GMB union Education, Health & Safety

Only a strong union can ensure that the boss deals with all risks!

We play a vital role in advocating for safe and healthy working conditions for our members. By representing collective interests, we can negotiate with bosses to implement stronger safety protocols, use better protective equipment, and address risky and hazardous environments. We also hold employers accountable for adhering to health and safety regulations, reporting violations, and ensuring that our members receive proper training to minimise risks on the job.

Moreover, we serve as a powerful voice for workers who may feel powerless to speak up about unsafe practices or incidents individually. Through collective bargaining and grievance procedures, we can support members with raising concerns and demand corrective actions from employers. This collective strength empowers workers to prioritise their well-being and refuse to perform tasks that could endanger their health or safety.

Furthermore, we collaborate with other agencies and organisations, such as Greater Manchester Hazards Centre (GMHC), to push for stronger workplace health and safety legislation and guidelines. By leveraging their resources, expertise, and lobbying efforts, together we can influence policy decisions that ultimately improve safety standards across the public and private sectors.

For more information and support, contact us or visit our national Health, Safety & Environment page.

Education, Health & Safety Officer Statement

“Our department is proud to provide training to our members on important workplace issues and health and safety matters, reaching to the Scottish, Irish and Welsh borders.

“We are currently running the recognised induction course for new reps and a five-day advanced session taking the reps onto a higher level in areas of representation. The course content is very practical, and health and safety orientated, raising awareness of the rights of reps and duties of employers.

“We invite the new reps to tell us about the specific issues they are facing at work, enabling the class to collectively identify the problems, set out a plan and seek solutions. The introduction includes exploring the role of the rep and their rights to raise and handle health and safety concerns in the workplace.

“The Health & Safety Executive Management Standards are flagged up in detail, highlighting the root causes of stress, which is a major problem in many workplaces. One of the causes of stress and anxiety is bullying and harassment and we set aside a whole day to explore the shortcomings of bad management and look at strategies for tackling these damaging behaviours.

“Case law and examples of disciplinaries and grievances play a big part in both the induction and the advanced courses. Reps tell us they appreciate the real-life examples of people struggling with the backing of their union.

“Our new advanced course is underway, with a pilot in Liverpool, which was met with great enthusiasm from the individuals taking part; it is about representation and putting robust grievances together which is so important. As part of the activities, we provide examples of cases and ask our reps to identify breaches of law and policies and weave them into a grievance submission.

“There is little doubt that reps are coming under increasing pressure and the quality of practical training is essential to ensure they are fully equipped to take on the challenge.”

In solidarity,

Paul Holleran, Regional Education, Health & Safety Officer

Paul Holleran GMB union education
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