Our Ref: HSR/4/2
Head Office Circular: NP/156/16
25th May 2016
The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS
Dear Colleague
BIRMINGHAM NEW STREET AIR QUALITY CONTROL
Following the screening of a Channel 4 documentary – Dispatches, broadcast in February 2016, with reports that air quality levels at Birmingham New Street station may pose a risk to worker and passenger health and safety. On considering a resolution from Birmingham Rail Branch the National Executive Committee have noted and adopted the following report of their Health and Safety Sub-committee:
We note the Branch’s concerns in this matter. The General Secretary is instructed to contact the researchers and the programme makers seeking copies of evidence in this matter. General Secretary is then instructed to raise this matter in line with the Branch resolution.
One of the fundamental principles of health and safety is that the company that creates ‘risk’ and ‘harm’ in a workplace is responsible for measuring, evaluating and controlling those ‘risks’. Information on those risks and the potential ‘harm’ to workers should then be shared with our Health and Safety Representatives.
Branches and Regional Councils be advised.
I am acting in accordance with these instructions. Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of relevant members.
Yours sincerely
Mick Cash
General Secretary