Office of Rail Regulation

Our Ref: HSR/4/5
Head Office Circular: NP/173/14
2nd September 2014

The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague

Office of Rail Regulation

The National Health and Safety Advisory Conference passed the following resolution:

That we note the vital importance of fighting for Health and Safety standards, not only for our members day to day in the workplace, but in defending railways against profiteering.

We further note that senior Health and Safety reps have consistently challenged the employers both to maintain health and safety standards and to highlight breaches of safety by Management. It is important to have the best relationship and understanding possible with the Office of the Rail Regulator to assist in this work.

We congratulate RMT for maintaining regular meetings between senior Head Office staff and the ORR. We believe that the General Secretary should arrange a programme for key lay H&S reps to meet with our Health and Safety Officer on a regular basis to discuss issues and campaigns of major concern and RMT’s input into meetings with the ORR and other vital national and international forums.

On giving consideration to this resolution the General Grades Committee have noted and adopted the following report of their Health and Safety Sub-committee:

We note the resolution from the Health and Safety Advisory Conference and the sentiments of the resolution however we believe there are a number of meetings where these concerns are currently addressed:

1.    Trade Union General Secretaries/ HM Chief Inspector meetings (six monthly)
2.    National Health and Safety Advisory Committee meeting (minimum 4 a year)
3.    National Health and Safety Advisory Conference (annual)
4.    Trade Unions/ORR Health and Safety Conference (annual)

We encourage our local Health and Safety Representatives to have regular contact with local ORR Inspectors. Should these not be happening reports should be made to the Health and Safety Officer.

Branches and Regional Councils be advised.

I am acting in accordance with these instructions and will keep you informed of developments with this case.

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

Yours sincerely
 
Mick Cash
Acting General Secretary