Roving safety reps get ready
11:44 03 Jun 2004
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A national launch of roving worker safety representatives - or worker safety advisers (WSAs) - backed by employer associations and unions and with cash support from the government is due this month.
At least two construction partnerships between employer associations and unions have put in bids for government funding of up to £100,000 a year to set up WSA schemes. Joint projects have been put together by both the Federation of Master Builders and the National Federation of Builders in conjunction with UCATT and the TGWU.
Results of all-industry bids for what the Health & Safety Executive calls its WSA Challenge Fund are due to be announced next week. The fund has government support of £3m over an initial three-year period.
Other employer organisations in construction that have expressed an interest in safety adviser partnerships include the Glass and Glazing Federation and the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association.
Activities of the worker safety advisers (WSAs) are expected to include:
- Carrying out workplace health and safety inspections.
- Assisting workers and employers on risk assessments.
- Acting as an expert source of health and safety information.
- Helping communications between workers and employers.
- Providing support on the management of health and safety.