Mental Health Foundation New Series of Short Guidance Publications – (The ‘How To’ Series) – On Stress, Anxiety, Mental Health and Sleep 
To: All Branches 
Dear Colleagues, 
The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) has released a series of publications aimed at helping people understand how to effectively manage their own mental health, including managing and reducing stress, looking after your mental health using exercise and how to manage fear and anxiety. 
THESE NEW GUIDE BOOKLETS INCLUDE:-
‘How to Manage and Reduce Stress’

‘How to Look After Your Mental Health’

‘How to Look After Your Mental Health Using Mindfulness’

‘How to Look After Your Mental Health Later in Life’

‘How to Overcome Fear and Anxiety’

‘How To Sleep Better’ 

PDF Copies of these 6 Guides are attached. Hard Copies can be ordered from MHF and the price rates for bulk orders are below. 
The management and reduction of stress is an important part of a health and safety manager’s role as stress can over lead to people either not performing as well as they should be, a reduction in concentration, an increase in absenteeism and can often hide other – perhaps larger – issues. 
The ‘How to Manage and Reduce Stress’ guide looks at how you can identify stress, the importance of a work/life balance, and how you can manage and reduce stress on a day to day basis. 
The ‘How to Look After Your Mental Health’ makes the point that being mentally healthy doesn’t just mean that you don’t have a mental health problem but if you have good mental health, you can; Make the most of your potential, Cope with life and Play a full part in your family, workplace, community, and among friends. The guide covers talking about the issue, seeking help and advice and living a healthy lifestyle. 
The ‘How to Look After Your Mental Health Using Mindfulness’ guide explains that Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to the present moment, using techniques like meditation, breathing and yoga. It helps us become more aware of our thoughts and feelings so that, instead of being overwhelmed by them, we’re better able to manage them. 
The ‘How To Overcome Fear and Anxiety’ Guide explains that Fear is one of the most powerful emotions and that it has a very strong effect on your mind and body. It can create strong signals of response when we’re in emergencies – for instance, if we are caught in a fire or are being attacked. It can also take effect when you’re faced with non-dangerous events, like exams, public speaking, a new job, a date, or even a party. It’s a natural response to a threat that can be either perceived or real. Fear and anxiety can last for a short time and then pass, but they can also last much longer and you can get stuck with them. In some cases they can take over your life, affecting your ability to eat, sleep, concentrate, travel, enjoy life, or even leave the house or go to work or school. This can hold you back from doing things you want or need to do, and it also affects your health. Some people become overwhelmed by fear and want to avoid situations that might make them frightened or anxious. It can be hard to break this cycle, but this guide explains that there are lots of ways to do it and that you can learn to feel less fearful and to cope with fear so that it doesn’t stop you from living. 
The ‘How to Sleep Better’ Guide explains the importance of getting good-quality sleep and gives advice on healing sleep problems. Sleep affects our ability to use language, sustain attention, understand what we are reading, and summarise what we are hearing; if we compromise on our sleep, we compromise on our performance, our mood, and our interpersonal relationships. Sleep has also been shown to protect the immune system.
The amount that each person needs is different; however, it is recommended that a healthy adult should sleep, on average, between seven and nine hours a night. 
MHF Vision
MHF’s vision is for a world with good mental health for all. Their mission is to help people understand, protect and sustain their mental health. Prevention is at the heart of what they do, because the best way to deal with a crisis is to prevent it from happening in the first place. 
To Order printed versions of the publication:-
1-10 copies: £1.50 per copy

11-50 copies: £1.25 per copy

51-100 copies: £1.00 per copy

101-500 copies: £0.75 per copy

501+ copies: £0.55 per copy
You can buy direct from MHF by calling the MHF Publications team on 020 7803 1150.
Order by email and pay by invoice by emailing an order form (copy attached) to publications@mentalhealth.org.uk or order over the phone and pay with a credit or debit card
Contact Details:-
Mental Health Foundation Headquarters

Colechurch House, 

1 London Bridge Walk, 

London, SE1 2SX
Tel: 020 7803 1100
Glasgow office

Mental Health Foundation

Merchants House, 

30 George Square, 

Glasgow, G2 1EG
Tel: 0141 572 0125
Cardiff office

Mental Health Foundation

Castle Court, 

6 Cathedral Road, 

Cardiff, CF11 9LJ
Tel: 02921 679 400
Attachments:
MHF Guide ‘How to Manage and Reduce Stress’

MHF Guide ‘How to Look After Your Mental Health’

MHF Guide ‘How to Look After Your Mental Health Using Mindfulness’

MHF Guide ‘How to Look After Your Mental Health Later in Life’

MHF Guide ‘How to Overcome Fear and Anxiety’

MHF Guide ‘How To Sleep Better’ 

Yours sincerely
 
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 111/17 Mental Health Foundation New Series of Short Guidance Publications –

Look After your Mental Health

Look After your mental Health Later in life

Overcome Fear and Anxiety

Reduce Stress

Mindfulness

Sleep Better

Trade Union Administration Act Membership Records – Change of Address
LTB 038/2017 explained the impact of the recently enacted legislation, in particular the opportunity for improvements identified by the NEC appointed Assurers during our pre-audit assessment.
The Trade Union Admin Act came into force with a view to ensuring all members could receive correspondence and participate in ballots. Assurers have been appointed to check that we have taken all necessary measures available to comply with the law by way of checking how we capture, maintain and update membership records. A key component therefore is for the Union to hold the correct address for all its members.
We currently offer three ways in which members can change their address, via logging in with their own password on the web page, contacting their local branch or contacting membership records department at CWU HQ. We also have a section in every edition of the voice which can be found in the ‘Contact Us’ section on page 2.
We would ask branches to continue checking and updating their records at regular intervals to ensure our member’s data is correct. We believe it would greatly assist the Union as a whole to show that we are taking steps to ensure compliance with the law if we displayed notices on all available Union boards to encourage members to contact us when there is a change to their data. Branch assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
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 110/17 – Trade Union Administration Act Membership Records – Change of Address

CWU ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2017 – ONLINE REGISTRATION PROCESS
At previous conferences our online registration system has been used. Branch Secretaries should be familiar with the process of registering their delegates and observers for Annual Conference using this system.  
A couple of weeks ago, letters were sent to all Branch Secretaries advising what the Branch delegation entitlements are for each of the conferences the branch is entitled to attend. When registering your delegates/observers we ask that you use this to register the correct numbers. We are aware that Branches bring additions and throughout the week rotate their delegation but ask that if Branches do this, and the figures exceed the delegation entitlement, the remainders are registered as Observers. 
In previous years we have used barcode scanning at all conferences and intend to use it again this year. This enables HQ to obtain data required for equality monitoring purposes. Branches are asked to co-operate on the morning of each of the conferences and allow the Stewards to scan their credentials in order that the data can be collected.
Please note that all Field Officials will be registered by HQ.
If any Branch Secretary has forgotten their login details or passwords for the Branch or need assistance registering then please do not hesitate to contact eventsregistration@cwu.org The same applies if you need to make any amendments to any applications that have been made once up and running.
The log in website is https://conference.cwu.org  
Please note that all online registrations have to be completed by Friday 14th April 2017 as after this date you will be unable to use the website to register.  
Any enquiries on this LTB should be directed to Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256 or email eventsregistration@cwu.org
Yours sincerely,
 
 
Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 109/17 – CWU Annual Conference 2017 – Online Registration Process

Royal Mail Fleet Wheel Security Policy (V5 Oct 16):

Introduction

Royal Mail’s new Fleet Vehicles Wheel Security Policy Version 5 covers all vehicles and trailers used within Royal Mail Group.
Vehicle wheel studs and nuts are subjected to very high levels of stresses as axle loads and engine power outputs have increased in recent times. This makes it essential that wheel nuts are tightened and kept to the recommended torque settings, if the risk of loose nuts or at worst a wheel detachment is to be avoided.
This revised policy provides guidance to Royal Mail Fleet Maintenance and repair workshop staff and drivers on Royal Mail Group’s Wheel Security Policy and how to achieve it. The safety of wheel fixings can only be ensured by carefully following recommended wheel fitting and wheel nut tightening procedures as covered in the new policy.
Policy 

The Policy applies to all vehicles and trailers on the RMG Fleet. Irrespective of vehicle weight, the correct wheel nut torque will be applied to all wheels as part of every statutory inspection routine and following wheel changes.
New Vehicles and Trailers 

New vehicles and trailers must have all wheel nuts checked to the correct torque setting prior to entering into service and, vehicles exceeding 3.5T GVW and trailers must also have a full set of Yellow Wheel Nut Indicators fitted.
Hired Vehicles 

Hired vehicles should arrive with the Wheel Nut Indicators fitted, in which case a check for indicator alignment is necessary. If a hired vehicle arrives without the wheel nut indicators fitted then the receiving RMG Workshop must carry out the wheel nut torque procedure and fit indicators prior to handing the vehicle over to the operator.
Records

Confirmation that wheel nut torque has been checked and reset will be recorded on individual vehicle inspection records and the Vehicle Condition & Mileage Logbook (P1061E) stamped, endorsed and signed accordingly, indicating the relevant wheel position/s.
Vehicles Under And Including 3.5T Tonnes
Wheel Changed By A Driver

Vehicles that have had wheels changed by a driver (under 3.5T GVW), must be returned with a completed PMT1 to an RMG Workshop. The re-torque of the wheel nuts must be completed after its duty or as soon as practical but not exceeding 60 miles.
Wheel Changed By A Contractor

On vehicles where the wheels have been changed by contractor, there is no need for the wheels to be re-torqued.
The Re-Torque Task

The re-torque task can be completed on site by a MSV technician or taken to the local contractor near the owning office as agreed with the local RM Workshop.
Vehicle Condition & Mileage Logbooks (P1061E) & PMT1 

Vehicle Condition & Mileage Logbooks (P1061E) and PMT1 form must be stamped and endorsed with the relevant wheel position/s by the RM workshop or contractor whenever they are checked and the re-torque process is completed.
Vehicles and Trailers over 3.5 Tonnes or 9 Seats (8 Passengers) (Including Hired) 

Following all road wheel changes/fitments, wheel nuts must be properly torqued and then re-torqued; adhering to the process outlined below.
The RM Workshop must apply the following procedure:
Torque wheel nuts to manufacturer’s recommended torque setting.

Allow the vehicle to stand for 30 minutes and re-torque to complete the process.

Mercedes vehicles only, the re-torque must be carried out only after being driven between 50-100km.

Refit all Yellow wheel nut indicators.

Policy Contents

Scope, 2. Introduction, 3. Policy, 4. Responsibilities, 5. Consequences, 6. Change control, 7. Glossary, 8. References, 9. Summary of changes to previous policy.
Appendixes
Appendix 1 – Do’s and Don’ts of wheel fixing

Appendix 2 – Example of Re-torque Stamps

Appendix 3 – Best practice guide to wheel security

Appendix 4 – Different wheel nut types

Appendix 5 – Vehicle wheel nut torques by make & model
Summary of Changes to Previous Version of the Policy 

Essentially this is an updated policy. Section 3.2 has been revised to clarify the re-torque requirements, which basically states that if a driver has changed the wheel it must have the nuts re-torqued by a workshop or contractor. If the contractor has changed the wheel, there is no requirement to re-torque the wheel nuts. Section 2 has a revised item 7 referring to the new tool in the workshops to check studs and hole elongation. (TSB attached). The updated policy follows advice from the guide to Wheel Security from the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE).
Royal Mail is following ‘Best Practice’ set out by two of the UK’s professional Transport and Road Transport Engineering bodies. The Drivers Responsibilities on Page 8 align with the RMG Vehicle Log Book, Drivers’ Checks and PMT1 Procedure.
A copy of the New Royal Mail Fleet Wheel Security Policy Version 5.0 Dated 1st October 2016 is attached. A copy of TSB 35/16 Referring to The New Wheel and Stud Checking Tool (referred to in Section 2 of the new policy) is attached.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1 – LTB104/17 Royal Mail Fleet Wheel Security Policy (V5 Oct 16):

Attachment 2 – TSB 35 16 Buff TSB DAF Wheel Stud Check

Attachment 3 – RMG Wheel Security Policy – 2016 v5 draft

Royal Mail – Mk 4 Parcel York Container Trial – Health, Safety, Ergonomic and Training Documentation & CWU ASR Involvement Joint Statement:
To: All Postal Branches, Local, Area and Divisional Representatives 

All Area and Workplace Safety Representatives
Dear Colleagues,
History
The Health, Safety & Environment Department has been working with Royal Mail Logistics, the Material Handling Assets Team, the Containers Team and Manufacturers, along with input from the RM Principle Ergonomist, RM Engineering and the RM Safety Team since 2011 on the development of a new version Packet/Parcel York Container. This has been reported regularly via LTBs and at CWU Regional Health and Safety Forums and joint Royal Mail/ASRs events.
Over the years, as Branches and ASRs will know, the Health, Safety & Environment Department has been pressing Royal Mail to resolve problems around the safe movement, handling, transportation, loading, unloading of Packets/Small Parcels and Strapped Bundles in York Containers without the need for a sleeve (as used with the York Containers Mks 1, 2 & 3, first introduced in 1991) and the need to deal with the overuse and abuse of Cardboard Sleeves in Yorks.
Both sides recognised that there had been no fundamental change to the York Container design for 20 years and although the basic design was still sound, it was designed originally for Mail Bags and Letter Trays. The changing mail streams were now presenting more small parcels/packets and strapped bundles. Sleeves were originally introduced for the Amazon Contract but York sleeves present other problems and don’t deal with bundles which slide between Standard York Container bars and push out the Strapped front of the Mks 1, 2 & 3 York Containers causing Safety and Transportation problems.
A number of prototypes and solutions have been developed and considered over the years with some early prototypes looked at during 2011 and 2012. In April 2013 a competitive tender process sought to provide, “a roll container that is suitable for all mail types without the need for a separate sleeve.”
28 suppliers were invited to tender by RM.

10 responded, which through a series of evaluations, a shortlist was reduced to 7; then 4; then 2 (Hartwall and Hoza) which were close enough to the requirements to go further.

The Initial prototypes were evaluated in small scale trials against the specification and by frontline staff at an MC, and RDC, a DO, HWDC and EMA.

Robust feedback and suggestions from the evaluations were provided to the suppliers to enable them to improve their designs.

Final prototypes were received in April 2016, then evaluated by the RM project team in consultation with the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department and a representative sample of the user population at Swindon MC.

This led to the selection of the Hartwall model as the preferred Container and it was called the Mk4 Parcel York Container and it was agreed to plan for an operational trial in early 2017.

Previous LTBs 
Previous LTBs were issued by the Health, Safety & Environment Department with reference to the Mk4 Parcel York Container/Cardboard Sleeves; LTBs 1052/11, 143/2012, 916/12, 797/13, 393/14, 667/16. Several update reports on the Packet/Parcel York Container have been circulated via LTBs on Containerisation Safety, Cardboard Sleeves, ALP Sleeves, and Xmas Containerisation Strategy etc.
Joint Working Group
Following talks between the RM Containers Team and the Health, Safety & Environment Department, a Joint Working Group was established with all stakeholders involved to produce a trial programme, produce safety and ergonomics documentation, a training and information plan plus agree the trial format and a number of Offices in which to trial the Container in closed loops, including MC to MC, MC to DOs, plus a Distribution Centre and a Walk Bundling Centre and a Customer to trial/test the containers.
The Mk4 York Trial Containers
182 of the new type Mk4 Yorks have been produced and shipped to the UK and recently arrived at Swindon MC for the purpose of the trial. The idea now is to trial the concept with the small number of units (182) operating out of Swindon Mail Centre in a series of closed loop operations to different Office environments; i.e.MC to/from DOs/Hubs/MC plus test them in DC, WBC and Customer environments (POL Stores, Swindon, Customer selected).
The Mk4 Parcel York Container Description and Functionality: 
The main difference between the Mk4 Parcel York Container and the Standard Mk’s 1,2 and 3 is that it is of solid sided construction with a solid, three section gate as opposed to the standard Polymer Base, Steel Cage type construction with a ‘Strapped’ open front as with the standard York Containers Mks 1,2 and 3. The Mk4 is of the same dimensions as standard Yorks and will nest with them. The Mk 4 Parcel York has an ‘integral’ adjustable two-height base, set up by the operating staff according to the use required and so will require Safety/SOP training. The base can be adjusted up or down and locked into place. Photographs of the Mk 4 York are included in the Safety Documentation attached to this LTB.
The MK 4 York is designed primarily to handle loose small parcels/packets/bundles and other loads not adequately retained by other Yorks as well as existing mail streams while being compatible with the current York container fleet. E.g. nestable with Mks 1, 2 and 3 and can be used for other mail steams if required to be used as a standard York Container. Additionally, the Parcels Automation programme is a more recent development, adding another dimension to the requirements of the new Container. This now requires a container which can be tipped, retaining its integrity when inverted, with efficient and safe evacuation of the load.
As described above, the raised base is manually adjustable when the container is empty. So, if the container is to be sent to a site with automatic tippers, the operator will place the base in the lower position; whereas if the container is to be sent to a site where it will be unloaded manually, then the base will be placed in the upper position, in order that the unloading operation can be completed in a safe and ergonomically acceptable manner. As well as making the container safe for manual small parcel operations, the upper position also offers a solution to the safe unloading of strapped bundles.  
The Mk4 York is constructed of a UV stable material capable of withstanding sub-zero temperatures in normal operation, and will not deteriorate, fracture or break and can be left exposed to the elements for long periods of time.
The 200kg shelf offers improved ergonomic manual handling of strapped bundles in particular. The smooth interior allows contents to be tipped reliably with the base in either the raised or lowered position. The Mk4 has the same footprint as previous Mks 1, 2 and 3 generations of the York container. Vehicle operations and loading plans are not affected by the new Mk4 York in mixed or single type loads.
The new features are:
A Combined base and shelf for improved ergonomics when manually loading/emptying the unit.

A Solid polypropylene panelled construction to retain items.

Transparent viewing panels provide visibility inside the container from the front and back of unit.

A Lightweight 3 part door/gate which can be opened as a single piece or drop down panels to provide progressive access to the load space.

A Container that can be fork lifted and handled.

In all other respects the MK 4 York performs in a similar way to the existing York container fleet, specifically:
Brake handle

Steering and manoeuvring handles

Nesting configuration — a different arrangement for strapping when moving nested Yorks is described later

In summary the new York Mk4 Parcel Roll Container is designed as follows:-
Solid walls to retain parcels and strapped bundles

Smooth walls to allow for tipping

A three section gate that retains parcels and folds down to allow staged manual emptying

A 2-level adjustable base that can be deployed at a higher level for manual sortation

External dimensions are the same as the current York (compatible for vehicle loading)

Compatible with the current York for nesting

Ability to carry up to 21 trays if required (but not an efficient use of this asset)

A tip-able improved roll container that meets the requirements for parcel automation

Ability to tip effectively in the automated environment

Long life – Longer than an ALP Sleeve.

No need to fit and remove the ALP sleeve to this container

Reduces need to store and repatriate ALP sleeves

Reduced repair costs by reducing wear and tear maintenance on ALPs

Improved container fill in comparison with the ALP sleeve

Benefits for vehicle capacity and bullring operations

Unique barcode and suitable for potential future RFID tracking requirement

Trial Details
The trial will take place at Swindon Mail Centre, NHC Mail Centre, Oxford DO, Reading DO, SWDC and Swindon WBC. A basic overview of the trial is as follows:
Week 1: Generic type testing ; training of staff at all locations; plus WBC assessment

Week 2: Closed loop Oxford DO (CH) – Swindon MC – Oxford DO

Week 3: Closed loop Oxford DO (CH) – Swindon MC – Oxford DO; plus SWDC assessment

Week 4: Closed loop Oxford DO (CH) – Swindon MC – HCN NC – Swindon MC – Oxford DO

Week 5: Closed loop Oxford DO (CH) & Reading DO (CH) – Swindon MC – HCN NC – Swindon MC – Oxford DO & Reading DO; plus large customer (PO Stores) assessment

Week 6: Closed loop Oxford DO (CH) & Reading DO (CH) – Swindon MC – HCN NC – Swindon MC – Oxford DO & Reading DO

The trial will assess using the Mk4 York to tip mail onto the machine and receive mail from the machine at the sorter output chutes 

The trial will also assess the impact of sorting to and from the Mk4 York in the manual sort process in DO and Mail Centre environments, including strapped bundles at SWDC.

The trial is scheduled to commence from 20 February 2017 and run until 31 March 2017.

Safety Documentation
To enable the trial to commence, detailed discussions have taken place of safety issues and required enabling documentation and the necessary safety documentation has now been produced. These documents have been initially reviewed and the Safe Systems of Work and Standard Operating Procedures have been developed prior to and ready for the start of the trial. These Safe Working Practices and procedures will be reviewed and updated as necessary during the trial and will be jointly evaluated on completion of the trial. Feedback will be gathered from ASRs, WSRs members and all stakeholders with the lessons learned being addressed via appropriate review risk control measures and Safety documents, Safe Systems of Work and Safety Training and Information documentation will be reviewed as required and updated. Once that is complete and the documentation is fit for purpose, final full concurrence for the Mk4 Parcel York Container will be signed-off. There will need to be a review of the Generic SSoW for York Containers V3 as well as the new Specific Mk4 York Container SSoW, to take account of the functionality of the Container and cross-references. Pending the outcome of the trial a new updated Generic York container SSoW will be produced to incorporate all versions of the York container including the Mk4.
Unit Managers operational instructions Briefing Pack & Safety Information Pack
All Trial Unit Managers will receive a Safety Information Pack and a separate operational instruction Briefing Pack. The purpose of the Managers’ Safety Information Pack is to assist Managers with general duties under the Health and Safety at Work act 1974 and relevant statutory legislation such as the Provision of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998. The pack includes all the safety documentation that Managers require to discharge their responsibilities. The MK4 York Unit Manager Brief gives them an overview of the trial programme and the process to be followed should they have any problems with the containers. It also includes specific safety information for the user and is designed to be used as a flyer, hand-out or poster, pinned up on a notice board etc.
Documents Included are-
Safety Assessment & Concurrence (SAC1)  

Work Equipment Change Safety Assessment (WECSA)

Ergonomic screening assessment

York and Mini York Generic Safe System of Work (SSoW) V3

York Container MK4 SSoW (additional requirements)

MK4 York training brief

Mk4 York Safety Inspection
Managers are instructed that before use arrangements must be made to carry out the 10 point safety checklist’ detailed in the York SSoW and carry out additional checks described in the MK4 SSoW (additional requirements) document.
Safe System of Work (SSoW)
The current Generic York SSoW (V3) is still relevant to using the MK4 Parcel York Container and Unit Managers have been instructed that this should be applied together with the contents of a Mk4 Parcel York (additional requirements) SSoW document that has been written specifically for the MK4 trial container. Pending the outcome of the trial a new updated SSoW will be produced to incorporate all versions of the York container.
Training Stipulation
Trainers are being trained this week at Swindon to deploy staff training from the trial start date. All staff taking part in the Proof of Concept Mk4 York Container Trial activity will be fully trained on the Standard Operating Procedure and SSOW. Untrained staff cannot operate the Mk4 Yorks.
Reporting M4 Parcel York Equipment Failures and Malfunctions and Feedback
All equipment malfunctions and faults must be reported. The unit manager will be given specific instructions on the steps to take and how to feedback information to the project team identifying the container concerned.
ASR involvement
ASRs with Offices in their Branch areas have been communicated with directly, briefed and updated. They will be fully involved and the ASRs have a very important role to play in monitoring the Trial from a health, safety and ergonomic perspective, feeding back on the Container’s performance in their Units, collating workforce comments and feedback and importantly on the question of the Safety documentation and the training and information given to members. ASRs can participate in the Training in their Offices and participate the WTLs sessions. A Royal Mail/CWU joint statement has been agreed on ASR involvement and input – copy attached.
Health, Safety and Ergonomic Evaluation Aspects of the Trial
In relation to the question on lifting and bending, i.e. the ergonomics of the equipment, this drives at the root of one of the key initial reasons for the Container’s development.
Firstly, the Parcel York, with its integral base overcomes the problem of Cardboard Sleeved Yorks without the Cross-Members and False Bases being inappropriately misused and abused when dispatched into the Network or inappropriately used for Packet/Parcel Transfers to DOs which causes excessive bending, stretching and lifting repetitively.
Secondly the Parcel York overcomes the problem of loads not well contained in Yorks e.g. strapped bundles which has become a major problem, sliding between the bars of Standard Yorks and bulging out the York Straps, causing breakages, jamming, entanglement and lost loads in vehicles plus the resultant safety and ergonomic problems when unloading the vehicles and subsequently unloading the Yorks. The gate that retains parcels folds down to allow staged manual emptying. From a Safety and Ergonomic view, the raised height base can be deployed at the higher level for manual unloading to enable improved working height for lifting and bending and therefore Lifting parcels, packets or bundles from the container will pose an Adequately Controlled – Moderate Manual Handling risk depending on the size and weight of the item and position in the container. Unloading the container may result in limited bending for items towards the bottom of the load but this will be minimised by deployment of the raised base for manual flows. The same as current cardboard sleeve Yorks with the cross-member and false base. Evaluation of these aspects are important – e.g. height and reach etc.
Thirdly, the Parcel York can be used specifically with parcels automation due to the Solid walls to retain parcels. It’s a tip-able container that meets the requirements for parcel automation, the ability to tip effectively in the automated environment and it has smooth walls rather than bars to allow for tipping efficiently.
The aim will be to make all three aspects work safely, healthily and successfully.
Conclusion
The trial will be formally reviewed by the Health, Safety & Environment Department and Project Team including the Containers Team and SHE Team in relation to health, safety and ergonomic considerations. The Postal Department will deal with all operational parcels automation and IR aspects. Any questions of interpretation, implementation, or application of the Trial should be referred to the appropriate Headquarters department. There will be a full joint review of the Safety Documentation at the end of the trial and the need to cross reference with the Generic York Containers SSoW as well finalising the new Specific Mk4 York Container SSoW, to take account of input including that from the ASRs. Based on the documents and concurrences provided, the Mk4 Parcel York Trial has been agreed with the following provisos:
That on completion of the trial, lessons learned are addressed via appropriate risk control measures and documents updated; and

That once the above is complete, there will be discussions in relation to a final safety concurrence for the Mk4 Parcel York, prior to national roll-out.

Attachments:-
Royal Mail Mk4 Parcel York Container Trial – CWU ASR Involvement Joint Statement

York Container Mk4 Additional Requirements SSoW (v1.2)

SAC1 York Container Mk4 Feb 2017 (v2)

WECSA York Container Mk4 Jan 2017 (v1.1)

Mk4 York Trial Plan

York and Mini York SSoW (v3)

Mk4 York Unit Manager Brief

Mk 4 York Training Brief

Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

CWU National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1 – LTB103/17 Royal Mail – Mk 4 Parcel York Container Trial

Attachment 2 – Royal Mail – Mk 4 Parcel York Container Trial – CWU ASR Involvement JS s…

Attachment 3 – York Container Mk 4 additional requirements SSoW v1.2

Attachment 4 – SAC1 York Container Mk 4 Feb 2017 v2

Attachment 5 – WECSA York Container MK4 Jan 2017 V 1.1

Attachment 6 – 20170222-MK4 York Trial Plan v1-4

Attachment 7 – York and Mini-York Safe System Of Work v3.0

Attachment 8 – MK4 York Unit Manager brief

Attachment 9 – MK4 York training brief

Wheel Sentry” – Combined Wheel Nut Indicator and Retainer System Trial on 7.5t Royal Mail Fleet:
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues,
Following 6 incidents of Road Wheel detachments on 7.5t Royal Mail vehicles in 2016, Royal Mail Fleet have been looking at various solutions to help protect the fleet against wheel loss on the road. Please see attached information on the ‘Wheel Sentry’ product which Royal Mail Fleet want to trial on the 7.5t vehicles based at Nottingham MC. Fortunately none of the 6 incidents led to a major catastrophic road accident but it could of course have been very different.
Proper wheel care is needed to prevent accidents, damage, injuries and fatalities as a result of wheel loss, as well as Police prosecutions and VOSA prohibitions, vehicle downtime and costly repairs. Loose wheel nut indicators are small pointed tags, usually made of fluorescent orange, yellow or green plastic, which are fixed to the lug nuts of the wheels of large vehicles. The tag rotates with the nut, and if the nut becomes loose, the point of the tag shifts noticeably out of alignment with the other tags. If too many lug nuts are loosened, the wheel can detach from the wheel stud. Loose wheel nut indicators allow identification of loose nuts before this can occur. Although not compulsory most road safety organisations and bodies recommend their use especially on large or heavy goods vehicles, buses coaches, large vans, trucks etc. They are used extensively by the transport industry as an enhancement and development of fleet safety and roadworthiness procedures, daily walk-round inspection and defect reporting and scheduled maintenance requirements. Its use allows accurate monitoring for loose wheel nuts and helps prevent wheel hub damage or the loss of a road wheel should a wheel nut loosen. The current Royal Mail policy is that all vehicles exceeding 3.5t GVW and all trailers must have a full set of Yellow Wheel Nut Indicators fitted.
The “Wheel Sentry” product goes a step further than standard wheel nut indicators or wheel nut locking clips as it’s a itwo-in-one solution which both indicates and retains loosened wheel nuts. It is a combined Wheel Nut Indicator and Wheel Nut Retainer which provides prompt indication of any potential wheel detachment problems and makes wheel checks easy. It retains the wheel nuts in place on the studs, should they become loose, until the nuts can be re-torqued (tightened) and the clamping force restored.
This innovative product consists of bright green combined wheel nut covers and indicators, when fitted to the wheel nuts of a HGVs, LGVs or trailers which are then linked together with a Viton band that allows wheel nuts to loosen slightly, but then holds them in place at a lower torque level until the nuts are tightened. On a driver’s daily check the new position of the Wheel Sentry on a loosened wheel nut is clearly visible and ensures it receives prompt attention.
Royal Mail Fleet are of the view that this unique wheel nut indicator and retaining system will both complement and enhance existing procedures, to ensure the safe and efficient supply of goods and services with 100% confidence and zero wheel loss. The ‘Wheel Sentry’ manufacturers offer extensive operational back up and carefully monitored stock levels to ensure ease of ordering and continuity of supply.
The product will now be trialled on a fleet of ten 7.5t vehicles operating out of Nottingham Mail Centre and the Health, Safety and Environment Department has held meetings with the manufacturers and Royal Mail Fleet Engineers and has visited Nottingham to speak to Drivers, Workshop Fleet Maintenance staff and local CWU Reps who are all supportive of the trial.
The ten 7.5t Nottingham vehicles fitted with the Wheel Sentry Components are listed as follows:- 
Number
Serial No.  
Reg No
1
6610149 

NG606
2
3610670 

NG611
3
3611159 

NG604
4
3610668 

NG603
5
3610666 

NG612
6
3611123 

NG610
7
3611118 

NG625
8
3610665 

NG614
9
3610669 

NG616
10
3610667 

NG608
There will be an initial three months review on site and further reports to Branches and Area Safety Reps in due course.
See attached:-
Wheel Sentry Leaflet ‘How It Works’ 5 Step Instructions.

Wheel Sentry Leaflet ‘What You Can Put In Place To Remove The Risk Of Wheel Detachment.’

Further reports will be made on Trial completion.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1 – LTB101/17 “Wheel Sentry” – Combined Wheel Nut Indicator and Retainer System Trial on 7.5t Royal Mail Fleet

Attachment 2 – Wheel-Sentry-Instructions

Attachment 3 – ATE Put In Place mailer 2