RCN signs up to HSE pledge

Published: 21 July 2009

The RCN has signed up to the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) pledge on the Health and Safety of Great Britain. The pledge is part of the recently launched HSE strategy which aims to prevent death, injury and ill health in the workplace.

The RCN is committed to improving the working environments of RCN members and preventing work related ill health, through national and local partnership work, involvement in cross governmental initiatives and leading campaigns on issues such as latex, lone working and needle stick injuries. 

The strategy commended the work that trade union appointed safety representatives do in the workplace. However, in its response to the strategy the RCN highlights the need for HSE inspectors to be more proactive where safety representatives are having difficulties in securing reasonable time to carry out their duties. 

Further information

A small number of health care organisations have already signed up to the pledge. You can also encourage your employer organisation to sign up to the pledge. For more information on the HSE strategy and pledge, go to the Health and Safety Executive website.