Health & Safety
UNISON is the largest trade union for staff in schools and local authority education departments.
Asbestos in Schools the Need for Action
The report shows that more than 75 per cent of Britain’s state schools contain asbestos. Much of that is badly maintained, meaning that children and staff are exposed to this killer fibre. Over 140 school teachers have died from mesothelioma (a cancer that is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos) in the past ten years. An unknown number of cleaners, administrative staff, caretakers, cooks and dinner ladies have also died.
The report confirms that the number of children who might die as adult as a result of exposure to asbestos while at school is unknown; but in the US it was estimated that for every teacher’s death nine people will die from their exposure as a child, but because of the very long latency their deaths will be many years later as adults. That would mean that over 100 people die every year in the UK as a result of exposure when they were at school.
JUAC welcomes landmark ruling on Asbestos
(29/03/2011)The Joint Union Asbestos Committee (JUAC) welcomes yesterday’s landmarkruling by the Supreme Court (in the case of Joan Eddleston versus the Excess Insurance, MMI, and Builders Accident and Independent Insurance Company) which will affect many of the
thousands of people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It means that thousands of families will be able to seek compensation for the loss of loved ones.
Asbestos in Schools Ask MP to Sign Early Day Motion
(29/03/2012)Ask your MP to sign the Early Day Motion 2696 on Asbestos in Schools. "That this House is aware that every year in the UK over 4,000 people die as a result of their past exposure to asbestos, deaths which are not confined to only those employed in industrial settings; notes that more than 75 per cent of Britain's state schools contain asbestos, much of which is in a poorly maintained state, leaving some children, teachers and other staff in danger of being contaminated by this killer fibre; is therefore greatly alarmed by recent evidence which shows that morethan 100 people die of mesothelioma every year in the UK as a direct result of their exposure whilst they were at school; and commends the work of the All-Party Parliamentary Groupon Occupational Safety and Health which investigated the scale of the problem and published a report making clear and simple recommendations about how to prevent future exposure in these and other vulnerable surroundings."
Managing Medicines and Medical Support in Schools and Early Years’ Settings
UNISON has published branch advice on Managing Medicines and Medical Support in Schools and Early Years’ Settings, in the light of increasing pressure upon school support to meet the health needs of pupils.School Social Network guidance
Guidance on using social networking while keeping yourself, your pupils and your job safe.Asbestos in Schools
(2/06/2011)Every school has a duty to manage its asbestos plan under the Control of Asbestos Regulations which came into force in 2006 (2007 for NI). A head teacher is the duty manager and could be fined or even jailed for breaches of the regulations.Cyber Bullying - Fact sheet: An issue for children and young people
Following an increase in the number of reported cases of cyberbullying we have updated our cyberbullying factsheet for members working in schools.Factsheet on Asbestos in Schools
(29/10/2009)We have produced a factsheet on asbestos in schools which can be downloaded from the link below.Advice on Dealing with Toileting and Continence Issues
(26/10/2009)We have produced a factsheet on dealing with toileting and continence issues which can be downloaded from the link below.Dealing with Violence at School
(12/10/09)This guidance is aimed at providing practical advice on how to tackle violence and aggression at work and the school procedures necessary for dealing with violence and aggression towards school staff.< Back | More >
