Safety week inspections

A number of unions are asking reps to organise inspections during the European week.

The ISTC community union and UNISON public services union have called for inspections on Wednesday 15 October.

The ISTC says reps should:

* ask to see your employers COSHH risk assessments;

* get your employer to carry out new risk assessments where necessary;

* log on to the COSHH essentials website (www.coshh-essentials. org.uk) and examine a risk assessment online; and

* organise a meeting in your workplace.

ISTC research officer for health and safety Robert Sneddon said: "Safety reps can use the European week and the new regulations to take up issues raised by members, and get employers to carry out risk assessments and make improvements. It's an ideal opportunity to make a difference in every workplace."