The STUC backed a call from Edinburgh
TUC for the devolution of all of the functions
of the Health and Safety executive in
Scotland to be devolved to Scotland.
"This is a recognition of the fact
that the HSE deals with many bodies which
are already devolved", said UNISON's
Willie Docherty supporting the motion.
"It would also allow for the operations
and priorities of the HSE in Scotland
be more fully focussed on the particular
circumstances and structure of Scottish
industry."
Edinburgh TUC also called for an independent
body to address workplace risk. The motion
called for a partnership between employers,
unions, enforcers, local councils, government
and workplace health professionals to
"protect and promote the health of
working people."
Statistics show that our rate of fatal
accidents at work is amongst the highest
of the UK, partly due to jobs in heavy
industry, and historically the rate of
prosecutions is lower.
"Devolution would allow for a specific
focus on our specific problems –
it would assist in the many interactions
with other bodies who operate at a Scottish
level... from those concerned with environmental
and public health as well as prosecutors",
said Willie.
"Not that it should concern us unduly
but this motion is in line with political
thinking outside this hall – if
there is a vote for independence then
we would have a Scottish HSE.
"And in their recent devolution
proposals the Labour Party have agreed
with suggestions from UNISON, and other
STUC affiliates that there Should be a
Scottish Health and Safety Executive."
Willie told delegates: "We should
never lose sight of the fact that, vital
though an effective regulatory regime
is, the real driver of health and Safety
at work is the presence of active and
informed trade union safety reps in the
workplace. That said – this would
help."
