Health & Safety and the Law
The
In part, this is because of the pioneering Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the various regulations made under it.
These regulations have the same status as other laws.
If all the legislation on health and safety was fully enforced the United Kingdom would be a very safe place to work. However, many of the health and safety regulations are not known about or are ignored by employers.
The Health and Safety at Work Act is the main piece of health and safety legislation. It puts a duty on employers to ensure the safety, health and welfare at work of their employees and to ensure their activities do not endanger others.
It also puts duties on designers, manufacturers and importers to ensure that equipment and substances are safe when used properly.
The Act also allows the secretary of state to make regulations on health and safety. This power has been used to introduce most subsequent health and safety legislation.
The Six Pack is a set of six regulations all introduced at the end of 1992 following a European directive. They are:
1. the Display Screen Equipment Regulations,
2. the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations,
3. the Manual Handling Operations Regulations,
4. the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations,
5. the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations and
6. the Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations.
In addition, there are regulations governing the supply, use and classification of all chemicals and other hazardous substances, and for the reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences.
Accidents at Work
UNISON issues the following standard guidance to members on dealing with accidents at work. If you or any member needs further advice contact UNISONdirect on 0845 355 0845.
Reporting the accident
All accidents, near misses, injuries or violence at work must be recorded in the workplace accident book.
If you are ill or have to take sick leave due to an accident, injury or illness at work, visit your GP.
Report the accident to your UNISON branch. It is important that unsafe working practices are rectified so that other workers do not suffer.
Personal injury claims
If there is negligence by your employer, UNISON may be able to represent you (without any charge) in making a legal claim for compensation.
Details of the case will be considered by the union's agent solicitors and, where appropriate, they will proceed to make a claim.
If you wish your case to be considered by our solicitors, contact your UNISON representative, telephone UNISONdirect on 0845 355 0845 or email the UNISON accident helpline at accidenthelpline@unison.co.uk.
UNISON accident benefit
Members are eligible for UNISON accident benefit where they are unable to work due to an accident in the course of their employment, an accident while travelling to work or an accident while on union business.
Contact your steward, or UNISONdirect.
UNISON Welfare
UNISON Welfare may be able to offer financial assistance in the form of a grant or a loan, or to assist in providing a recuperative break or convalescence.
Application forms are available from your branch welfare officer, steward or UNISONdirect.
State benefits
If you are off work and receive very little or no occupational sick pay, a range of state benefits are available.