A Liverpool shop worker has won the TUC’s prestigious Health and Safety Rep of the Year award.
Usdaw member Peter Ammundsen, 57, who works at Tesco in Allerton, received the award from Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls and retiring TUC general secretary Brendan Barber at the Trades Union Congress in Brighton earlier this month.
Peter picked up the award for his in-store work to promote good safety practice and for making important changes to previous and proposed working practices, such as the procedure of pulling heavy cages, sometimes two at a time. He also prevented an increase in the number of fruit and vegetable trays stacked on the shop floor, which would have posed a risk of serious injury had they toppled over.
“Generally, I have worked with the management team to introduce best practice and keep on top of any emerging safety issues. It’s really about problem-solving,” said Peter.
“The award is great news for me and my fellow reps and also for the company, as it shows that working in partnership works. It has further raised the profile of Usdaw in the store and encouraged a number of younger workers to join.”
John Hannett, Usdaw general secretary, added: “I’m delighted Peter has won this award. It is well-deserved and great recognition for the really important work Peter and all Usdaw’s health and safety reps do to keep their workplaces safe for workers and members of the public alike.”
