A PARTNERSHIP APPROACH
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Trade Unions have been strong svpporters of the European Week since it began, and they encourage their members to get involved at workplace level as well as runninc national and regional events during the week.
For workplace safety reps, the week is an opportunity to develop a partnership with their employer on the themes laid down fpr the week, Reps often organise workplace inspiDctions to coincide with the week, and this year, they will be paying special attention to investigating the possible risks of back strain and RS!.
But of course many of the measures used by safety reps to get involved during European Week are just as relevant all year round. Especially when dealing with back s:rain and RSI, where work organisation is sucil a big factor, union safety reps come into tileir own identifying the gaps between policy and reality. Knowing how many workers are cut ering and often why. Employers are legally recuired to inform, consult and respond to safely reps but good managers will use those minin rum legal requirements to develop a more constructive dialogue with their safety reps.
Owen Tudor Senior Policy Officer TUC. "As an athlete in the world's most competitive sporting environment I have always had to combat the threat of musculoskeletal injury as success in my running career was dependent on complete fitness. Over a career that lasted thirteen years I missed four complete years through injury and my number one priority was always to do my utmost to prevent musculoskeletal problems occurring.
This included regular massage, stretching, osteopathic treatment and work with an applied kinetheologist. Whether at the workplace or on the athletic track prevention is always better than cure. I am absolutely appalled at the number of workers in this country who are made ill by crippling back and other strain injuries. Just like me their livelihoods and well being are totally dependant on good health. That is why I am personally backing this campaign and asking everyone to contribute to a nationwide team effort by taking action in the European Week for Safety and Health. Let's beat it together'.