24 April 2024 , 08:31
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Hundreds of union health and safety representatives are embarking on a mission to inspect their workplace buildings this week.
They will be looking for life-threatening problems such as reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac), asbestos and fire hazards. The initiative, orchestrated by the TUC, coincides with the lead-up to Workers' Memorial Day this Sunday, which is an annual commemoration for those who have tragically lost their lives due to work-related illness or injury.
TUC general secretary, Paul Nowak, said: "Everyone should be safe at work but when some people step through the door of their workplace, they step into danger. This week trade unions are taking action by inspecting the safety of hundreds of workplace buildings.
Mr Nowak added: "We are calling on Government ministers to speed up the removal of Raac and asbestos from schools, hospitals and other public buildings. The health and safety reps that we train can be life-savers."
Accompanied by a demand for safer workplace buildings, the TUC is urging both the Government and employers to establish a national risk register, highlighting locations where hazardous building materials exist. Adding to its proposal measures, the union body recommended a 40-year deadline for the removal of asbestos from public establishments, prioritising schools first.
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