The CWU has again decided to run a digital photography competition as part of our informal learning project. This competition is open to all CWU members and their families. Last year’s winner was, Paul Fine who is a member of Plymouth & East Cornwall Branch.Our Learning Reps have enabled hundreds of our members to undertake Digital Photography and Photoshop courses. The opportunities offered by mobile and smart phones mean that many of our members have a digital camera in their pocket to record the world around them. This is an exciting opportunity for our members to share their skills and abilities and I encourage members and their families to take part. 

If members are interested in learning more about digital photography they can access a free online course from the list attached to this LTB.

The winning entries will be judged to be the most visually appealing interpretations of the brief, capturing on camera the spirit of the chosen theme and their overall impact and composition. Digital manipulation is acceptable but not necessary. To assist our judges please add a short explanation of how and why the photo was taken.

You can enter up to one photo in each of the following categories
1. In Search of Space

2. Love

3. The Wild Side of Life

4. The Spirit of Activism
The overall winner of the competition will win a £200 gift voucher.

Entries should be sent via email to learn@cwu.org by midnight on the 2nd October 2016. Entrants must supply their name and email address. We regret that we are unable to accept postal entries.

Terms & Conditions and a promotional poster are attached. If you have any queries please contact Simon Massen at smassen@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,
Trish Lavelle

Head of Education and Training
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 281/16 – CWU Digital Photography Competition 2016

Digital Photography Course 2016

Digital Photography Competition Terms 2016

Digital Photography Competition Poster 2016

In response to a number of enquiries received by the CWU/HQ Health, Safety and Environment Department, this is to inform Branches that an incident occurred at Romford Mail Centre involving a minor explosion and fire at 20:35pm on Wednesday 27th April.
The known facts are as follows, as confirmed by Royal Mail’s CPC and the Security and Dangerous Goods Team:
A package containing a Lithium Battery caught fire and exploded, in the secondary packet area of the Mail Centre last Wednesday, causing minor damage.
The Fire alarm was activated and the Mail Centre was evacuated at 20:40 in an efficient manner and there were no injuries of any kind.
The minor explosion and fire was quickly controlled and the packaging and surrounding materials were put out by use of fire extinguishers.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) subsequently attended the scene and the Chief Fire Officer gave the all clear at 21:10hrs, following which the building was re-occupied and returned to normal working.
The item was subsequently contained within a 10ft x 10ft cordon as requested by the LFB and a forensic investigation team undertook an examination of the item concerned which was identified as a Lithium Battery enclosed in a parcel.
The internal Royal Mail Security and Dangerous Goods Team investigation is ongoing and the progress to date is as follows:
The item concerned has been identified as a Lithium Battery enclosed in a parcel which is a ‘Prohibited Item’ and should not have been put into the Postal system.
Despite the outer packaging, address and details being destroyed in the fire, investigators have determined that the item was believed to have been sold on eBay, the world famous on-line auction and marketplace website.
EBay were contacted by Royal Mail, requesting removal of Royal Mail as a preferred carrier for this type of item from any sellers, to which eBay immediately complied.
The Royal Mail Security and Dangerous Goods Team investigation has continued efforts to identify both the seller of the item and the distributor which has been difficult due to the fire damage to the offending item. However, various lines of enquiry are continuing in order to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a prosecution of the seller. One particular seller of these items, who may be the seller in question, has removed all similar items from the eBay website and this individual is a focus of attention and a person of interest. At this stage however the investigation continues.
Experts have recently identified shoddily made Lithium-ion batteries with faulty circuitry as the cause of a series of unrelated incidents involving new type self-balancing “hoverboard” scooters which have caught fire or exploded and before that faulty and poorly made counterfeit laptop batteries have been identified as the source of incidents or overheating units exploding and causing fires.
Such packages incorrectly posted, containing such goods are not always easily identified. Such incidents are rare but Members should be vigilant and report any suspect packages if they come to their attention and management should follow the “Stay Calm/Be Aware” guidance and call CPC for further advice and the Emergency Services as required.
Water Fire Extinguishers have little effect on Lithium Battery Fires but wetting the surrounding area can prevent fire spread as a precaution pending attendance by the Fire Service.
The CWU Branch Area Safety Representative is fully involved locally and I would like to record my thanks to the Romford and Dist Amal Branch for their due diligence in connection with the incident.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
· Attachment 1 – 16LTB278 Romford Mail Centre Parcel Explosion & Fire Incident Wednesday 27.4.16.docx

World Asthma Month is an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma with a goal to improve asthma awareness and care around the world. The event takes place in May and will call attention to the health issue asthma sufferers deal with year round.
According to World Health Organization estimates, 300 million people suffer from asthma and it’s the most common chronic disease among children. WHO also notes that asthma affects people in all countries around the world regardless of development although most deaths occur in lower income countries.
Asthma is a chronic disease of the air passages (or bronchial) that lead to and from the lungs that makes breathing difficult. Usually there is inflammation, which results in a temporary narrowing of the passages that carry oxygen to the lungs.
Symptoms vary from person to person and in intensity, but generally include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure. Asthma sufferers often have recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing. Symptoms may occur several times a Month or week and may become worse during physical activity or during the night.
During an attack, the lining of the bronchial tubes swell, causing airways to become narrow and reducing the flow of air in and out of the lungs. These attacks can cause sleeplessness, fatigue, reduced activity and absenteeism from work or school.
The basic causes of asthma are not completely understood, but risk factors for developing the disease include a genetic predisposition along with exposure to particles and substances that irritate the air passages and cause allergic reactions. Some irritants include dust in furnishings, pets, tobacco smoke, chemicals and air pollution.
Other causes include physical exercise, medications (aspirin and beta blockers), cold air and even emotional reactions such as stress, anger and fear.
Asthma is generally treated with two types of medications. Long-term control medicines help to reduce airway inflammation and prevent symptoms. The second are quick-relief medications which relieve asthma symptoms when they flare up.
There is no known cure for asthma but the best treatment is to control the disease by working closely with a physician, taking medications and avoiding triggers.
Education is a key part of controlling asthma and the World Asthma Foundation is helping to inform asthma sufferers, their families and the general public about the disease. The foundation’s website, http://www.worldasthmafoundation.org has continual news feeds and updates about asthma.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the airways – the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. Someone with asthma has ‘sensitive’ airways that are inflamed and ready to react when they come into contact with something they don’t like. Asthma tends to run in families, especially when there’s also a history of allergies and/or smoking.
How does asthma affect the airways? 
When a person with asthma comes into contact with something that irritates their sensitive airways even more (an asthma trigger), it causes their body to react in three ways:

• the muscles around the walls of the airways tighten so that the airways become narrower

• the lining of the airways becomes inflamed and starts to swell

• sticky mucus or phlegm sometimes builds up, which can narrow the airways even more.

These reactions cause the airways to become narrower and irritated – making it difficult to breathe and leading to asthma symptoms, such as chest tightness, wheezing, or coughing.
Who gets asthma?
In the UK, around 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma. That’s one in every 12 adults and one in every 11 children. Asthma affects more boys than girls. Asthma in adults is more common in women than men. Asthma can sometimes be defined as a type, such as ‘occupational’ or ‘severe’.
Can asthma be cured?
Asthma UK are striving to find a cure, but currently there is no cure for asthma. The good news, though, is that there are lots of safe and effective treatments available to manage the symptoms. Sufferers just need to work with their GP or asthma nurse to find the ones that work well for them, and get into good habits so they take them regularly, exactly as prescribed, so they can get the benefits.
Is asthma a serious condition?
Tragically, three people die every month in the UK because of asthma attacks and research shows that two thirds of asthma deaths are preventable. The reassuring fact is that most people with asthma who get the right treatment – and take it correctly – can manage their symptoms and get on with what they want to do in life.
Managing your asthma at work
There are steps that you can take to help you to manage your asthma at work and make sure you’re getting the support you need. If you decide to tell your employer about your asthma, they can make reasonable adjustments to help you do your job. This may include finding out what your workplace triggers are and trying to make sure you can avoid them, if possible. Your employer can only make reasonable adjustments if you tell them about your condition. Tell your colleagues about your asthma, and what they need to do if you have an asthma attack. Make sure you always have your reliever inhaler (usually blue Ventolin) with you at work, and that it’s easy to get hold of when you need it. Carry your written asthma action plan with you.
The employer should have someone with a first aid qualification on site. Make sure you know who they are, and that they know what to do if you have an asthma attack.
Asthma as a disability – The Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 protects people from being discriminated against because of age, gender, race, religion, or disability. The definition of disability, which is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, is: “a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term (i.e. has lasted or is likely to last for at least 12 months) adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal Month-to-Month activities.”
Asthma UK advise that the conditions covered by this definition include everything from severe asthma to depression, Down’s syndrome to hearing impairment, and multiple sclerosis to epilepsy. If a worker has a medical condition such as asthma they may not consider themself to be disabled, but may need support or special arrangements in the work place. Reasonable adjustments to help an Asthmatic stay in work can take many different forms and may include:
• providing equipment

• allowing time off (for assessment or treatment)

• making alterations to premises

• modifying duties

• adjustments to working environments, for example, controlling dust and fumes levels, 

• changing practices, policies and procedure

• a phased return to work after illness, perhaps working flexible hours or part-time

• transferring to individuals to a more suitable role
Five step plan to help Asthmatics breathe better and feel better with asthma.
1. Get moving– Whether you want to dance, play football or chase after the kids, don’t let your asthma stop you being physically active. If getting active causes asthma symptoms, tell your doctor so you can get the right treatment.

2. Eat well– A healthy diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables (and not too many take-aways!) is good for your lungs as well as your waistline. There’s no need to avoid dairy foods unless you have a diagnosed dairy food allergy or intolerance.

3. Aim for a healthy bodyweight– Being overweight can make asthma harder to manage, plus lead to sleeping problems or reflux. If you are overweight, losing just 1 or 2 stones could make you feel better and breathe more easily. Start by talking to your doctor.

4. Speak up if you need to– Asthma can be harder to manage if you have depression or anxiety, and asthma can also affect your mental health. If your asthma is getting you down or you feel anxious, talk to your doctor.

5. Go smoke-free– Smoking and asthma is a dangerous combination. Smoking, or breathing in other people’s smoke damages your lungs and stops your asthma puffers working properly. Your doctor or pharmacist can help, or contact Call the free Smokefree National Helpline to speak to a trained, expert adviser. Call now: 0300 123 1044.
Taking care of your asthma also involves:
• Seeing your doctor for regular asthma check-ups

• Following an up-to-date written asthma action plan, prepared with your doctor

• Taking your preventative medicines regularly, as prescribed

• Checking your inhaler technique with your pharmacist or GP practice Asthma nurse

• Understanding what triggers your asthma and how to manage this
For Further Help Advice and Assistance – Get in Touch With “ASTHMA UK”.
Helpline – For independent, confidential advice and support call the Asthma UK Experts on 0300 222 5800 (open 9-5, Mon – Fri).
General enquiries

Asthma UK Supporter Care Team

18 Mansell Street

London

E1 8AA

Tel: 0300 222 5800

Email: info@asthma.org.uk
Yours sincerely

  

Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download
· Attachment 1 – 16LTB279 World Asthma Awareness Month – May 2016.docx
· Attachment 2 – Asthma – All About Asthma Booklet (Asthma UK).pdf
· Attachment 3 – Asthma – Asthma Attack Card (Athma UK).pdf
· Attachment 4 – Asthma – Asthma UK Child Action Plan.pdf
· Attachment 5 – Asthma – Athma UK Adult Action Plan.pdf

ELECTION OF NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE POSITIONS – VACANT POSITIONS (2016)
1. CWU Equal Opportunities Advisory Committees
CWU Race Advisory Committee       

          Postal Constituency – 1 position
CWU Lesbian and Gay Bisexual and Transgender Advisory Committee

          TFS Constituency – 3 Positions          
2. CWU Independent Review Body (Substitute)
          TFS Constituency – 1 Position    
3. CWU Retired Members Advisory Committee
          Scotland – 1 Position
The NEC has agreed the election arrangements for the filling of the vacant positions for the above National Representative. Accordingly please find attached the regulations and nomination forms for these elections.
The details of the vacant positions and respective terms of office are contained in the Appendix which is attached to this LTB.
The Timetable for the elections is as follows:
Nominations open: 5 May 2016
Nominations close: 19 May 2016 (14:00)
Despatch ballot papers: 26 May 2016 
Ballot closes: 9 June 2016 (14:00)
Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 020 8971 7237, or email address sdgs@cwu.org.
Yours sincerely,
 
TONY KEARNS
SENIOR DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY
Email Attachments – Click to download
· LTB 272/16 – Election of National Representative Positions – Vacant Positions (2016)
· Attachment 1 – Election Regulations
· Attachment 2 – Equality Advisory Committee – Nomination Forms
· Attachment 3 – IRB Nomination Forms
· Attachment 4 – RMAC Nomination Forms
· Attachment 5 – Candidate Biographical Details & Consent Form

RE: Issues with Appeals Managers
Whilst responding to motion 84 at Postal Conference last week, I gave a commitment to write to branches to gather information on issues you may have had / be having with Appeals Managers.
If within your branch / division / region you have encountered a bad experience with Appeals Managers please provide fact based evidence to the department. 
Please provide the following:-
The issue / nature of your complaint.

Documentation as supporting evidence e.g. Appeal Decision, letters, emails etc

A write up explaining what you believe was wrong.

Whether or not the appeal is going / went to an Employment Tribunal and the current status of the case.

The evidence should be sent to djeffery@cwu.org or Dawn Jeffery at CWU Headquarters address.
Please provide the information by no later than Tuesday 31st May 2016. We will collate all responses received by this date and make the necessary arrangements to meet and discuss with the appropriate managers within Royal Mail. 
We will keep branches updated on progress as appropriate.
All enquiries regarding the content of this LTB should be addressed to the PTCS Department, djeffery@cwu.org quoting reference 432.
Yours Sincerely,
 
Carl Maden.
Acting Assistant Secretary
PTCS Department

The TUC is conducting an Equality in the workplace survey of union representatives on the type of equality issues arising in the workplace and the support reps need to tackle these issues. The TUC would like to hear from union reps, questions include: 

• Have you dealt with any equality issues at your workplace related to members?

• Where do you go to for resources and support?

• Do you struggle to find guidance or information?

• Have you received any training from the TUC or your union on equality issues?

 

The results of the survey will feature in the main TUC Equality Audit report. The survey will be used to collate data and case studies. At the end of the survey you can voluntarily provide your contact details for the TUC to contact you for further information. Please click here or below to complete the short survey and share with all workplace reps that deal with equality issues. The closing date for the survey is 6 May. If you have any questions please contact Natasha Owusu nowusu@tuc.org.uk

 

https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=146003643035

How Safe Is Your Home?

Today more than twice as many people die in trips and falls at home than in car crashes according to a recent RoSPA charity report. With the summer months upon us, spring cleaners and DIY enthusiasts set about jobs around the home and garden, clearing and climbing can increase the risk of home injuries. More accidents happen in the home than anywhere else and as thousands of people prepare to clear out the old and bring in the new, simple chores can lead to falls, injuries and poisonings and as a result people not able to work, some with long term consequences.
The Facts:
5,000 people die in accidents at home every year.

Deaths at home have risen by 50% over the last 25 years.

The biggest killer at home is falls. The next largest categories are poisoning and obstruction of the airway.

2.7 million people in the UK are injured in a home accident and attend Accident and Emergency every year and 250,000 of those are injured doing DIY, maintenance or gardening at home.

76,000 children under the age of 14 are admitted to hospital for treatment following accidents in and around the home every year of which over 40% are under 5 years of age.

7,000 people were admitted to hospital after accidents involving a fall on or off a ladder, while nearly 4,000 were admitted following accidents involving furniture, according to latest annual NHS figures.

Today homes are far more dangerous than the roads and twice as many people die in trips and falls than in car crashes.

How safe is your home?
Everyone thinks that they are safe at home but they are not. The home is where the most accidents occur and when they do it happens very quickly. It only takes a blink of an eye to slip down the stairs or start a fire by leaving an unattended pan in the kitchen or flammable items near a heat source. Every year in the UK there are more than 2.7 million accidents in the home where people turn up to Accident and Emergency departments for treatment.
What could kill or injure you?
Reading these figures might make you think about your own home safety. By being aware of the main areas where accidents can happen, you can do everything possible to avoid them. Check out the list below and ask yourself, how many of these things are you doing to stay safe?
Staying Safe at Home:
Lighting Your Home for Safety

• A well-lit home is a safer home. Light not only keeps burglars away, but it can help prevent trips and falls that can cause serious injury. 

• Illuminate your work – kitchen worktops, writing desks, workbenches, garage, basement and utility room. 

• Stairways – all stairs, landings, and entries, inside and out, should be well lit. Install a light switch at the top and bottom of each indoor staircase.

• Outside – light your front door and patio or front step.

• Light switches – Make sure everyone can reach and turn them on and off easily.

• Don’t try to do your own electrical work – get a professional.
Avoiding Falls

• Secure down rugs and carpets.

• Safety-Proof Stairs – stairs inside and out should have good handrails.

• Tidy up clutter from the stairs and walkways. 

• For young children install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.

• Keep halls and stairs well lit.

• Use a mat in slippery areas, e.g., shower.

• Don’t climb on chairs, use a step ladder and wear sensible shoes.
Make Windows Safe

• Many young children as well as adults are killed and injured in falls from upstairs windows. Get experts with proper access equipment to undertake maintenance, cleaning and repairs. 

• Install childproof window locks with quick-release mechanisms (in case of fire) on upper floor windows. 

• Keep furniture away from windows, especially in children’s room, and always watch children around windows.
Electrical Safety

• Don’t use appliances with a worn or damaged flex.

• Get appliances checked regularly.

• Never overload an electrical socket.

• Use a Residual Current Device (RCD) for the whole house.

• Don’t try to do your own electrical work – get a professional.
Safety with Medication and Cleaners

• Put medicines in lockable cabinets away from children.

• Keep medicines and cleaners in their original containers, clearly labelled.

• Put chemicals used for cleaning, the garden or DIY out of reach.
Fire Safety

• Fit and check smoke alarms on each floor.

• Service gas appliances annually.

• Never leave a pan unattended in the kitchen. Use an electric deep fat fryer.
Heating and Cooking

• Check boiler and gas appliances – beware of second-hand bargains.

• Be aware when cooking – pan handles, hot water.

• Make sure sharp knives are out of reach.
Gas Safety – Carbon Monoxide

• Avoid the risk of carbon monoxide gas poisoning! – a gas that you can’t see, smell or taste – you might not know it’s there but it’s released when faulty appliances start leaking. 

• To keep your home safe, you need to get your gas appliances checked once a year and install an easy to fit, wireless, carbon monoxide alarm with a long-life guaranteed battery. 

• Low exposure to the gas can cause long-term health damage, and high levels of exposure can be fatal. 

• Every year, around 50 people die in the UK from carbon monoxide poisoning and many more fall sick.
DlY and Garden Safety

• Don’t tackle jobs unless you have the knowledge and ability.

• Wear appropriate clothing.

• Stop and disconnect all electrical appliances before working on them.

• Use a Residual Current Device (RCD).

• Working at height with ladders are jobs best left to professional experts.
Yours sincerely

  

Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download
· Attachment 1 – 16LTB274 How Safe Is Your Home.docx

CWU Youth – Introductory Letter to New Young Members 
Dear Colleagues, 
A couple of years ago the Youth Committee made the decision to try and contact new young members as and when they first join the union to introduce them to the youth structure of the union. This was conveyed to branches at the time, but it has become apparent that some branches – possibly due to the passage of time and personnel changes – were unaware of this practice. 
This LTB is to therefore bring branches up to speed on this and give you sight of the latest correspondence that is used to make contact with the new younger members. A copy of this is attached for your information. 
You will see that it is in an interactive format that enables the recipient to easily connect with the union via a number of headings and links and will hopefully encourage them to become more involved in the union in some way. 
If branches have any queries or concerns please do get in touch with me via my office at CWU headquarters. 
Yours sincerely,
 
Simon Sapper

National Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 269/16 – CWU Youth – Introductory Letter to New Young Members

New Joiners Letter Template

Future of Romec: Joint Statement

Dear Colleagues

Following confirmation that Royal Mail acquired ENGIE’s stake in Romec on 31st March, the attached joint statement outlining the agreed way forward in Romec has been produced and is being circulated to Romec members today.

In addition, it has been agreed that the current barriers on transfer between Romec and Royal Mail will be removed. From 1st April 2016 any employee of Romec taking up a role within RMG will retain continuity of service (and the same will apply for any Royal Mail employee transferring into Romec). This will mean that Romec members of the Royal Mail Pension Plan (RMPP) will be able to remain members of the scheme following transfer.

All enquiries regarding the content of this LTB regarding Romec Engineers should be addressed to the PTCS Department, quoting reference 335.

All enquiries regarding the content of this LTB regarding Romec Cleaners should be addressed to the Outdoor Department, quoting reference 120.

Yours sincerely,

Ray Ellis Bob Gibson

Assistant Secretary

JOINT STATEMENT ON THE FUTURE BY ROYAL MAIL, ROMEC, UNITE & CWU

Following the ratification by Unite and CWU members in Romec of the Agreement on the Future Provision of Facilities Management Services to Royal Mail, we are pleased to say thaton 31 March 2016 Royal MailGroup acquired the 49 per cent of facilities manager Romec Limited (Romec) that it does not already own from ENGIE (formerly Cofely Workplace Limited). This follows a strategic review into the future of the joint venture (JV).Under the terms of the transaction,Romec is now a fully owned company within Royal Mail Group. This will allow the complex governance arrangements of Romec to be simplified, provide for a better fit with Royal Mail’s own priorities and opportunities to look afresh at how certain activities are conducted in order to ensure that they are as efficient as possible. The transaction means that the provisions of theagreement will now come into effect.

The joint working group that has been meeting since early 2015 to discuss the future ownership of Romec will continue in being with a new remit to oversee the implementation of the agreement. The same principles of cooperation and engagement that led to a successful outcome to the earlier talks will apply. It will be called the Forward Together Group and will continue to have the advice and support of Peter Thompson as an external member. We will provide updates of outputs from the group from time to time. Normal arrangements for consultation and negotiation within Romec over day to day matters will continue as usual.

One of the priorities for the Forward Together Group is to look at the issues and areas of Romec identified in the agreement for further review, and these reviews are commencing. They cover the non -core areas of Romec, step change improvements in engineering efficiencyand also new approaches to industrial and employee relations. The intention of the reviews is to shape the development of Romec in a way that takes full account of input from the unions about the future before decisions are made that impact on Romec employees.

As always, there will be some changes going forward, but the priority will be to ensure that these are managed in a way that takes full account of input from trades union partners and which manages the people impact of change as fairly as possible. In the meantime the day to day management of Romec under Keith Gawthorn as MD remains unchanged.

The support of everyone in Romec over the difficult period of uncertainty about the future of the company is well understood and appreciated. This is now a new chapter in Romec’s history and we jointly intend to help shape it together, with your continued support.

21 April 2016

 

National Hazards Conference 2016 – Friday 29th to Sunday 31st July 2016, at Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire: “Building Resistance to Support Safety Reps”
To: All CWU Branches 

        All CWU Regional H&S Forums

        All CWU Safety Reps
Dear Colleagues,
The 27th National Hazards Conference takes place at Keele University, from Friday 29th to Sunday 31st July 2016 and the CWU is once again pleased to be supporting and sponsoring this unique and popular event for Trade Union Safety Representatives.
Hazards Conference is the UK’s biggest and best educational and organising event for trade union safety reps and activists. Consisting of a mixture of plenary sessions, meetings and a comprehensive workshop programme. It gives delegates the opportunity to exchange experience and information with, and learn from, safety reps and activists from other unions, sectors and jobs across the UK. 

Tory government attacks Trade Unions’ capacity to protect members and defend our hard-won health and safety standards continue with the (anti) Trade Union Bill, more cuts to HSE/LA enforcement and regulation, cuts to public services, privatisation and job losses. This leads to increased working hours, and demands, stress and worsening health and safety. Employers are using the crisis to intensify work, increase monitoring and job insecurity and manage by stress. They undermine collective preventative measures and union organisation by using individual ’well-being champions’ and resilience training.   

In March, the HSE launched its new 5-year “Help GB Work Well” Strategy. The CWU was actively involved in the consultation, voicing the Union’s concerns and key issues both at the Stakeholders consultation meetings and in written submissions calling for a focus on key union safety concerns, stronger enforcement and use of new court penalties for safety offences but none of these points were picked up and the Union continues to have very serious concerns over the fact that the Strategy lacks a pro-active approach and is backed by a HSE that has had its teeth pulled by the anti-health and safety Tory government, through several rounds of severe budget cuts plus direct interference in its Field Force Inspection and Enforcement policies with diktats to take a ‘softly, softly’ approach. The Strategy offers no enforcement, no ambitious campaigns to tackle stress, MSDs, cancer, or other work factors that are making workers ill and killing people.
We know we cannot rely on the law, on employers or enforcers but must instead build on our own organisation and strength. The Hazards 2016 Conference will examine the implications of the changes and discuss how we can organise better at all levels. How can we get a more radical approach that puts decent jobs with good health and safety at the centre of decent lives for all, on the political agenda? Hazards Conference will look at how we can educate, organise and agitate inside and outside the workplace, locally, regionally and nationally to support union safety reps and workers to resist employers’ attacks on our lives and health. 

 

The booking form is up on Hazards Campaign website now: http://www.hazardscampaign.org.uk/?page_id=139
Also on Hazards Campaign website http://www.hazardscampaign.org.uk/ sign up for updates on right hand side.
Hazards 2016 Workshops, Seminars & Meetings:
This year the organisers are changing the format a little to provide a more coherent, comprehensive and intensive programme for safety reps. The opening plenary session with keynote speakers is on Friday evening and the closing plenary is on Sunday morning. There is no Saturday plenary. Saturday is a day for workshops, seminars and meetings ending with Fringe Meetings. The final plenary on Sunday will pull it all together and send Safety Reps off with more tools in the kit. This year the workshops, seminars and meetings are themed to provide a concentrated examination of all the key issues. Read the form carefully before you fill it in. Contact the organisers if you need help or further information.
There are three Themes to choose from with 5 workshops in each Theme. Two weeks before Hazards conference begins, the organisers will send delegates a list of Fringe Meeting topics to select from with final joining instructions, and delegates can then sign up for the Fringe Meetings at registration. Delegates will be posted the programme and more details to supplement the brief outline on the attached registration form and at: http://www.hazardscampaign.org.uk
Below are the outline details of the Conference keynote and workshop sessions:-
Hazards Conference Keynote Meetings
1. Improving Support for Safety Reps
Identifying weaknesses in current support systems for safety reps, in workplaces and unions. What local networks exist, what works best to build resistance and active support networks for action?
2. Karoshi/Karojisatu – Death/Suicide due to work
The most extreme response to poor work conditions is being worked to death (Karoshi) or driven to suicide by excessive workloads/hours, stress, bullying (Karojisatsu). How do we establish the extent of this and deal with it?
3. UK and global threats to health & safety organisation
Discussion of threats to H&S in the UK, in Europe and globally. Discussing how to develop appropriate action at different levels from workplace to national/global campaigns to protect and improve our H&S.
Hazards Conference Workshops (Select two plus one reserve from your chosen theme)
Theme 1 Workplace organisation
01 Reps’ functions and employers’ duties

Employers try to restrict statutory functions of safety reps, fail to observe their duties to permit time-off, provide facilities & other assistance to enable safety reps’ to function effectively. What must they do, how do we insist they do it?
02 Safety committees: what do we need?
What sort of safety committees do we need to meet our real needs & not allow employers to marginalise H&S issues into a toothless body? Should H&S be part of the main bargaining agenda? What are the key issues for unions?
03 Recruiting safety reps and improving workplace health & safety organisation
Examination of methods we can use to revitalise our branch/workplace organisation to recruit more safety reps.
04 Role of the enforcer
Government restrictions on enforcement have limited what inspectors can do. There are fewer HSE and local authority staff, fewer proactive inspections. What can they still do & how do we get help from inspectors when we need it?
05 Inspections
The workshop focuses on preparing for regular workplace inspections; explains the resources and tools you need, plus checklist development; recording & reporting the results of the inspection and follow-up action.
Seminar 1: Sharing experiences of workplace organisation and good practice
How well do we use statutory functions/employers’ duties in SRSC Regs to organise and make work safe? Learning from best practice and developing new health and safety organising ideas.
Theme 2 Dealing with risks
06 Identifying Hazards/Risk, Hierarchy of control
Risk assessment is the statutory foundation for employer working practices, but many still do poorly. We explain employer’s duties, how to carry out risk assessment, the hierarchy of control and failures. How do we ensure safety reps play an effective role?
07 Identifying and dealing with Stress risk factors
HSE stress management standards (SMS) and toolkit form the basis for risk assessment. This is a critical view of the SMS, how should they be used by employers and reps; how effective controls can be put in place; what reps should do when employers fail to act.
08 Fire risk assessments
Fire service enforcers are tough on employer failures to assess fire risks. What are the standards employers must meet? What guidance is available? How can we get employers to improve their performance to ensure safety at work?
09 Finding out what harms us
This workshop will look at the key steps for finding out what harms us and give you the tools to do this. For example, surveys, body mapping, questionnaires, assessing injury/absence figures.
10 Investigating incidents and injuries
Good investigation ensures problems are identified and further harm is prevented. This workshop will look at the key steps for incident investigation, and give you the tools you need to undertake this function effectively.
Seminar 2: Sharing experiences of making the case for dealing with what harms us
Sharing experience on how we make good case for tackling the hazards and risks they present to our health & safety, building better TU organisation. What works, what is best practice?
Theme 3 Employers offensive/workplace tyranny
11 Management by stress
The managerial offensive expands to push workers to the limit in all kinds of ways across all sectors. We will identify the different elements, map the interactions, & the effects on workers’ health.
12 Punitive sickness absence management
Absence management procedures should support sick & injured workers not penalise them. We need good recovery and rehabilitation procedures. Is the ’ Fit for Work’ service good for us?
13 Resisting resilience and individual wellbeing schemes
Resilience and, individual wellbeing, counselling & other schemes divert attention from collective preventative action. How do we re-focus on prevention & ensure reps are not diverted?
14 Behavioural Safety
STOP programme, Golden Rules and ‘Procedure for Corrective Actions, is all management speak for ‘blame the worker’. This Behavioural Strategy (BS) is a real threat to our survival. How do we recognise and resist it?
15 Excessive workloads
UK workers work the longest hours in Europe, & workload levels continue to increase. How can safety reps use stress standards & other tools, to monitor & control risks & unhealthy workloads? Will the enforcers help?
Seminar 3: Sharing experiences of prioritising action against employers offensive
Disentangling the elements of employers’ offensive, discussing how we prioritise the main threats and share experiences of tackling them using health & safety organisation.
How to apply for Hazards 2016
See attached Registration Form. The closing date for applications is Friday 8th July 2016
Choose a Theme, then chose 2 workshops plus a reserve workshop within that Theme. You will be automatically allocated to the relevant Seminar and Theme Meeting. Arrange your delegate fee, complete the registration form, and send it to Hazards together with your cheque payable to Hazards 2016
Notification
Hazards will acknowledge your application within a few days of receiving it. If applicants don’t hear from the organisers within two weeks of sending in their form, contact the organisers (contact details below).
Conference timings and registration
Hazards opening plenary starts at 7.30 pm on Friday 29th July, and conference ends at 12.30pm on Sunday 31st July, followed by packed lunch. Delegate registration is from 1pm – 9pm on Friday 29th July, and between 7.30 – 9.00 on Saturday morning, 30th July.
For more information, clarification or queries, contact:-
Hazards 2015 

c/o Greater Manchester Hazards Centre 

Windrush Millennium Centre 

70 Alexandra Road

Manchester M16 7WD 

Telephone: 0161 636 7557 

Fax: 0161 636 7556 

email: hazconf@gmhazards.org.uk
So there’s a lot to find out, discuss and debate, and a lot to do to defend health and safety and safe workplaces and our union organisation. Attend the Hazards Conference to hear and learn more about the problems we face and what needs to be done.
Full details are contained in the attached pdf Conference registration form. Hard Copies will be distributed to Branches and Regional Health and Safety Forums.

 

For more conference event information about the programme visit the 2016 Hazards Conference pages on the Hazards Campaign website at:
http://www.hazardscampaign.org.uk
For clarification or queries, contact Hazards at: telephone 0161 636 7557/7558 

or e-mail: hazconf@gmhazards.org.uk
Yours sincerely

  

Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download
· Attachment 1 – 16LTB261 National Hazards Conference 2016.docx
· Attachment 2 – Hazards Conference Booking Form 2016.pdf