National Health and Safety Advisory Conference 2016

Our Ref: HSR/2/23
Head Office Circular: NP/153/15
18th August 2015
The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL SHIPPING BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague

NATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ADVISORY CONFERENCE 2016 -
CANCERS AND ASSOCIATED ILLNESS

RMT’s National Health and Safety Conference will be held at the Doncaster Trades Club on Wednesday 24th February 2016. In line with previous practice a training course will be provided to all delegates & will be related to the conference theme. In the past this has made it easier for delegates to obtain release with pay from their employers.

As in previous years the 2016 Health and Safety Conference will have a theme; this year’s theme, chosen by the Conference Liaison Committee, will be centred on Cancers & Associated Illness and will examine the causes and the known catalysts to these areas of concern and what health and safety reps can do to secure change in the workplace to improve working conditions for all RMT members.

Training

As part of the conference programme all delegates will be allocated a place on the RMT’s new safety course which will be offered either the day before conference, Tuesday 23rd  February 2016, or the day after, Thursday 25th February 2016. The training course will take place at Rutland House on Rutland Street in Doncaster DN1 2BF. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Potential delegates are asked to express their preference on the attached nomination form.

Nominations

Branches and Regional Councils are invited to nominate General or Shipping Grades members to attend conference who are, where possible, accredited Health and Safety Representatives. As 2015 has been a year of celebrating 100 years of organising women, Branches are encouraged to send women H&S representatives if possible. A nomination form is attached and may be photocopied, if necessary. Additional forms are also available from Head Office on request. Completed nomination forms should be returned to Head Office by the closing date of Friday 11th December 2015.

Resolutions

Branches and Regional Councils are also invited to submit suitable resolutions, relevant to health and safety within the transport industry as a whole. In order to improve Conference organisation and efficiency and to ensure the final agenda is delivered to delegates earlier than in previous years, Resolutions must be submitted to Head Office by the closing date of Friday 11th December 2015.

The Agenda will be sent to Branches and delegates early in the New Year 2016.

Branches are advised that it is appropriate that, where necessary, Delegates’ expenses, including overnight rate, can be funded from the Branch Management Fund or by Regional Council as appropriate. In line with AGM item No.64, 2005, Delegates should attempt to secure paid release from their employer. In cases where paid release is not secured and branches have insufficient funds they can apply to Head Office for a £35 delegate fee. Delegates must be nominated by the branch to receive this rate.

Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of relevant members.

Yours sincerely
 
Mick Cash
General Secretary