100 signatures reached
To: Mears and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
Covid Safety Measures
WORKERS AT MEARS STAND STRONGLY TOGETHER IN CALLING ON MEARS AND RMBC TO INCORPERATE THE BELOW COVID SECURE CHECKLIST, FOR THE SAFETY OF EMPLOYEES, TENANTS AND THE WIDER GENERAL PUBLIC.
Why is this important?
Are your Local Authorities Trades People and Council Tenants being put at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 during the National Lockdown?
During the first lockdown local authorities across the country reduced the service they provided and carried out emergencies only repairs in occupied houses. Following the announcement from Boris Johnson of a further lockdown on January 5th, some local authorities have been slow to act and are continuing with non-essential works within occupied properties. The workers can visit numerous properties within a day, frequently exposing workers and the tenants to the serious risk of contracting COVID-19.
Latest information indicates one in three people do not show any symptoms of the deadly virus. The new strain of the virus is 70% more transmissible and evidence suggests more variants are likely to develop.
By signing this petition, you are supporting Unite the Union to help reduce the spread of infections amongst workers and tenants within your Local Authority.
Checklist for Members and Reps (Re Construction Tradespersons entering properties and occupied premises)
• Unite supports local authorities and housing associations responding to emergency situations and essential maintenance only in occupied properties.
• Planned maintenance work can be undertaken in vacant (void) properties provided risk assessments are conducted and strict social distancing measures are enforced at all times.
• All necessary PPE supplied to workers who must have it before commencing work and completing jobs safely.
• Employers must consult with trade union representatives when producing a risk assessment and the results of risk assessments shared with and communicated to employees. All existing risk assessments need to be reviewed and updated.
• Unite reiterates the requirement for dynamic risk assessment which Includes an agreed stop work process, where the assessment highlights a serious risk. Incorporates method statements, including induction processes, being delivered remotely, utilising modern technology to update and inform all employees and workers prior to any works commencing.
• Safe systems of work to be reviewed and updated in light of the increased transmission of the new Covid-19 variant. This to include workplace and travel to work policies.
• Involvement of Unite stewards and health and safety representatives in all safety discussions. Please see Unite coronavirus guide.
• All employers must construct a stop work on health and safety grounds procedure. An employee who believes their safety is threatened can stop work, and work cannot be resumed until a solution is agreed. Develop these procedures with trade union representatives.
• All employees afforded protection under section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 (the right to withdraw from a work area when faced with imminent risk to health/safety).
• The right to decline work due to the failure of the responsible entity/person to ensure social distancing on site with no detriment to the worker.