Co-ordinator & Safety Team
Meet Your CWU Health and Safety Team
Welcome to the South East Telecom CWU Health and Safety Team hub, your first point of contact for all health, safety, and welfare matters within BT and Openreach. Our dedicated team of trained Health and Safety reps are here to support members across all areas of the telecoms industry, from workplace safety to building inspections and risk assessments. Whether you have a concern, need advice, or want to report an issue, you’ll find the right person to speak to here. Your safety is our priority.
Rick Cobern (Coordinator)
Contact Details
- 07498 923159
- rick.cobern@cwuset.uk
- CWU office PP305, Telephone Exchange, 17 St Johns Road, Tunbridge Wels, Kent TN4 9TN
Biography –
I’ve proudly served as a Safety Rep for over a decade, starting out as a USR, then stepping into the role of Assistant Safety Coordinator, and, with the continued support of our members and branch officers, becoming the Branch Safety Coordinator around five years ago.
In my current role, I oversee the day-to-day running of our safety team. I carry out workplace inspections and site safety visits, handle escalations raised by our members, and support the wider branch safety team in resolving any concerns that arise. I’m also involved in accident investigations when required and regularly attend meetings to make sure our members’ voices are heard whenever the company makes decisions about health and safety.
I won’t pretend to have every answer, but I do know where to find them. I stay up to date with the latest legislation and company policies, always ready to raise concerns and push for change when needed. I’m proud to say that our branch has led the way in implementing many improvements that have gone on to become policy, both locally and nationally.
Senior Safety Officers
Roy Wells (West)
Contact Details
- 07525 833965
- email – roy.wells@cwuset.uk
- Union Office, Swandean Telephone Exchange, Salvington Road, Worthing, BN13 2JJ
Biography – TBA
Steve Rhodes (Central)
Contact Details
- 07764 338836
- steve.rhodes@cwuset.uk
- CWU Office PP305, Telephone Exchange, 17 St Johns Road, Tunbridge Wels, Kent TN4 9TN
Biography
I have been a USR and Safety Officer for approximately eight years. My career with BT began in 2001 as an external engineer. Over time, I transitioned to working on frames, eventually taking on roles as a coach, manager, and hands-on engineer, spending a total of 13 years working nights.
Throughout my time with the company, I’ve worked extensively across our entire branch area, from the Isle of Wight to Dover, across the South and North Downs, and occasionally into London South when required.
Health and Safety has always been a strong focus of mine, sometimes to the dismay of certain managers, though I’ve always balanced diligence with a practical, common-sense approach to achieving the best outcomes.
In my current role, I conduct workplace inspections, investigate accidents, review all CARM incidents, and participate in key Health & Safety meetings, in short I’m involved in anything Health & Safety-related that arises. Over the years, I’ve contributed to meaningful changes that have improved conditions for our engineers, and my ongoing goal is to ensure our company stays firmly on the right path when it comes to Health & Safety.
Alan Tozer (East)
Contact Details
- 07702 457797
- alan.tozer@cwuset.uk
- CWU Office, Room 309, Telephone Exchange, Addington Square, Margate CT91NW
Biography
I started working for BT (as it was then) in 1988 as a major works and second-stage repair jointer. I became a part-time USR 20 years ago in response to my knowledge that engineers were cutting corners, safety-wise, to meet arbitrary performance figures.
Three years ago, I became the safety co-ordinator for the Meridian branch, carrying out and supervising building inspections and dealing with anything safety-related.
I carry out accident investigations, deal with CARM reports, attend safety meetings, and handle issues raised by engineers and managers.
I enjoy my role and hope that I can make a difference for the better.
