 1UE at 7pm. Light refreshments will be available from 6.30pm.

Speaking before the event, Pamela McKenzie, Health and Safety Awareness Officer (HSAO) commented:

"Many migrant workers living in Scotland are not aware of their rights when it comes to safety at work. These people have a vital role to play in Scotland's workforce and, whether in full-time or temporary casual employment, they are entitled to work in a safe and fair working environment - the law provides protection for overseas workers whether they are working here legally or not.

"HSE would strongly encourage migrant workers to attend this event, to hear about prevention of injury and ill health at work."

Jim Maguire, ESOL Project Coordinator at New Elgin Primary School Annexe, said:

"This is an excellent opportunity for migrant workers to find out what their health and safety rights are along with other services available in a friendly environment.

"Moray's high quality ESOL programmes have been held up nationally as a model of good practice as we offer English classes at various days, times and locations to suit learners' needs and, to date, we have assisted more than 430 learners in accessing provision."

Geoff Ramshaw, Citizens Advice Bureau Moray, added:

"The Bureau receives enquiries from people of all backgrounds, on an extremely wide range of topics, including matters relating to Health and Safety. These may not necessarily be work related, but often arise from such issues as debt, relationships, housing, consumer problems etc having a detrimental effect on an individual's or family's physical and mental well-being.

"Citizens Advice stresses that its service is free, impartial, confidential and independent, and is intended to empower clients to see their way to a solution to their problem through a number of possible options available to them."

The free seminar will include presentations on a range of topics including:

• Your right to be safe and healthy at work (Health and Safety Executive)
• How the Citizens Advice Bureau can help you
• ESOL training courses
• Scottish Qualifications Higher Learning for ESOL

Experts and a Polish interpreter will also be on hand to answer questions and there will be a small exhibition area with information on all topics covered by the workshop.

Notes to editors

1. Further information on the Health and Safety of Migrant workers in Scotland is available in 14 languages.

Press enquiries

Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office.

Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by COI News and PR Scotland.