Safety reps urged to carry out checks today

As part of European Week for Safety and Health at Work, running all this week, construction union UCATT has designated today National Inspection Day, where safety representatives are encouraged to undertake a safety inspection of their workplace.

This year the safety awareness week focuses on maintenance. Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of UCATT, said:

“European Safety week is an excellent opportunity to ensure that workplaces and construction sites are as safe as possible. However, in order to ensure greater site safety in the future, these lessons need to be applied throughout the year, not just on one week.”

According to European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), which organises the week, up to 20% of workplace accidents are maintenance-related.

EU-OSHA’s Director Dr. Jukka Takala, said:

“Scientific studies show that maintenance workers are more prone to occupational diseases and work-related health problems such as asbestosis, cancer, hearing problems, and musculoskeletal disorders.”

He added:  

“For the sake of the health and safety of all workers everywhere, it is essential that we make the most of each opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of safe maintenance throughout Europe.”

Conferences, exhibitions, and training sessions to mark the week are being held in over 30 European countries.

Workplace Law Network has just launched the Workplace Law Health and Safety, Premises and Environment Handbook 2011, which includes A-Z guidance on everything you need to know about health and safety and premises management in the next 12 months, including all aspects of maintenance.