Winter weather and its impact on employees in the UK in recent weeks brought worker safety to the forefront.
With snow and ice descending on much of Great Britain recently, theTrades Union Company (TUC) recently unveiled advice for workers and their employers on what they should do during the cold snap.
According to TUC, while workers should make all reasonable attempts to get into work, the TUC stated that employees shouldn't attempt to travel if it's not safe to do so, particularly for those located in isolated areas.
The TUC noted that by now, employers in areas of the country affected by the snowy conditions should have put out advice to their staff, and those who've failed to do so should be urgently drawing up cold weather policies so everyone is aware of where they stand the next time it snows.
TUC Wants Bad Weather Policies in Place
The TUC wants bad weather policies in place so staff understand what they should do when snow, ice and a lack of public transport prevents them from getting into work. Any 'snow' policy should also cover what parents should do in the event area schools close and they have no alternative means of childcare.
When the snow causes problems on the UK's transport network and for schools it is reasonable for employers to permit staff who are able to do so to work from home as opposed to fighting a lengthy commute to and from work.
The TUC has also strongly advised against employers withholding pay or forcing staff to use their holiday as it fears this could lead to unnecessary resentment, and is unfair on employees who've been kept away from work through no fault of their own.
Communication Essential Between Workers and Employers
According to TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady, “Across the country, people have braved the elements to get into work. But with the cold and icy weather still causing disruption, it is essential that employers and employees keep each other informed as to whether it's safe, or even possible, to commute to and from work.
”For many employees the bad weather and lack of public transport have made their commute virtually impossible, but thankfully many employers now have 'bad weather' policies so staff know what is expected of them.”
O’Grady added that employees who have been prevented from reaching work despite their best efforts should not lose pay due to the bad weather.
“Employers also need to be aware of the difficulties faced by staff whose children have been unable to go to school for several days because of the snow chaos. Some may be able to take their children to work. Others may be able to work from home. But those who can do neither need support and understanding from their employers,” O’Grady remarked. Worker safety, as well as the safety of their children, need to take top priority.
Author Michael B. Stack, CPA, Director of Operations, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is an expert in employer communication systems and part of the Amaxx team helping companies reduce their workers compensation costs by 20% to 50%. He is a writer, speaker, and website publisher. www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com. Contact: [email protected].
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