Drax power joint health and safety training will break barriers
and improve health and safety
In a first for Drax power and across the power industry joint
manager / safety rep health and safety training is being piloted by
Unite.
Chris Emsen Safety Adviser at Drax power explains about the
project;
'Drax Power are trying to encourage elected Unite safety
representatives to take a proactive role within the workplace and
become actively involved in elements of safety training with their
peers and work colleagues. This is viewed as a key step change in
safety management on the site. Initial meetings have been held with
Unite senior stewards and it was decided to set up a day seminar
comprised of Unite safety reps and Drax managers under the
direction of Unite the Union training department. The seminar will
address the roles and responsibilities of both managers and safety
reps within the workplace in a joint training initiative.
From my experience there are huge benefits
when reps and managers are able to sit down and discuss safety
issues in a joint forum. The desire is to create an environment
where safety reps can influence their peer group in safety
performance at the sharp end and managers to understand the role
that safety reps fulfil within that environment.'
John Blagden Unite shop steward and safety
representative at Drax power continues;
Unite Safety Representatives are always
trying to improve the safety performance at Drax Power
Ltd.
'An important part of this is the
relationship between Safety Reps and Managers. To this end the
joint training can only be a benefit. It will help people to
understand, or remind, both reps and managers, of the various roles
each can play and indeed the legal position.
Unite Safety Reps think it is important to
have a good working relationship with Managers whilst maintaining
their independence. It is hoped the pilot course will develop into
part of the normal training regime at Drax Power Ltd.'
