New Royal Mail Group Stress Risk Assessment Process and Guidance – Royal Mail Stress Toolkit: (Motion 37(2015):
To: All Postal Branches

All Regional Health & Safety Forums

All Area Health & Safety Reps  
Dear Colleagues,
Further to LTB 166/16 dated 15 March 2016, negotiations between Royal Mail Group, the CWU Health, Safety & Environment department and Postal department have jointly continued to a satisfactory conclusion.
On World Mental Health Day 10th October, with follow up in the run up to EU Health and Safety Week, Royal Mail Group, the CWU and Unite CMA are jointly launching the new Royal Mail Group Stress Risk Assessment process and the new Royal Mail Stress Toolkit. The CWU will therefore once again be supporting World Mental Health Day and on this occasion with the launch of the new RMG Stress Risk Assessment process as a positive component to creating a healthy and safe working environment for all RMG employees, recognizing the mental, as well as the physical, wellbeing of the workforce.
The CWU has been working with Royal Mail Group on introducing revised Guidance for employees on Stress. This is a key tool to ensure our members can get early support if they are overwhelmed and in distress which can prevent them becoming well, which is good for CWU Members and good for the RMG. Through this new approach the CWU & RMG recognise work-related stressors as a potential hazard to health and are jointly committed to managing work related stress in a proactive manner to reduce the personal impact on RMG employees.
There is a Stress Toolkit on a new specially constructed Intranet Stress page of the Royal Mail Group Health and Wellbeing intranet site where all the documents will sit and it forms the basis for the Online Stress Tool. 
The Stress Toolkit:
Preventing and Managing Stress Guide.

Stress Flow Chart.

Guided Conversation for Stress (individual stress risk assessment).

Online Stress Tool (through the Feeling First Class website using the HSE Stress Management Standards Risk Assessment Indicator Tool).

The ‘Two-Level’ Stress Approach:
The approach being jointly launched is very much focused on the ‘two level’ stress approach:-
The individual stress risk assessment called the ‘Guided Conversation for Stress’ and

The ‘Online Stress Tool’ using the full HSE Stress Management Standards Risk Assessment Indicator tool questionnaire to be used to measure ‘population based stressors’ when we assess all the staff in a workplace e.g. a Mail Processing Centre, a Delivery Office or a Distribution Centre etc., for example. 

This two-level Stress Risk Assessment process is supported by a helpline and a website offering advice and OHS guidance called ‘Feeling First Class’. 
The CWU very much welcomes this positive initiative which we helped shape through positive involvement and consultation at every stage. 
I can report that the new RMG SHE Stress Risk Assessment and associated documentation has been finalised and after a joint presentation to the PEC was cleared.
Pilot Sites: 

Ten sites were invited to participate in the pilot of the Stress Guidance as follows with Feedback still coming in for consideration:
HWDC  

Nuneaton DO  

South Midlands MC  

Coventry Hub (Parcelforce)  

NDC

Tonbridge MPU  

YDC  

Lincoln DO  

Edinburgh LD (Parcelforce)

Plymouth Customer Service Call Centre  

The Launch Timetable:
Following the pilots and further discussions, the documentation was finalised in advance of the following launch timetable being finalised.
Monday 10th October – World Mental Health Day – RMTV Joint RMG/CWU Media Launch.

Wednesday 12th October – Article in RM Wellbeing Weekly and launch of e-learning on RM success factors intranet site.

Monday 17th October – New Stress Risk Assessment Process Documents; Preventing & Managing Workplace Stress, Guided Conversation For stress, HSE Stress Risk Assessment

Online Stress Tool and The Preventing and Managing Stress Flowchart go live on the RMG Feeling First Class (FFC) Website.

Tuesday 18th October – RMG SHE Joint Event with CWU and Unite CMA ASRs – Official Launch of the new RMG Stress Risk Assessment Process.

Once launched RMG and CWU and Unite/CMA intend to work jointly on both raising awareness and building confidence in the process, as well as achieving compliance. The process will be reviewed and monitored jointly ongoing with a full annual review.
First Class Support & Feeling First Class: 

It is important that the workforce is aware of the support available to them for mental wellbeing through First Class Support (0800 6888 777) or wellbeing advice on Feeling First Class (www.feelingfirstclass.co.uk use the code FFC1 to register). We will be encouraging members to sign up to Feeling First Class and complete the Lifestyle Questionnaire and Online Stress Tool – by completing these questions they will get tips and ideas on improving their wellbeing and where to go for help.
Attachments:
The presentation of Judith Grant RMG Head of Health to CWU ASRs.

The Preventing and Managing Stress Guide.

Guided Conversation for Stress.

Online HSE Stress Tool (paper version).

Preventing and Managing Stress Flowchart

The Preventing and Managing Stress Guide:
This outlines roles and responsibility in Royal Mail for stress.
Provides advice on signs and symptoms.

Gives directions for carrying out a Stress Risk Assessment using the HSE principles.

Provides guidance on when each of the risk assessments should be used:

The Guided Conversation for Stress – for individual acute cases of stress.

The Online HSE Stress Tool – proactive, engagement, assessment tool to support the business in understanding group/workplace wide stressors. Questions are set by the HSE.

The Law:

All employers have legal responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to ensure the health safety and welfare at work of their employees. This includes minimising the risk of stress-related illness or injury to employees. Employees also have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and of others who may be affected by their actions. There are lots of ways of doing this but can include having a structured safety programme, a workplace wellbeing programme and by carrying out Stress Risk Assessments.
HSE Guidance On Stress – Stress Risk Assessment:

To help workplaces work together to address stress the HSE has identified six key areas (or ‘risk factors’) that can be causes of work related stress. These are:
the demands of your job;

your control over your work;

the support you receive from managers and colleagues;

your relationships at work;

your role in the organisation;

change and how it’s managed.

The Stress Risk Assessment looks at these areas and the detail.
Support: 

For Managers not sure how to use the Risk Assessment Toolkit or have a conversation on stress?
A number of Presentation sessions were delivered by the RMG Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing.

4 Stress Guidance bite-size eLearning modules can be watched.

Managers can attend the Mental Health Awareness course (can be booked on RM Success Factors).

Film 3 entitled ‘Supporting Someone’ can be viewed on Feeling First Class website, H&W intranet, Success Factors or Content on Demand.

Advice on body language and supportive listening.

Call First Class Support on 0800 6888 777. The counselling team have been briefed on the new Stress Guidance.

Call HR Services Advice and Support. The advisors have all been briefed on the new process and can advise on any specific HR issues that may arise in the course of the Guided Conversation for Stress.

Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1 – LTB595/2016 New Royal Mail Group Stress Risk Assessment Process and Guidance

Attachment 2 – Guided Conversation for Stress

Attachment 3 – HSE Stress Risk Assessment

Attachment 4 – Preventing and Managing Stress Flowchart

Attachment 5 – Preventing and Managing Workplace Stress

Attachment 6 – Stress Guidance Coaching

Stand Up To Cancer’ – 21 October 2016 
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues, 
‘Stand Up To Cancer’ is a charitable program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF). It aims to raise significant funds for translational cancer research through online and televised efforts. Central to the program is a telethon that was televised by three major broadcast networks. On Friday 21 October, live on Channel 4 will be the special ‘Stand Up To Cancer’ telethon 2016. 
1 in 2 people will be affected by cancer in their lifetime meaning everyone is affected in some way, or will be. But we can do something about it. 100% of the money raised for and donated to ‘Stand Up To Cancer’ will fund research into new tests and treatments for cancer patients right here in the UK. The Stand Up To Cancer initiative aims to raise awareness and bring about an understanding that everyone is connected by cancer. 
It’s time to overthrow cancer by any means necessary say the organisers who are calling on everyone to Join them and tune in on 21 October, pledge their support, indulge your rebellious side and fundraise ‘however-the-hell-you-want’. As long as it’s raising money. 
The money raised for ‘Stand Up To Cancer’ funds clinical trials and projects that are finding new ways to take on cancer. Like that of Dr Colin Watts, who’s trialling a method that makes brain cancer cells glow bright pink – helping surgeons like him to remove them. You can watch an animation to see how this new science works, and how it could help us treat brain cancer in the future. 
Stand Up To Cancer’ has announced that BT are now Lead Sponsor for Stand Up To Cancer. That means they’ll be doing whatever they can to help raise money and kick cancer off its perch, from exclusive TV shows to staff fundraising across the country. 
This isn’t the first time that BT has stood up to cancer, they’ve been part of our fight since the launch of Stand Up To Cancer in the UK, in 2012, but this year, they are supersizing their support. They’ll be calling on BT staff and customers to join them in raising money to help fund ground breaking translational research, sending staff across the country out to collect donations in local towns and rail stations on the 21st October, amongst other things. 
There’ll be the return of the Crystal Maze – sponsored by BT and featuring some of BT Sport’s own presenters and ambassadors! Then following the ‘Stand Up To Cancer’ live show, on October 21st, BT Sport on Saturday 22nd October will follow on by hosting some of favourite Stand Up To Cancer stars across TV football shows on the day! 
For more information go to the Stand Up To Cancer Website at:- http://www.standuptocancer.org.uk 
Yours sincerely
 
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
· LTB 583/16 ‘Stand Up to Cancer’ – 21st October 2016

Royal Mail Group – Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 – Non-Compliant Priority Sites – Joint RMG/CWU Appeal For More First Aider Volunteers:
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues, Can I remind ASRs, WSRs, Regional H&S Forums and Branches of the above and draw your attention to LTB 572/16.
I would request your support and ask that you examine the list of ‘non-compliant’ Units, that is, those Units in breach of the Regulations. (LTB572/16 and the List are attached).
Could ASRs then discuss the matter with Local SHE Team Advisors and Managers and run a local campaign to recruit more First Aid volunteers.
Please give copies of LTB 572/16 to all Operational Managers in your Branch area where non-compliance is an issue and pass on a copy to the SHE Advisor. Then discuss a local campaign jointly with the SHE Advisor if possible to encourage members to volunteer and get a list of volunteers together yourself. You should check that all your offices have completed their FARA (First Aid Risk Assessment) and check the results as to whether the office is compliant or has a shortfall. If the office is compliant and has enough First Aiders as per the FARA outcome then that’s fine as the picture is constantly changing as volunteers get trained.
Those offices on the list attached to LTB 572/16 were non-compliant at the time of the last FARA. If you have offices on the list, then please give those your concerted attention.
SPDOs were excluded from the list attached to LTB 572/16 as the first priority is the larger offices, mainly Delivery Offices but not all of them. The next phase will be SPDOs. Any Operational Managers obstructing the release of First Aid Volunteers for Training or refusing to co-operate by submitting a training request or not releasing people or as in several cases Managers withdrawing the release at the last minute due to staff resourcing issues, should be handed a copy of LTB 572/16 and reminded that they are aiding and abetting the business to break the law which is not supported by Royal Mail HQ.
Any continued problems with un-cooperative Operational Managers should be escalated using the RMG/CWU ASRs ‘disputes resolution escalation process’.
Thanks for your support.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
· Attachment 1 – LTB581/16 LTB581/16 Royal Mail Group – Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981

· Attachment 2 – LTB572/16

· Attachment 3 – First Aid Priority Sites

Better Regulation: Better for Whom?’ Report By Professor Steve Tombs – Spotlight on the Lack of Effective Workplace Health & Safety, Standards and Regulation, Pollution and Food Safety Controls in the UK:

In July this year Professor Steve Tombs published his Report ‘Better Regulation: Better for Whom?’ which puts the spotlight on the Lack of Effective Workplace Health & Safety, Standards and Regulation, Pollution and Food Safety Controls in The UK. This week Professor Tombs made a special presentation of his report and updated findings to CWU Regional Health and Safety Forum Officers.
An estimated 29,000 deaths each year in the UK are attributable to the effects of airborne pollution. Some one million cases of foodborne illness in the UK each year result in 20,000 hospital admissions and 500 deaths. Around 50,000 people die each year as a result of injuries or health problems originating in the workplace.
These staggering figures are probably underestimates. The litany of lives shortened and health impaired to which these figures bear witness are also largely avoidable.
Yet as Professor Tombs points out, the rate of inspection and enforcement actions for environmental health, food safety and hygiene, and health and safety have all been falling. In the case of health and safety inspections by local authorities, for instance, the average business can now expect to be visited only once in every 20 years.
This is not just a problem of infrequent inspections and lax enforcement. In the name of cutting red tape, governments of all political persuasions have, for over a decade, undermined independent and effective business regulation. Budget cuts under the austerity programme have compounded the problem. So too have moves to outsource and privatise regulatory and enforcement activity.
Private companies are increasingly involved in ‘regulating’ themselves. Taken together, Professor Tombs argues, these changes may ‘mark the beginning of the end of the state’s commitment to, and ability to deliver, social protection’.
We are taught that the greatest harms faced by citizens are crimes dealt with by the police, courts and other criminal justice agencies. Professor Tombs’ Briefing makes clear that this is far from the case.
The harms he writes about are the result of political and economic decisions. They are not random happenings. The story the Briefing tells is one of ‘avoidable business-generated, state facilitated violence: social murder. And, quite remarkably, it proceeds, daily – met only by academic, political and popular silence’.
The Report is a contribution to breaking this silence. It reflects the ‘Centre for Crime and Justice Studies’ commitment to informing public understanding of the role and limitations of criminal justice processes, and to fostering a greater knowledge of the harms faced by citizens, and of how they might best be regulated and reduced.
Regulation these days is widely derided, a dirty word now by the Tory Government, equated with ‘red tape’, unnecessary rules, burdens and bureaucracy. Yet we would do well to recall that regulation of business emerged ostensibly to provide some levels of ‘social protection’ for workers, consumers and communities from the worst excesses of the industrial revolution. Thus, the regulatory agencies formed in Victorian Britain created the basis of regulatory regimes through to the present day while social protection through regulation probably reached its high point in the 1970s/80s – early 90’s, then, the emergence of neo-liberalism provided the context for a concerted attack on regulation in the name of freeing business from the burdens of red tape. As Steve Tombs’ report sets out, in the past 15 years, virtually without political, public nor academic comment, this ‘social protection state’ has been radically transformed. Specifically:
Regulation now proceeds virtually without enforcement, a result of a political initiative, ‘Better Regulation’, rolled out by Labour, Coalition and Conservative Governments.

The politics of anti-regulation have been overlain by the economics of austerity.

Austerity has particularly impacted upon regulation and enforcement at the level of local authorities.

Private businesses are increasingly involved in the business of regulation.

The agencies of social protection – such as the national Health and Safety Executive or Local Authority Environmental Health Offices – have been radically transformed to the extent that they are either unable to perform their statutory duties, or now perform protection for rather than from business, or both.

Overall, these developments have left workers, consumers and local communities more vulnerable to business-generated harms while exacerbating economic and social inequalities.
A copy of ‘Better Regulation: Better for Whom?’ Report by Professor Steve Tombs is attached for your information.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1 – LTB594/16 ‘Better Regulation: Better for Whom?’ Report By Professor Steve Tombs

Attachment 2 – Better Regulation Better For Whom Report

World Mental Health Day 2016
 
World Mental Health Day is the annual global celebration of mental health education, awareness and advocacy. Monday 10th October is World Mental Health Day, hosted by the World Federation of Mental Health. To help mark the occasion, we’re raising awareness of what can be done to ensure that people with mental health problems can live with dignity. We are publishing the Mental Health Foundation Report to Branches, Health and Safety Reps and Regional Health and Safety Forums entitled ‘Fundamental Facts about Mental Health – Executive Summary (the full report is available for download at: http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/fundamental-facts-about-mental-health-2015) along with the World Federation for Mental Health publication, Dignity In Mental Health – Psychological & Mental Health First Aid For All. This is not just about one day, which is a focal point. This is very much an ongoing issue of importance. 
The problem
One in four adults and one in ten children are likely to have a mental health problem in any given year. This can have a profound impact on the lives of tens of millions of people in the UK, and can affect their ability to sustain relationships, work, or just get through the day. But an ill-informed and damaging attitude among some people exists around mental health that can make it difficult for some to seek help. It is estimated that only about a quarter of people with a mental health problem in the UK receive ongoing treatment, leaving the majority of people grappling with mental health issues on their own, seeking help or information, and dependent on the informal support of family, friends or colleagues. 
How can we challenge this?
We are confronting this stigma through facts. Facts that help us understand patterns of mental health problems, their causes and solutions. Facts that help us break down barriers in seeking help and support. We have produced an updated Fundamental Facts with the aim of distributing it to the widest audience possible. 
What is long-term answer?
At the heart of Fundamental Facts is a focus on prevention, because the best way to deal with a crisis is to prevent it from happening in the first place. For example, by providing the right information, guidance and support in childhood and adolescence, the chances of developing mental health problems can be reduced for millions of people over a lifetime. This focus on prevention is in part about what we can all do to safeguard our wellbeing, but is also about tackling the social and economic inequalities that can lead to a higher prevalence of mental health problems. 
How can you help?
This October please help by sharing Fundamental Facts on social media with family, friends and colleagues. We believe that effectively supporting people experiencing mental health problems is on target to become one of the greatest public health challenges of our time. Stigmatising and discriminatory treatment can be particularly distressing when a person is experiencing a health crisis. We all have mental health and by failing to treat people with mental health problems with dignity we make it more difficult to ensure that everyone takes steps to safeguard their wellbeing and to seek help, as it can lead to self-stigma, low confidence, low self-esteem, withdrawal and social isolation. 
MHF (Mental Health Foundation)
The MHF Website for further information is at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/world-mental-health-day
Attachments:
MHF Report – Fundamental Facts about Mental Health – Executive Summary
Dignity In Mental Health – Psychological & Mental Health First Aid For All
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 2 – MHF Report Executive Summary

Attachment 3 – Dignity in Mental Health

Attachment 1 – LTB593/16 World Mental Health Day 2016

Backcare Awareness Week – 3rd – 8th October 2016

‘BackCare’ is a charity established nearly 50 years ago by a group of people who wanted to help back pain suffers. The Charity publicises and promotes the latest advice and research, from a broad range of health professionals into the causes, management and prevention of back pain. The Charity has extensive links with the NHS, Government Departments, industry and other voluntary organisations. ‘BackCare’ recognises there is not one single solution to backpain. They aim to give a balanced viewpoint on the different information, advice and therapies available. As a Charity they say that they can give unbiased advice.
The Organisation’s flagship ‘Back Pain Awareness Week’ helps people understand the real problems of back pain sufferers. Through their media campaign via press and Radio millions of people have been reached and the organisation listens to members and invite collaboration into research, into the causes, management and prevention of back pain. The Charity’s board of trustees is made up of leading healthcare professionals

The aim of the week-long event, which is organised by BackCare, the charity for healthier Backs, is to raise awareness of the problems back pain can cause, as well as prevention and treatments.
Back pain is ‘more disabilitating than any other condition’, recent studies have found and the condition may now be the leading cause of disability worldwide. One study looked at how much disability is caused by lower back pain globally. It found that lower back pain caused more disability than any other condition, affecting nearly 1 in 10 people and becoming more common with increasing age.
The condition was most common in Western Europe, followed by North Africa and the Middle East, and was lowest in the Caribbean and Latin America.
The EU Agency for Safety & Health reports that about 44 million workers in the EU have musculoskeletal disorders caused by their workplace
In the UK almost 31 million days of work were lost last year due to back, neck and muscle problems, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The ONS’s Labour Force Survey, which polls hundreds of thousands of people in the UK, found that musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, which include a large range of bone and joint complaints, accounted for more prolonged absences than any other ailment.
One of the messages the organisers of ‘Backcare Week’ is to point out that many workers posture when sitting at a desk is really quite shocking – and taking breaks, standing and stretching are beneficial rather than sitting for long periods with bad posture.
Whatever you do it is very important to make sure that your work station area is set up correctly for you and simple changes can make such a big difference. Some workers can be seen with their computer keyboard too far away from them, so their arms are really outstretched, or the keyboard has been balanced precariously on a pile of documents or an uneven surface whilst the worker attempting to type!
The Charity’s ‘Backcare Shop’ has available information packs, based on back problems found at home, at work and at play. They also have a great selection of back friendly bags to help ensure that you reduce the chance of any potential back problems.
While workers might all know the best way to pick up items, boxes, parcels, equipment etc safely, they tend not to think about the effect everyday tasks have on our backs; like picking up shopping or children’s toys, things around the home, garden, garage etc.
It’s thought that 4 out of every 5 adults will experience back pain at some point in their life, so the campaign week invites you to get an information pack or obtain a selection of Information Sheets available, listed below and find out what Branches and Reps can do to run local awareness campaigns to help members prevent it. It should be stressed that local information and awareness raising campaigns on Backcare can be organised locally by Branches, Safety Reps and Safety Forums at any time, not just during the campaign week, as the problem and information is relevant all year round.
‘Backcare’s’ Top 10 Tips For A Healthy Back:
1. Exercise your back regularly – walking, swimming (especially back stroke) and using exercise bikes are all excellent to strengthen your back muscles but anything that you enjoy and helps you keep active will be beneficial.
Keep active and moving even when you have pain. Gentle walking and stretching will prevent stiffness. Also try to avoid long periods of bed rest as this is counterproductive.

Always lift and carry objects close to your body, bend your knees and your hips not your back and never twist and bend at the same time.

Try to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle as this will help prevent back pain. Quit smoking as it increases your chances of developing back pain.

Use painkillers when pain occurs to allow you to carry on being active. If pain is persistent see your GP as they may be able to prescribe stronger painkillers or investigate further.

Consider your work environment. If you work in an office look at your workspace and ways to adapt it to help you manage your back pain. If your work is more manual in nature try to be aware of and work according to health and safety procedures such as manual handling or loading procedures.

Try to carry loads in a rucksack and avoid carrying single sling bags.

Always try to maintain good posture. Avoid slumping in your chair, hunching over your desk and walking around with your shoulders hunched up.

Always use a chair with a back rest and sit with your feet flat on the floor or on a foot rest. Don’t forget to change your sitting position every few minutes.

If you do suffer from back pain caused or made worse by being at work, talk to your employer or HR department. They may be able to help you come up with adaptations to your work environment, patterns and activities in order to help you better manage your back pain. Information sheets made available by BackCare are provided for information only and should not be considered as medical recommendations or advice.

‘Backcare’ Information Sheets Link click here:- 
Caring for Carers Leaflet

Standards of Care

HSE Manual Handling at Work

Which Hospital Companion

Bad Backs in Cars

On Your Bike

Back in the Gym

Setting up your Workstation

Discs

Necks

Whiplash

Back Facts for Employers

Access to Work

How can your GP Help?

NICE NHS Treatment Guidelines

Bags Versus Backpacks

Self Management Courses and Support Groups

Pain Clinics, Pain Management and Functional Restoration Programmes

Long Term Pain Support Groups

Top Ten Tips for a Healthy Back

Driving with Back Pain

Exercises for a Better Back

Cycling and Back Pain

Commonly Used Medical Spinal Terminology

Choosing a Chair

Hot and Cold Therapies

Beds

Car Seats

Back Pain in the Workplace – Office Furniture

Clinical Negligence

Accident and Insurance Claims

DWP and Access to Work

Disability Rights

Patient Rights

Back Care for Drivers

Exercises for Office Workers

Physical Activity and Exercise

Physiotherapy and Back Pain

Difference between Osteopathy and Chiropractice

Chiropractic

Osteopathy

Alexander Technique

Dynamic Stabilisation Systems

Necks

Spinal Implants

Choosing a Spinal Surgeon

What to Expect After Spinal Surgery

Choosing a Spinal Surgeon

What To Do When Pain Strikes

Relaxation

Medical Acupuncture

Drugs for Pain Relief

Percutaneous Vertebroplasty

Nucleoplasty

TENS Pain Relief

Epidurals and Back Pain

Discography

Back Surgery

Spinal Stenosis

Coccydinia

Thoracic Spine Pain

Facet Joint Pain

Pain in Cervical Spine

Sciatica and Referred Pain

Spondylosis and Osteoarthritis

Degenerative Spinal Disease

Back Pain Show 2017
On Friday 19/Saturday 20 May 2017 at St Andrews Stadium, Birmingham, B9 4RL, ‘Backcare’ will be organising the Back Pain Show 2017 – the one-stop shop for all those who suffer from back problems along with the health professionals who look after them. Organised on behalf of Backcare – the National Back Pain Association – the exhibition will feature therapies, products and services associated with the treatment of back pain as well as a range of professional conferences, presentations and seminars. The Charity say that the show is a must for the 75 per cent of the population who are likely to experience back pain at some point in their lives. In 2017 – for the first time – they are also introducing a section on manual handling, looking at the problems caused by poor lifting and handling techniques and how with the right knowledge you can keep safe.
Become a ‘Backcare’ Member:  
​You can Join ‘Backcare’ and receive the Charity’s free monthly e-newsletter! Go to: http://www.backcare.org.uk/get-involved/become-member/
TalkBack Magazine
TalkBack is the quarterly magazine of ‘BackCare’, the UK’s national back pain charity – featuring news, views and leading edge commentary for all involved with and affected by back pain. Annual subscription is £28.00 – complete the online form at the ‘Backcare’ Website (address below). 
More Information – ‘Backcare’ Website:
For more information visit the ‘Backcare’ website for information on how best to deal with aches and pains before they turn into something more serious. Website: http://www.backcare.org.uk/
Contact details:
BackCare

Monkey Puzzle House

69-71 Windmill Road

Sunbury-on-Thames

TW16 7DT
Telephone: 0208 977 5474
Monday to Friday: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Email: info@backcare.org.uk 
Attachments:
Daily Express Article: Millions of working days lost to back pain – and it costs us £1BILLION a year

HSE – Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder Statistics in GB 2015.

 
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer 
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 589/16 – Backcare Awareness Week – 3rd – 8th October 2016

LT 589 Back Pain Cost GB 1 Billion a Year

LTB 589 HSE – WRMSDs Statistics GB 2015 (2)

European Health and Safety at Work Week Monday 24 – Sunday 30 October: “Healthy Workplaces for All Ages”
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues,
Dates:

This year the European Health and Safety Week will take place in the fourth week of October, Monday 24 – Sunday 30 October.
Theme 2016-17:

European Health and Safety Week takes place in October each year and is designed to raise awareness of health and safety at work issues and is organised by the European Agency for Safety and Health, who have published a website full of news, materials and activities. Each year, European Health and Safety Week seeks to promote good health and safety practice.
This year the theme is “Healthy Workplaces For All Ages”.
The European Agency for Occupational Safety and Health (EU-OSHA):

The European Agency for Occupational Safety and Health (EU-OSHA) describe the week as: “Aimed at people in organisations, companies and workplaces of all sizes and sectors. Everybody involved in occupational safety and health matters are invited to take part, especially health and safety professional bodies and institutions, occupational insurance organisations, trade unions, employers, employers organisations, companies, managers, employees and Safety Representatives.
The EU Safety and Health Agency’s 2016-2017 ‘Healthy Workplaces for All Ages’ Workplaces Campaign is focusing on the promotion of sustainable work and healthy ageing throughout working life and effective management of workplace health and safety in the context of an ageing workforce. The Agency has set up a special Website full of News, Materials and activities. The Website can be located at the following link:-
https://osha.europa.eu/en/healthy-workplaces-campaigns/2016-17-campaign-healthy-workplaces-all-ages 
HSE:

The European Health and Safety Week is being coordinated in the UK by the Health and Safety Executive. The HSE has set up a Website with lots of information and Guidance at:- http://www.hse.gov.uk/campaigns/european-2016/ and
http://www.hse.gov.uk/vulnerable-workers/older-workers.htm
TUC:

The TUC has produced guidance on the EU Health and Safety Week theme entitled “Health and Safety of Older Workers. (Copy Attached).
National H&S Inspection Day:

The Wednesday of European Health and Safety Week, 26th October is traditionally National Inspection Day when all Trade Union Safety Representatives are encouraged to carry out Inspections of Workplaces where their members are employed. The TUC Guide on Health & Safety Inspections and the TUC Guide on Risk Assessment are both attached (Copies Attached).
CWU Health and Safety Reps are requested to undertake targeted Inspections of Workplaces on National Inspection Day.
Union-appointed health and safety representatives have a legal right to inspect the workplace. Formal inspections of the workplace should be carried out periodically and additionally where there is higher risks, members’ complaints, incidents, near misses, change in conditions, new hazards or accidents have occurred etc. The frequency of health and safety inspections will depend on the nature of the work and risks in the workplace concerned and this is a judgement for the CWU Safety Representative to make and not the management! Inspections may be less often, for example, if the work environment is low risk, like in a predominantly administrative office. But if there are certain areas of a workplace or specific activities that are high risk or are changing rapidly, more frequent inspection may be justified, for example, high risk work or where construction projects are taking place.
The HSE state that Formal Health and Safety Inspections can take different forms and Safety Reps need to decide the best methods for the workplace. Safety Reps should plan and organise their Inspections as we approach the week. Here are some of the ways the HSE state that Inspections can take place.
Safety tours – general inspections of the workplace

Safety sampling – systematic sampling of particular dangerous activities, processes or areas

Safety surveys – general inspections of particular dangerous activities, processes or areas

Incident Inspections – carried out after a near miss (which could have resulted in an injury, or case of ill health), a dangerous occurrence or an accident.

Further information is available from the HSE on Health and Safety Inspections and can be found on the HSE Website at:- http://www.hse.gov.uk/involvement/inspections.htm
Calling All CWU Health and Safety Reps – > Get involved in Joint Working:
Achieve on health and safety – make the workplace safer and healthier for you, your members and others. Take Action on “HEALTHY WORKPLACES FOR ALL AGES”.
With increased life expectancy, no default retirement age, raising state pension age, plus poor pension provision; today and into the future, a higher proportion of workers will continue to remain in work as they age.
At the same time, apprenticeship schemes as an alternative to schooling may see more young people also entering the workplace.
Employers have the same responsibilities for the health and safety of employees, whether younger, older, or in-between.
However, they do need to consider any particularly vulnerable groups and this may include older or younger workers, or women of child-bearing age for example. Working for longer, and the fact that children now grow up with computers, may also result in longer exposure to risks (whether muscular-skeletal or otherwise).
Both employers and regulators will need to consider this, both for the current and longer term implications.
As the working population ages, it is likely that there will be more workers with disabilities or long term health problems (and not all related to work) so measures such as rehabilitation and return to work will also be of increased importance.
The good news is that good workplace design and well managed health and safety benefit all of those in the workplace, young, old, and the in-between. And of course, with today’s young workers becoming tomorrow’s older workers, it really is the case that we need healthy workplaces for all ages.
That’s why the CWU is encouraging employers and branches to work together to ensure that workplaces really are healthy for all ages.
Questions For Safety Reps To Ask on Inspections:
Are risk assessments, policies, and procedures diversity-sensitive – that is, do they consider the different hazards and risks for all workers whether younger, older, or perhaps vulnerable in some other way?

Is prevention the key focus of the employers health and safety strategy (so far as is reasonably practicable), followed by the minimisation of exposure to risks?

Are there effective rehabilitation and return to work procedures?

Are workplaces, the work, and equipment adapted to fit the individual? For example are they ergonomic, do they reduce manual handling, and are there opportunities for job rotation?

Safety Reps – Why get involved?  
CWU members are safer and healthier in workplaces because of the Union’s army of active, trained, experienced, dedicated safety reps and where hazards are risk assessed. 

Promoting the campaign during European Health and Safety Week provides an opportunity to engage with the employer and managers on workplace hazards, rehabilitation, and return to work. 

Health and safety is important to workers, it’s important to the CWU, and it’s also important to our customers as many of our members work in local communities. Remember a safe and healthy workplace and job, is also a safe place for customers and the community.

Health and safety is important to workers, it’s important to the CWU, and it’s also important to our customers as many of our members work in local communities. Remember a safe and healthy workplace and job, is also a safe place for customers and the community.

How To Get Involved In EU H&S Week:
Promoting the campaign during European Health and Safety Week provides an opportunity to engage with the employer and managers on workplace hazards, rehabilitation, and return to work.

CWU members are safer and healthier in workplaces because of the Union’s army of active, trained, experienced, dedicated safety reps and where hazards are risk assessed. 

Regional Safety Forums – meet and discuss a common approach to the EU H&S Campaign week. 

Safety Reps – meet and speak with your members. 

Encourage Members and potential members – to raise their concerns about workplace health and safety hazards together. 

Safety Reps – campaign, recruit and organise – on issues of local concern and get results! 

Inspect the workplace or investigate members and non-members (potential recruits) complaints and submit a report and put the matters on the Health and Safety Committee Agenda. 

Hold a Union workplace meeting to raise awareness, during lunch time if this will increase turnout, and invite non-members to demonstrate what the Union does on Health and Safety – use Union Health and Safety and Recruitment materials. 

Carry out a body or risk mapping exercise – a simple, effective, and fantastic way to identify the areas of concern at your member’s workplace. 

Survey the workforce and members with a simple questionnaire to identify health and safety concerns they feel are important. 

Work with the Safety Advisors and Managers to implement Safety Standards and policies and procedures relevant to concerns at the workplaces to improve compliance. 

Jointly review relevant safety standards and risk assessments, policies, and standard operating procedures with the Safety Advisors and Managers. 

Hold a “spot the hazards” campaign. 

Cover the theme of healthy workplaces for all ages in a local Branch newsletter or on the Branch Website.

TUC/CWU Hazards Manual guidance: 

The CWU European Health and Safety Week Poster will be attached as a pdf copy and hard copies of the Poster will be mailed Out to Branches and Regional Health and Safety Forums for display in workplaces.
CWU European Health & Safety Week 2016 Poster:

The TUC/CWU Hazards Manual contains lots of guidance on:- risk assessment; safety rep inspections; the ageing workforce; disability and health and safety; gender safety and health; the menopause and work; sickness absence; young workers; older workers.
Attachments:- 
TUC Guide – “The Health & Safety Of Older Workers” 

TUC Guide – “Health & Safety Inspection”

TUC Guide – Risk Assessment

CWU European Health & Safety Week 2016 Poster: 

Yours sincerely
 
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 588/16

LTB 588/16 Poster

LTB 588 Guide Health and Safety Inspections

LTB 588 Risk Assessment

LTB 588/16 TUC Guide

Stand Up To Cancer’ – 21 October 2016 
‘Stand Up To Cancer’ is a charitable program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF). It aims to raise significant funds for translational cancer research through online and televised efforts. Central to the program is a telethon that was televised by three major broadcast networks. On Friday 21 October, live on Channel 4 will be the special ‘Stand Up To Cancer’ telethon 2016. 
1 in 2 people will be affected by cancer in their lifetime meaning everyone is affected in some way, or will be. But we can do something about it. 100% of the money raised for and donated to ‘Stand Up To Cancer’ will fund research into new tests and treatments for cancer patients right here in the UK. The Stand Up To Cancer initiative aims to raise awareness and bring about an understanding that everyone is connected by cancer. 
It’s time to overthrow cancer by any means necessary say the organisers who are calling on everyone to Join them and tune in on 21 October, pledge their support, indulge your rebellious side and fundraise ‘however-the-hell-you-want’. As long as it’s raising money. 
The money raised for ‘Stand Up To Cancer’ funds clinical trials and projects that are finding new ways to take on cancer. Like that of Dr Colin Watts, who’s trialling a method that makes brain cancer cells glow bright pink – helping surgeons like him to remove them. You can watch an animation to see how this new science works, and how it could help us treat brain cancer in the future. 
Stand Up To Cancer’ has announced that BT are now Lead Sponsor for Stand Up To Cancer. That means they’ll be doing whatever they can to help raise money and kick cancer off its perch, from exclusive TV shows to staff fundraising across the country. 
This isn’t the first time that BT has stood up to cancer, they’ve been part of our fight since the launch of Stand Up To Cancer in the UK, in 2012, but this year, they are supersizing their support. They’ll be calling on BT staff and customers to join them in raising money to help fund ground breaking translational research, sending staff across the country out to collect donations in local towns and rail stations on the 21st October, amongst other things. 
There’ll be the return of the Crystal Maze – sponsored by BT and featuring some of BT Sport’s own presenters and ambassadors! Then following the ‘Stand Up To Cancer’ live show, on October 21st, BT Sport on Saturday 22nd October will follow on by hosting some of favourite Stand Up To Cancer stars across TV football shows on the day! 
For more information go to the Stand Up To Cancer Website at:- http://www.standuptocancer.org.uk 
Yours sincerely
 
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 583/16 ‘Stand Up to Cancer’ – 21st October 2016

BAME Officers’ Toolkit
We have now completed the BAME Officers’ Toolkit. A copy has been put on the Equal Opportunities section of the web under fact sheets. We also attach a copy of this as an LTB.
The Equality department and the Race Advisory Committee are sure our BAME officers will find this toolkit a useful piece of information. Please inform BAME officers of its availability.
Yours sincerely
 
Linda Roy
Head of Equality
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 578/16 – BAME Officers’ Toolkit

Attachment 1: BAME Officers’ Toolkit

Black Workers’ Conference
Following the Advisory Committee Joint meeting on Monday 3rd October the RAC met to discuss the motions on the Agenda for the Black Workers Conference and agreed the following.
Motion 1 Support
Motion 2 Support
Motion 3 Support
Motion 4 Support
Motion 5 Support
Motion 6 Support
Motion 7 Support
Motion 8 Support
Motion 9 Support
Motion 10 Support
Motion 11 Support
Motion 12 Support
Motion 13 Support
Motion 14 Support
Motion 15 Support
Motion 16 Support
 
Yours sincerely
 
Linda Roy
Assistant Secretary
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 586/16 – Black Workers’ Conference