Proposed Procedure for Dealing with Matters Relating to Health and Safety at Work - Balfour Beatty Rail Plant

Our ref: HSR/4/2
Head Office Circular: NP/14/21
12th January 2021
To: The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague,

PROPOSED PROCEDURE FOR DEALING WITH MATTERS RELATING TO HEALTH & SAFETY AT WORK – BALFOUR BEATTY RAIL PLANT

The Lead Officer reported to me on the latest developments in relation to the above mentioned matter.

As part of the on-going review of the existing representative structures initiated by the RMT staff side an area identified as requiring development was that of the Health & Safety procedures. Currently there is at best an ad hoc approach to dealing with such issues and it was widely felt that a more formal procedure is required in order to more effectively represent the interests of RMT and our members.

Following a series of negotiations a formal proposal was received from the company which if endorsed would see the introduction of an agreed machinery of negotiation along with the formation of a Joint Safety Committee as a means by which to appropriately address health & safety related issues.

The proposal is effectively a template document adapted from the existing Transport for Wales procedures previously endorsed by the RMT National Executive Committee and as a consequence currently being used effectively in the interests of members.

These proposals appear to meet the aspirations of our members and as such should be endorsed by the RMT National Executive Committee.

Further to this report, your NEC noted and adopted the following report of its Health and Safety Sub Committee:

We note report from the Relief Regional Organiser (South) for which he is thanked. The NEC notes that the proposal is effectively a template document adapted from the existing Transport for Wales procedures previously endorsed by this NEC and as a consequence currently being used effectively in the interests of members. The General Secretary is therefore instructed to write to the company indicating RMT’s acceptance of the company’s procedure for dealing with matters relating to heath and safety at work.

Branches and Regional Councils to be advised.

Relevant members to be advised via email and text.

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