National Health and Safety Advisory Conference 2017

Our Ref: HSR/2/23
Head Office Circular: NP/215/16
3rd October 2016
The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL SHIPPING BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague

National Health and Safety Advisory Conference 2017
LONG HOURS LIMIT LIFE

RMT’s National Health and Safety Conference will be held at the Doncaster Trades Club on Wednesday 22nd February 2017. In line with previous practice a training course will be provided to all delegates and 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 2017 Health and Safety Conference will have a theme; this year’s theme, chosen by the Conference Liaison Committee, will be centred on fatigue and the risks arising from being forced to work long hours. Conference will focus on RMT organising strategies for health and safety reps and the steps they can take 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 21st February 2017, or the day after, Thursday 23rd February 2017. 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. To equally spread delegates across the training courses and to balance numbers delegates, who do not comply with the cut-off date for nominations, may have to be allocated to a less busy course.

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.  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 9th December 2016.

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 9th December 2016.

The Agenda and final conference arrangements will be sent to Branches and delegates early in the New Year 2017.

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