Our Ref: HSR/2/25
Head Office Circular: NP/137/20
5th June 2020
To: The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS
Dear Colleague,
NETWORK RAIL – WORKSAFE PROCEDURE
RMT Representatives have been involved in a review of the Company’s Worksafe Procedure under which workers have the right to take themselves to a place of safety if they believe the work they are being asked to undertake might put their health and safety at risk. It is a legal responsibility of the company to have such a policy to protect workers’ health and safety. Given the current situation with regard to Coronavirus such policies are an essential protection for workers.
The policy has now been considered by the National Executive Committee who, at their meeting on 3rd June 2020, noted and adopted the following report of their Health and Safety Sub-committee:
We note the policy on file and that it was developed with the full involvement of our Lead Union Health and Safety Representatives. General Secretary is instructed to write to the company informing them the policy will be acceptable to this union if two additions are made to the policy:
Reference should be made that the policy is developed to comply with the company’s legislative requirement contained in the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, Regulation 8 on serious and imminent danger.
Reference should be made to the agreement between the company and this Union that no worker invoking the policy will be subjected to any detriment.
Branches and Regional Councils be advised.
I am acting in accordance with these instructions. Please make the contents of this Circular available to all appropriate members.
Yours sincerely
Mick Cash
General Secretary