A "WORKSAFE Phoneline" is operating locally for employees who believe their bosses are ignoring workplace dangers. The Health and Safety Executive has introduced a four-month trial in two pilot areas - Greater Manchester and North Staffordshire. A HSE spokesman said they already had arrangements in place to investigate complaints in confidence concerning health and safety issues which had not been resolved satisfactorily through normal company procedures.

But during the pilot period newspaper advertisements will make employees aware of numbers which can be telephoned in confidence if there are serious, justifiable complaints about management issues relating to health and safety.

The HSE stresses that the Worksafe Phoneline numbers - 0161 952 8316 in Greater Manchester and 01782 602444 in North Staffordshire - are for use if there has not been a satisfactory outcome from normal procedures.

The phoneline is not designed to deal with personnel problems and should not be the first point of call if an employee has a concern over health and safety.

It should initially be referred to the employer or safety representative.

The Phoneline numbers will operate between 8.30am and 5pm each Monday to Friday until late August.

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