NHS Employers charge for vital safety information

UNISON public services union and other unions with members in the NHS have protested strongly against a decision by the NHS employers’ organisation to charge for its annual health and safety guidance.

NHS Employers, which “represents [NHS] trusts in England on workforce issues”, is to charge £175 plus VAT for an individual annual subscription to the internet version of The healthy workplaces handbook: NHS reference guide to staff well-being – popularly known as “the Blue Book”. And even NHS organisations have to pay £40 for a hard copy of the latest edition.

UNISON national health and safety officer Robert Baughan described the move as “an absolute disgrace”, adding: “We have reminded [NHS Employers] that employers must provide, free of charge, the necessary information and instruction to ensure the health and safety of their employees.”

Employers have a duty under Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to provide this information and instruction. Under section 9 of the Act, it is an offence to levy payment for anything that an employer must by law provide in the interests of health and safety.

UNISON is advising its safety reps to ensure that their employers provide them and their members with free and readily available access to the Blue Book.