European Health and Safety week – musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

This year’s European Health and Safety week is focusing on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The aim of the week is to encourage employers and safety reps to focus on activities aimed at prevention of MSDs.

 

MSDs are the most common form of ill-health problem at work with work related MSDs affecting 1 million people in Great Britain alone each year. Problems include back pain, work-related neck and upper limb disorders (ULDs), including repetitive strain injuries, and lower limb disorders. Raising awareness, prevention and management are all key factors in reducing MSDs.

Resources for safety reps

Resources for safety reps on musculoskeletal issues are available at the HSE web site http://www.hse.gov.uk/campaigns/euroweek/safetyrepresources.htm These include checklists and a body mapping tool and slips assessment tool. There are also posters available on the website for this and the HSE 2006 Better Backs campaign.

TUC Congress opens with mention of Vodafone and Connect

Brendan Barber’s opening remarks to the TUC Congress included a reference to our recognition win in Vodafone. With reference to critics of modern-day trade unionism, The TUC’s General Secretary said;

“To those who say Trade Unions are a relic of a bygone age, stuck in the past, somehow irrelevant to the concerns and aspirations of the 21st century workforce, let us say;

You are wrong, wrong on every count.   

Try telling that to workers at Vodafone who have just voted for union recognition for Connect. Proof that Trade Unionism can not only survive but thrive in the private sector service economy”

Congratulations again to our Vodafone members on their achievement, which is of importance not only to us here at Connect but the British Trade Union Movement as a whole.