Union makes workplace safer? Are unionized workplaces safer & healthier? – theory & practice What steps unions need to take to make work place safer? [TU training, Union Safety Audits of work place, Social Dialogue & Negotiations with Management, CB agenda, workers awareness and involvement] Union approach to safety & Health – what? International Workers Memorial Day (28 April each year) – Remember the Dead, Fight for the Living - what can your union do?

Key factor in accident prevention Source: http://www.hazards.org/images/unioneffectchooseunions672px.jpg

Role of Unionist As unionist, it’s not about what you know, it’s about what you do – involving members, uncovering problems and, crucially, demanding action. Job of a trade union rep is - to know what the problems are, make coherent proposals and convey the problem and what needs doing to the members. It is essential to communicate with the workers. It’s not so much about the technical knowledge, it’s about organizing – about union building – having a trade union perspective on why OSH?

Training alone is not sufficient! TU training important - supports workplace health & safety and acts as a stimulus for proactive measures for safety – HOWEVER For training to be effective in preventing occupational injuries & illnesses, it also requires – - management commitment and investment - worker involvement in a comprehensive hazard identification and - risk management programme. When dealing with management, keep a paper trail, set timetables for action and check to see deadlines are observed

Law & Employer Responsibility Does your law provide for Employer’s responsibility to consult with safety representatives in unionized workplaces? Beware – Employers’ worker involvement initiatives can sometimes also mean - shifting responsibility away from management or to undermine the role of unions.

OSH: Promotion, awareness raising and advocacy Information collection on - occupational accidents and diseases - laws, policies and systems - drawbacks and solutions Methods/measures for awareness raising (information campaigns, simple training material, leaflets, etc) International Workers Memorial Day (28 April each year) – Remember the Dead, Fight for the Living - what can your union do? Campaign - “no data, no market” principle.