Dear Members,
Last week we had a meeting on the changes to teaching this coming academic year. A key issue of concern was whether returning to campus would be safe. UCU has attended regular meetings with the H&S Directorate, Estates and HR since lockdown and we are satisfied that the University is prioritizing Health and Safety and is taking an evidence-led approach in the development of it’s safety measures. However, the work is high level, related to risk assessments, policy documents and so on. The safety for individuals is very much dependent on what happens in each of our working areas.
For this reason, we are putting a call out for Covid Health and Safety Reps in each department. The Covid H&S representative can help with advice to staff (all, not just UCU members), liaise with local managers, and report problems to the UCU committee and the Health and Safety Directorate if necessary. They will have access to support and training from the UCU. Trade Union Health and Safety representatives have special status in the law (rights to investigate, consult and personal protections). In addition, we know that University’s Health and Safety Directorate would welcome additional support from union reps. In essence, we have to work together to keep each other safe.
How to get appointed
- Discuss being a H&S rep with members of staff in your area, it is OK to have more than one.
- Contact UCU to let us know. We will pass on your details to HR and the Health & Safety Directorate.
- Departmental Reps can be H&S reps
What will the role entail?
- Familiarizing yourself with the relevant policies and risk assessments in your area (can be limited to coronavirus health and safety issues).
- This includes University documentation, government guidelines, and UCU documentation (e.g. see UCU advice to HE branches attached).
- Familiarize yourself with your rights as a Trade Union H&S representative.
- Provide advice to staff in your department, answer staff queries, and report problems to the line manager, Health and Safety Directorate and UCU committee.
- Liaise with managers in the Faculty who are responsible for Health and Safety. In FHS and FoSE, there are a number of staff who have specialized Health and Safety responsibilities.
UCU committee will provide help and support.
If you have any questions please contact our Branch Secretary, Kevin Paulson, K.S.Paulson@associate.hull.ac.uk or our Branch Administrator, Vicky Cattini, Victoria.Cattini@hull.ac.uk