Norse event
WAVENEY Norse – Health & Safety Awareness Event
Local UNISON representatives held a Health & Safety awareness event in October at the Rotterdam depot in Lowestoft, which was welcomed by members and non-members alike. Operational areas at the depot include, street cleansing, refuse/trade waste, car parks, grounds maintenance to name just a few, an environment which has the potential for significant risks for all staff involved.
UNISON believes Health & Safety in the workplace is an issue for everyone. Every year, thousands of people suffer accidents and ill-health at work - most of which could be avoided.
The Awareness Day highlighted specific areas of Health & Safety, for example, preventing accidents at work. However, other issues such as violence and aggression, sickness absence and bullying, also fall within the Government’s Health & Safety Regulations, and as such would be treated seriously by UNISON and the employer.
All members had the opportunity to talk about their own experiences with their local UNISON H&S representatives. These representatives are fully accredited and trained by UNISON on H&S issues. Members were also offered information leaflets to take away giving guidance on an assortment of Health & Safety issues.
Thompsons solicitors offer free legal advice to all UNISON members, and we were pleased to have a solicitor present on the day to chat with members and offer advice and support.
Additionally, the event also launched the Lealta Discount Card Club for all UNISON members in Waveney Norse. This shopping club linked with UNISON, enables members to access a range of discount benefits from thousands of major shops, online retailers, restaurants and service providers across the country. Members were more than happy to register and be able to start using their cards on the day.
UNISON’s service providers also supported the day. UIA insurance donated a prize for the branch’s Health & Safety quiz. Congratulations to Jean Pidcock, our winner, who answered the most questions correctly.
The feedback from members and non-members to the Awareness Event was extremely positive – further events are being considered for the future.
Deb Smith
Area Organiser
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