The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in a bid to improve levels of worker involvement in the management of health and safety, have introduced a Worker Involvement Programme, which is aimed at encouraging employers and workers to join together in managing the health and safety risks within their workplaces.
The launch of the Worker Involvement Programme is published in a new webpage, providing the necessary tools required for both employers and workers to manage health and safety jointly.
Some of the information within the new webpage is as follows:
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What is meant by "Worker Involvement".
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Useful contacts for further help with consultation and information outside health and safety.
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Legal position - including the duty to consult, what to consult on and a summary of representatives’ statutory roles.
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Overview for employers of the benefits of involving employees suggesting processes for involving workers in health and safety management, including practical tips and examples.
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Case studies of organisations already benefiting from worker involvement.
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Assessment tools such as a quick checklist. Examples of good practice, to see how your organisation is doing and to monitor progress.
Zoe Woodrow, Policy Adviser in HSE's Worker Involvement Programme said of the new initiative:
"The active involvement of workers is fundamental to good health and safety management. However, we know that many employers find it a difficult area to address. These resources provide a range of examples and suggestions that we hope will help employers and managers to encourage joint problem solving in their workplaces.
"The diversity of organisations that are benefiting from worker involvement and the variety of systems they have put in place show that there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution but that all organisations – whether in the private or public sector, whether large multi-site operations or smaller manufacturing firms – can involve workers in successful health and safety management."
Steve Hinks, Environmental Health and Safety Manager at Pirelli UK Tyres Ltd and Member of the HSC's Rubber Industry Advisory Committee said:
“We have long recognised the need for better engagement with workers in managing health and safety risks in the rubber industry.
“Many companies, particularly smaller ones, are unsure of the best ways to go about engaging with their workers in an area like health and safety. We are pleased that HSE has produced these helpful materials and will be promoting them to our members.”
The new HSE Worker Involvement webpage can be accessed by clicking the following:
HSE Worker Involvement in Health and Safety
Article by Alexandra Johnston
