A Sellafield worker has won a top award for his efforts as a health and safety rep for his union, Prospect.
Andrew Eccles was awarded the Northern TUC’s Health and Safety Rep of the Year 2011 award, which was presented to him by assistant TUC general secretary, Kay Carberry, at a ceremony in Newcastle.
The TUC singled him out for his knowledge of radiological and nuclear safety, as well as his breadth of knowledge on day-to day issues, and the key role he played in negotiating an anti-bullying policy at the Sellafield plant, called Dignity at Work. Andrew, a chartered member of IOSH, is employed as a senior safety advisor at the plant, and has been a safety rep since 1996.
He said: “Receiving this prestigious award is a great honour. Juggling my busy day job and the demands of my Prospect safety-rep role can be very challenging, as both roles require a high degree of interpersonal skills and professionalism.
“The modern role of a safety rep is one of continual development, as we strive to keep pace with corporate and legislative changes. I believe safety reps have a significant role to play in developing and maintaining a healthy safety culture.”
Prospect national secretary Mike Graham commented: “We are extremely proud of Andrew. He is a credit to his trade union, Prospect, to his employer, Sellafield Ltd, and to his local community. Andrew focuses on ensuring a safe workplace, which benefits employees, his employer, and the people who live around the Sellafield site.”
