Heath, Safety and Industrial Relations: A UK Study

Abstract

Drawing on a sample of safety committee members in 51 plants in the United Kingdom manufacturing industry, this paper examines 3 aspects of the relationship between unions and management on health and safety issues. The contention that safety is less of an area of conflict than other industrial relations issues is explored. The potential conflict, between efficiency and democracy in the operation of committees, is examined, leading on to an exploration of the relationship between union safety committee members and the shop floor.