Hazards conference 2009

Around 500 union members and safety campaigners attended the 20th Hazards Conference at Manchester University in July.

Hazards argues that the lack of regulation and enforcement has allowed the greed of individuals, financiers and globalised capitalism to create the current recession. This has had a direct impact on safety provision.

Mick Holder from the Hazards campaign said: “Globalisation at the expense of workers’ rights and health and safety has been supported and promoted by deregulating and business-loving governments, and this is where it has led us. Slavish adherence to the neo-liberal agenda has finally put lives, jobs and future security at risk.”

The conference examined HSE guidance on safety reps functions and employers’ duties issued at the end of 2008, heard examples of worker-led initiatives on green jobs from across the globe, and in workshops and meetings shared ideas on how to campaign and work for a better world.