STUC FRANK MAGUIRE AWARD FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY

April 22nd 2015

STUC FRANK MAGUIRE AWARD FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY

April 22nd 2015

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has announced that the 2015 recipient of the STUC Frank Maguire Award for Health and Safety is Billy McEwan, a GMB Health and Safety representative at West Dunbartonshire Council.

Billy has fought for improved standards in health and safety in the Council since becoming a Health and Safety representative nearly 10 years ago and faced barriers from the outset, having to take West Dunbartonshire Council to an Employment Tribunal in order to secure time off for training.

Throughout his time as a Rep, he has pushed himself to secure Health and Safety qualifications: he has gained Technician membership of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH); and is currently awaiting full membership of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM).

Billy has also fought to challenge employer apathy to Health and Safety and is now highly regarded by his union, the GMB; their members in the Council; and by his employer for his work on Health and Safety.

STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith said

“Billy McEwan plays a major role in guiding management and advising them on Health and Safety matters/issues at West Dunbartonshire Council as a result of his skills, knowledge and experience in Health and Safety.

“As a result of Billy’s activity as a GMB Health and Safety representative, the Council has witnessed a reduction in lost time accidents; improvements in working conditions; employee awareness of Health and Safety has been embedded throughout the organisation; and the employer’s attitude to Health and Safety has massively improved as a result of Billy’s influence.

“Billy McEwan is a very worthy recipient of the STUC Frank Maguire Award for Health and Safety”. Patrick McGuire, partner in Thompsons Scotland said “At Thompson’s our priority is to prevent workplace accidents and injustice and work together, not just with the trade union movement but with anyone who shares this belief. We are delighted therefore to celebrate the work of Billy McEwan, a very worthy recipient of the Frank Maguire award. He clearly demonstrates that by promoting health and safety and working with the interests of everyone in mind. ENDS

For further information contact Ian Tasker 0141 337 8100

Notes

Billy McEwan has been responsible for developing a Partnership Charter Agreement with West Dunbartonshire Council, bringing TUC tutors from Glasgow Kelvin College into the workplace to deliver Health and Safety training to the Council’s employees.

Billy is active in the Scottish Hazards and UK Hazards movements and is a regular attender at the conferences of both organisations, as well as being a staunch supporter of Asbestos Campaign Groups.