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When it comes to health and safety, the GMB’s reputation
is second to none, with experts at all levels of the organisation. Independent studies have shown that the training support
and information provided for all our representatives has significantly decreased accidents and ill health at work. How do we do this? GMB representatives are encouraged to work with employers on health and safety issues with a particular focus on
working to achieve solutions to the problems. Whatever health and safety problems you have, the health & safety department can assist you. If we don’t
have a specific leaflet or publication on the issue, we will get back to you with information and advice.
You can contact the department by phone on 0121 550 4888 or fax on 0121 550 4272. Further information on health and safety and useful documents can be
found on the GMB national website.
New Asbestos Regulations Come
into Force The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
came into force on 6 April 2012, updating previous
asbestos regulations to take account of the European Commission’s view that the UK had not fully implemented the EU
Directive on exposure to asbestos (Directive 2009/148/EC).
In practice, the changes
are fairly limited and mean that some types of non-licensed
work with asbestos now have additional requirements, i.e. notification of work, medical surveillance and record keeping.
All other requirements remain unchanged, e.g. relating to licensed work with asbestos, duty to manage,
risk assessment, the asbestos control limit, control measures and training requirements.
Further information will
be available on HSE’s Asbestos website - http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/index.htm
The Control
of Asbestos Regulations Guide 2006, a guide for safety representatives.
Health and Safety Matters Newsletter June 2012
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