Worker safety advisers begin work

Workplace visits by the first ever TUC-trained Worker Safety Advisers (WSAs) should begin soon.

The advisers will be visiting small workplaces in five sectors where there are particular problems with worker involvement. These cover small automotive workplaces, civil construction, hospitality (especially public houses), retail and the voluntary sector.

A range of employers and about 25 workplaces will be covered In each sector, usually in two or three regions of the country.

The WSAs will make two or three visits to each workplace and researchers will compare the firms' health and safety performance before and after the visits.

The visits are part of a Health and Safety Executive pilot testing the effectiveness of providing employers with advice on worker participation where there are no safety reps.

A TUC steering group has been set up to oversee developments.