Union says new accident book hampers safety reps

The CWU communication workers' union is challenging the HSE over its new accident book, due to come into force on 31 December.

The union argues that the book will restrict the rights safety reps have to investigate accidents in the workplace under the Safety Reps and Safety Committees Regulations 1977.

The HSE launched the new accident book in May following discussions with the Information Commissioner. The new design allows for accidents to be recorded whilst details of individuals can be stored separately in a secure location.

It follows a ruling by the Information Commissioner that existing accident books that allow personal information to be seen by anyone reading them or making an entry in the book breached the Data Protection Act.

Dave Joyce, CWU national officer for health and safety said: "The issue with the HSE is the clear failure to foresee and deal with the direct conflict created between the DPA and the SRSC Regulations".

He added: "The CWU wants the HSE to restore the rights of safety reps and achieve a proper balance between respect for people's privacy and employees' rights to a safer workplace."

The union suggests the new book should be amended with a "consent clause", allowing a copy to go to the safety rep, or that a separate notification of accident form could be introduced to send to safety reps.