- Conference
- 2021 National Disabled Members' Conference
- Date
- 5 July 2021
- Decision
- Carried as Amended
This conference acknowledges that during the Coronavirus health pandemic we have had to wear Personal Protective Equipment [PPE] such as face masks and gloves when going about our day to day lives, and also in the workplace. For staff in certain roles there are more vigorous PPE requirements.
This has helped to keep us and others safe, preventing ill-health and even death. As we move forward into the “new normal” with increased emphasis on hygiene then its likely we will continue to wear PPE, however not everyone can wear and use it.
For example, around one in every 1,000 people living in the UK have a latex allergy. Latex is found in many healthcare products including PPE. There are other hazards and challenges around PPE, for example, the restricted ability – or inability – to lip read, or the use of hand sanitisers that could contain nuts and alcohol which are also common allergens.
As society opens up we need to ensure that people health problems or disabilities affected by the use of PPE are not worsened.
Conference calls on the National Disabled Members Committee:
1. To work with UNISON’s National Health and Safety Committee to review UNISON guidance on PPE within the workplace ensuring it considers the impact of health conditions on the ability to wear or use the equipment.
2. To raise awareness of the issue through sharing stories about the physical and mental health impacts of wearing PPE as a result of an existing health condition or disability.
3. To seek alternative solutions such as clear face coverings, greater range of sizes of PPE to allow better fitting, and easier to use PPE that reduces restrictions for those with health condition or disability.