A Trade Union Approach to REACH A Cautious Welcome Elizabeth Donnelly 9 October 2007

Elizabeth Donnelly Chair, East Midlands Unite (Amicus) Regional Council Trades Unionist since 1993 in a variety of industries from publishing to pharmaceuticals Currently External Engagement Advisor to Unite (Amicus) representatives at Rolls-Royce

Overview Our primary concern is for the health and safety of people at work We are keen to see that REACH implementation does not lead to job losses, or to manufacturers moving operations outside the EU

Health Benefits of REACH A positive occupational impact and public health impact is expected; A reduction in respiratory and bladder cancers, mesothelioma, skin disorders, respiratory diseases, eye disorders and asthma; A 10% reduction in disease as a result of implementing REACH = 4,500 fewer cancer deaths a year = €50bn over 30 years* across the European Union. *European Commission estimates

Environmental Benefits of REACH Reduced pollution of air, water and soil; Reduced pressure on biodiversity; Reduction in effects from endocrine disrupting chemicals.

Workplace Benefits of REACH More information on chemical safety in workplace; Particular information on combining chemicals and use for specific purposes Obligations on suppliers to give information on potential hazards to all users down the supply chain Obligations on users to declare if the use is not listed in the chemical Safety Data Sheet

Workplace Benefits of REACH Better control or substitution of dangerous chemicals. Greater involvement of union safety representatives Expertise and communication with workforce

Concerns Companies may move their businesses out of the EU Loss of UK/EU jobs Reduced regulation outside the EU exports chemical risks to the developing world Costs of implementation must be proportionate to company size and profitability

Concerns Companies may continue to use hazardous chemicals even if safer ones are available Inconsistent with UK legislation for the protection of workers Particular concern over reporting of substances below 10 tonnes a year

Concerns REACH must not be allowed to undermine existing protection or water down current regulations Confidentiality agreements must not limit health and safety information for chemical users in the workplace.

The Way Forward REACH does not replace COSHH and CHIP New UN GHS regulations complement REACH Opportunity to sit as one simple package REACH should be incorporated into UK law as soon as possible

The Way Forward Involve and consult with the unions in the workplace Hidden “expertise” of trained safety representatives

Thank you for listening Questions?