# data[].attributes.headline
Link to UNISON Health and Safety Knowledge Base - Loads of really useful links! 

# data[].attributes.subject
Link to UNISON Health and Safety Knowledge Base - Loads of really useful links! 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We use cookies on our website to ensure you find the information you need in the simplest way. By continuing to use our website you are consenting to their use. Find out more about cookies and how we use them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Health and safety | Knowledge Base | UNISON National

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We use cookies on our website to ensure you find the information you need in the simplest way. By continuing to use our website you are consenting to their use. Find out more about cookies and how we use them.

# data[].attributes.headline
Organising for Health and Safety PDF workbook 

# data[].attributes.subject
Organising for Health and Safety PDF workbook 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Coronavirus is, above all, a health and safety issue. From making the argument for PPE for key workers, to ensuring that members can work safely from home, the role of the health and safety rep has never been more important.
Coronavirus: what you need to know
We've gathered together some online training and learning resources for UNISON health and safety reps, or for members who are interested in learning more.

If you think the role of the health and safety rep might be for you, then you can find out more in our presentation, 'Becoming a health and safety rep - an introduction'
Download the presentation
If you're not yet a health and safety rep but think you might like to become one, you can express your interest here:
Be on the safe side
Our introductory course for health and safety reps has been updated and adapted for online delivery. This is being delivered both nationally and by regional education teams.
See upcoming national courses Find your regional education team
As UNISON's guidance for health and safety reps states, coronavirus (COVID-19) represents a potential hazard in the workplace. It is therefore important that UNISON's safety reps use their powers responsibly to carry out inspections where required, to make sure that everything possible is being done to reduce the risk of spreading the infection, and ensure those on the front line of care are provided and trained in the use of the appropriate gloves, masks, aprons and eye protection. Often, the most dangerous time for a health or care worker is when removing their equipment, and that is why it is important they are trained in how to do so.
UNISON guidance for health and safety reps
UNISON's Bargaining Support Group has produced a number of guides which can help health and safety reps make the case for a safer workplace.
Easing of lockdown Staff unable to work Sickness absence All UNISON bargaining guides
The risk assessment is an important part of ensuring that the workplace is safe. Find out more on UNISON's knowledge base.
Risk assessment
There are PowerPoint presentations exploring the implications of coronavirus for risk assessments as the lockdown begins to ease. You can use them to walk yourself through the issues, or perhaps present them to other branch reps over video conference.
Returning to work safely: presentation "At Work" risk assessment: presentation
And the TUC has a very helpful e-learning module taking you through the risk assessment process step by step.
Coronavirus: return to safe workplaces
Other Powerpoint presentations cover what employers need to do (both in a social care setting and more generally) and basic health and safety principles as applied in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.
What employers need to do (general) What employers need to do (social care) Health and safety principles and the coronavirus
UNISON held a webinar covering the topic of risk assessments. You can find many of UNISON's webinars on the Organising Space.
Watch a recording
There are less obvious - but equally important - aspects to health and safety that have come into particular focus at this time. One of these is the issue of domestic abuse. As explained in UNISON's guidance, domestic abuse is a trade union issue, and a health and safety issue. With many homes having suddenly become workplaces, and against a background of heightened tension, members may be at increased risk of experiencing domestic abuse.

The TUC has produced an e-learning module outlining the issues and explaining what you can do to help.
TUC domestic abuse guidance TUC e-learning module
Mental health at work is also a health and safety issue, and one which has come under scrutiny during the coronavirus pandemic. Public services staff are working under high pressure and in stressful environments. UNISON has guidance on taking a health and safety approach to tackling stress.
Mental health matters: guidance for branches Stress: a UNISON guide
UNISON's course for new health and safety reps has been adapted for online delivery and rolled out across the union. Your regional education team will be able to advise you when the next course will be running.
Contact your regional education team
If you're looking for a quick refresher on a particular health and safety issue, the TUC's eNotes can take you through the basics in twenty minutes or so. The modules on Health and Safety and Organising, Work Related Upper Limb Disorders, and Fit For Work may be of particular interest at this time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Coronavirus is, above all, a health and safety issue. From making the argument for PPE for key workers, to ensuring that members can work safely from home, the role of the health and safety rep has never been more important.

# data[].attributes.headline
Branch Health and Safety Officers on-line course Briefing Pack

# data[].attributes.subject
Branch Health and Safety Officers on-line course Briefing Pack

# data[].attributes.body
August 2020

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Health and Safety Comittee Workshop Sept 21

# data[].attributes.headline
HSE Involving Your Workforce in Health and Safety 

# data[].attributes.subject
HSE Involving Your Workforce in Health and Safety 

# data[].attributes.headline
Domestic Violence: A Trade Union Issues 

# data[].attributes.subject
Domestic Violence: A Trade Union Issues 

# data[].attributes.headline
Proving Disability and Reasonable Adjustment under the Equality Act 

# data[].attributes.subject
Proving Disability and Reasonable Adjustment under the Equality Act 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
How much does it cost to join?

Northern Ireland membership rates do not have contributions towards political funds and start from £1.22 a month.
We also offer membership for just £10 a year to students and apprentices.*

* You can join UNISON for just £10 a year if you are earning the minimum wage for apprentices, or are in the following categories:

intermediate (England)

modern apprenticeship (Scotland)

foundation apprenticeship (Cymru/Wales)

All other apprentices will pay the standard pay-related UNISON subscription rates.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We're the UK's largest public service union, with over 1.4 million members. Join today and you'll receive our support - with membership costing less than you might think. Before you get to work, get essential cover.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted why workplace safety is so important. But we can't make workplaces across the public sector safe without YOU.

The words Health and Safety may conjure up visions of clipboards, regulations and paperwork, but it's really not like that.

Being a Safety rep means you will be playing a crucial role in making sure your workplace is safe, secure and clean for all your colleagues and service users.

You'll also gain new skills and meet others who are passionate about workplace safety.

What do Safety reps do?

Safety reps:

talk to members about their health and safety issues and work together with management to resolve these issues.

investigate potential hazards

raise concerns with your employer to improve safety in the workplace and deal with specific problems that arise at work

promote better health and safety in the workplace and encourage everyone to get involved in the union - UNISON is the union that gets things done.

How do I become a Safety Rep?

We don't expect you to be an expert from day one, we'll train you in every aspect of the role. Ideally you should have reasonable experience of your workplace and how the work is done. However, you'll be supported all the way by one of our union organisers from your regional office.

To learn more about becoming a rep, you can take part in some of our taster webinars.

Although there is legally no training required your branch may ask you to undertake some training. Safety reps are entitled to time off for training. Your branch will help in getting this agreed by your employer.

UNISON provide various online options including a short introductory course, or a course of six 90 minute classes, once a week. There'll be a chance to chat with other new safety reps and get more one to one time with the tutor if you need it. There are also other specialist courses, including one on COVID-19.

We also have an online community, our Organising Space, where you can chat with other Health and Safety reps around the country.

To start your journey, fill in the form below and someone from UNISON will call you back, and answer any questions you might have, and discuss the next steps to take to becoming a Safety Rep.

Sorry!

Our online forms use javascript to enable advanced features such as saving and continuing later, and to improve security. Please either enable javascript for this site or contact your IT department for further help.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Become a Safety rep | UNISON Health and Safety | UNISON National

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The most important tools that UNISON has to ensure the health, safety and welfare of our members are our safety representatives, safety officers and safety committees. Our Health and Safety reps play a vital role in the union.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Health and Safety Comittee Workshop Sept 21

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What are the benefits of using the H&S review tool?Branch activists, especially safety reps have an important role in examining employers’ risk assessments. Part of this work is deciding whether they are suitable and sufficient. This tool supports you in the review process and guides you through the steps to take. Once you have completed the steps a PDF of the report will be generated to be used in workplace negotiations for improvements.You can help improve this tool, share your feedback.