{"id":21861,"date":"2020-06-02T16:21:10","date_gmt":"2020-06-02T15:21:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unitelive.org\/?p=21861"},"modified":"2020-06-03T15:16:47","modified_gmt":"2020-06-03T14:16:47","slug":"no-stone-left-unturned-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unitelive.test.igniteamt.com\/?p=21861","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;No stone left unturned&#8217;"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"fb-root\"><\/div>\n\n<p>As the UK-wide lockdown continues to ease amid the coronavirus pandemic, more and more people will be asked to return to work. But Unite has vowed from the beginning that no worker should return unless they feel absolutely safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Unite\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s health and safety team are now hard at work ensuring that health and safety measures in workplaces across the UK are of the highest standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;UniteLIVE this week caught up with Unite national health and safety advisor Rob Miguel to find out what exactly the union was up to as it works to ensure a safe return to work for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Risk assessments vital<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;\u00e2\u20ac\u015bFirst of all, we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve been absolutely firm that all workplaces must have risk assessments in place before any return to work occurs,\u00e2\u20ac\u0165 he said. \u00e2\u20ac\u015bUnite has created a suite of health and safety guidelines such as a risk assessment guide that employers can use in conjunction with health and safety reps, which we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve put <a href=\"https:\/\/unitetheunion.org\/media\/3069\/009-riskassessandprocedures-2020-05-07.pdf\">online<\/a>.\u00e2\u20ac\u0165<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;\u00e2\u20ac\u015bWe\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re also in consultation with various government bodies and advisory committees covering most sectors, trade bodies and our industry partners such as the Joint Industry Board in construction, Rolls \u00e2\u20ac\u201cRoyce manufacturing and various transport organisations including TFL.&nbsp; We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re working with these organisations so that jointly agreed health and safety controls measures, procedures and documents are in place for a safe return to work.\u00e2\u20ac\u0165<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00c2\u00a0Miguel also highlighted close working with Unite\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s communications department around a campaign to create communication messages and materials such as posters reminding people to wash their hands and maintain social distancing. This includes a film produced by Unite that highlights all the major health and safety issues Unite has identified as people return to work. You can view the film below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Safe travel, Safe work, Strong unions\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RYopvxfaxEs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;While Unite believes many workplaces have made great strides in ensuring a safe return to work, the union still has many wider concerns about people returning to work amid a pandemic that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s far from over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>PPE and social distancing<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;\u00e2\u20ac\u015bIn the government\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s package of advice with Public Health England (PHE) and other health authorities there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s no provision for PPE outside of a health setting or some specific sectors they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve nominated such as cleaning, prisons; first line responders, which include for example the fire and police services; and those handling deceased bodies such as in funeral parlors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;\u00e2\u20ac\u015bThe advice from government is that PPE is not effective outside of these settings \u00e2\u20ac\u201c and we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve put the question to PHE and HSE as to why that is so. The responses have been varied but recent responses have indicated that PPE is indeed effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u20ac\u015bUnite believes in line with health and safety law that risk assessment should dictate whether PPE should be selected as part of collective control measures. Current government advice in England, and other devolved countries differ, is that 2m social distancing can be breached in the workplace under certain circumstances. Our position is that 2m should be maintained or solid barriers erected. Given the guidance this may not be the case at all times; in those cases appropriate PPE must be provided as part of a collective regime of control measures.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Miguel noted that social distancing is a vital infection control measure, but in reality some workers will find themselves in a position where this will be difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u20ac\u015bWe really need to listen to those workers and understand the position they are being put in, and to insist measures are in place so they are adequately protected,\u00e2\u20ac\u0165 he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;\u00e2\u20ac\u015bOur cabin crew reps for example have said in aircraft you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll have cabin crew in close contact with people in a confined space so being less than 2m away from people at all times is just unavoidable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u20ac\u015bWe need to smell the coffee and see how it is actually going to be for our people &#8211; if that work goes on then those workers must be protected. That can happen using a range of risk control measures, but if risk remains then PPE should be provided,\u00e2\u20ac\u0165 he explained. \u00e2\u20ac\u015bIn some workplaces like factories they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll have less of a problem, as there are more options such as reconfiguring the workplace and erecting barriers.\u00e2\u20ac\u0165<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00c2\u00a0Even in workplaces where social distancing can be maintained, it should be seen as only one health and safety measure out of many &#8212; for example, hygiene controls such as enhanced cleaning and provision of washing facilities is essential.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u20ac\u015bIt must be remembered that social distancing relies on people and so is subject to human error,\u00e2\u20ac\u0165 Miguel said. \u00e2\u20ac\u015bWhile people are working they may forget while concentrating on their work. Take construction for example \u00e2\u20ac\u201c they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re lifting, moving, carrying, turning and twisting, and are so enhancing the risk of breaches connected to human error. Social distancing needs to be supported by additional controls such as solid barriers, markings on the floor, signs, tool box talks and training.\u00e2\u20ac\u0165<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Test, track and trace system<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Miguel welcomed the government developing a test and trace system, which he said will be absolutely vital as part of a widespread safe return to work. But, he added, the system will only work if it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s up and running on a mass scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u20ac\u015bWe absolutely support a test, track and trace system so that people who are confirmed to have the virus and their direct contacts will be taken out of the workplace and asked to self-isolate and therefore mitigate the spread,\u00e2\u20ac\u0165 Miguel noted. \u00e2\u20ac\u015bThe concept is to replace the current blanket isolation of millions of&nbsp; people in their homes for months, with a system that isolates those who present the highest risk of&nbsp; passing on infection in temporary isolation for one or two weeks.&nbsp; It will also capture the large cohort of asymptomatic people far better than if we keep the virus invisible and beneath any detection radar.\u00e2\u20ac\u0165<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The system has proved very successful in countries that have adopted the system, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/amp\/s\/amp.theguardian.com\/world\/2020\/apr\/23\/test-trace-contain-how-south-korea-flattened-its-coronavirus-curve\">South Korea being typical <\/a>.The system is also being rolled out in the USA with<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/amp\/s\/www.bloomberg.com\/amp\/news\/articles\/2020-04-11\/states-prepare-test-and-trace-programs-to-reopen-their-economies\"> certain states leading the charge<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Other developed countries have or will implement this system as they have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prospectmagazine.co.uk\/magazine\/germany-covid-19-masterclass-testing-tracing-uk\">done successfully in Germany.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;\u00e2\u20ac\u015bThe issues we will face include putting in place a robust system, which incorporates the right technology and having adequate test and track personnel operating the system, with the right communications mediums,\u00e2\u20ac\u0165 Miguel continued. \u00e2\u20ac\u015bHowever government must ensure measures are in place for adequate financial support to pay those who have to isolate when traced.\u00e2\u20ac\u0165<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Schools and public transport<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Other ongoing health and safety concerns for Unite are the issues of childcare and using public transport to return to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;\u00e2\u20ac\u015bSchools are still by and large closed and now they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re asking people to return to work \u00e2\u20ac\u201c it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a bit backwards isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t it? Some people will find themselves having to leave children with grandparents and other relatives that they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re not supposed to be having contact with \u00e2\u20ac\u201c so this presents itself as a major health issue,\u00e2\u20ac\u0165 Miguel said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;\u00e2\u20ac\u015bOn the issue of public transport, we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re concerned that for people who have no other option but to use public transport to travel to work will be forced to be in contact with large groups of people. We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re urging employers to give their workers travel advice and to provide extra parking spaces for cars and bikes.\u00e2\u20ac\u0165<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Above all, Miguel said Unite members should only return to work when they feel absolutely safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u20ac\u015bBe sure that your workplace has conducted a thorough risk assessment in consultation with the union,\u00e2\u20ac\u0165 he said. \u00e2\u20ac\u015bOur message to reps is that before any return to work, ensure all pre-work checks have been made \u00e2\u20ac\u201c this includes deep cleaning of the workplace; and that all the systems have been checked as they may have been off for some time like water, ventilation systems and lifts.\u00e2\u20ac\u0165<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;\u00e2\u20ac\u015bIt is vital that the correct procedures are in place to comply with social distancing and hygiene controls \u00e2\u20ac\u201c and that must apply throughout the workplace from canteens, to where they work, to where they park. No stone should be left unturned when it comes to health and safety in these unprecedented times.\u00e2\u20ac\u0165<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00c2\u00a0Find out more about your return to work rights and other health and safety issues amid the coronavirus pandemic on our <a href=\"https:\/\/unitetheunion.org\/campaigns\/coronavirus-covid-19-advice\/\">webpage here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>By Hajera Blagg<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the UK-wide lockdown continues to ease amid the coronavirus pandemic, more and more people will be asked to return to work. But Unite has vowed from the beginning that no worker should return unless they feel absolutely safe. &nbsp;Unite\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s health and safety team are now hard at work ensuring that health and safety measures [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":21709,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1308,17],"tags":[1295,290],"wps_subtitle":"How Unite is fighting for a safe return to work for members","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/unitelive.test.igniteamt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21861"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/unitelive.test.igniteamt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/unitelive.test.igniteamt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unitelive.test.igniteamt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unitelive.test.igniteamt.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=21861"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/unitelive.test.igniteamt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21861\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21869,"href":"https:\/\/unitelive.test.igniteamt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21861\/revisions\/21869"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unitelive.test.igniteamt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/21709"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/unitelive.test.igniteamt.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=21861"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unitelive.test.igniteamt.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=21861"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unitelive.test.igniteamt.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=21861"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}