Dave Ward and Terry Pullinger LIVE at AGMs this morning. Get the vote out

IAmTheUnion 🙋‍♀🙋‍♂

https://www.internationalwomensday.com

National Call The Vote Out Day

Following the success of National Call The Vote Out Day in the 2019 ballot it is once again planned to assist with increasing the turnout and final week activity this year.

On Wednesday 11th March (12:00-17:00) we will host the event at CWU HQ.

We would urge every single branch to send delegates to the event so we can make as many calls to members as possible. Last time we made 10,000 calls. We want to beat that this year.

All attendees need to bring is a mobile phone and charger.

Branches should register delegates for the event by emailing Marcia Murray mmurray@cwu.org with names and numbers by no later than 12noon on Tuesday 10th March.

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in attendance on the day. Thank you for your ongoing work to secure the highest possible yes vote and return.

Yours sincerely,

Terry Pullinger – Deputy General Secretary Postal

Dave Ward – General Secretary

LTB 109.20 -National Call The Vote Out Day

All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Respiratory Health Publishes Inquiry Report Warning UK Government That It Must Act to Prevent the ‘next Asbestos’ Taking More Lives in the UK:

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Respiratory Health has urged the Government to take action to prevent the ‘next Asbestos’ from taking more lives in the UK with the publication of its report entitled “Silica The Next Asbestos”.

The APPG and not-for-profit organisation B&CE’s joint report, Silica – The Next Asbestos, examines the danger posed by Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS); the biggest risk to construction workers’ health after Asbestos.  The inquiry was launched on 9 July 2019 and the Report was published on 4 March 2020.

Around 600,000 UK workers are exposed to RCS each year, which is created when bricks or stone are either fractured, cut or drilled into. This can cause Silicosis, the most common chronic occupational lung disease in the world. In Australia, the recent rise in cases of Silicosis has been described as an ‘emerging occupational health epidemic’, but awareness and understanding of the risks of RCS exposure remains “low”, the report says.

The new report calls on the Government to take a number of crucial steps to address these issues and protect construction workers from exposure to RCS.

The Report recommendations include:

• Halving the workplace exposure limit (WEL) for RCS in the UK from 0.1mg/m³ to 0.05mg/m³ in line with the 2003 recommended exposure standard from the Scientific Committee on Occupation Exposure Limits.
• Developing and implementing a targeted industry awareness campaign for those at risk of developing Silicosis.
• Introducing occupational health services into GP surgeries to allow for occupational histories to be taken where work-related ill health is suspected.
• Introducing new health and safety regulations specifically relating to the control of Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS), to bring it into line with Asbestos.
• Introducing an NHS screening programme for those exposed to RCS.

Thousands of construction workers are being put at risk by breathing in tiny dust particles when they drill or cut stone, the new report states. Workers are being put at risk of developing Silicosis – a chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of Silica dust. Silicosis occurs when the body’s immune system tries to remove the tiny particles of dust, resulting in swelling and scarring of the lung tissue. The condition usually develops after being exposed to Silica for at least a decade but some are affected sooner. Symptoms include a persistent cough, shortness of breath with weakness and tiredness. There is no cure and treatments aim to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

The Inquiry has raised awareness around the risks of Silica dust and given insight into the steps being taken to improve at-work health, especially around the issue of Silica dust. The APPG hope the report will assist the Health and Safety Executive, the Government and the construction industry to shine light on an under-documented issue and protect the construction workforce from preventable injury and illnesses. The aim of this report is to start a long-overdue conversation between Government, Parliament, health bodies and the construction industry about how to tackle Silicosis; an entirely preventable, often fatal, condition.

Retired Stone Mason Gordon Sommerville, 59, from Scotland gave evidence to the inquiry and told how he had to retire due to ill-health. He recalled the almost non-existent levels of industry awareness to the dangers of inhaling dust at the start of his 38-year career. He said that today colleagues teach stoneworkers of the dangers, the HSE runs awareness campaigns and larger companies will supply employees with respiratory protection. But still the danger of dust has not filtered through to most and ignorance is still the major cause of dust diseases he concluded.

In a 2014 report, the HSE stated that Silica is the biggest risk to construction workers after Asbestos and in July 2019, The Australian Department of Public Health launched its ‘Taskforce into Silicosis and Other Dust Diseases’.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

20LTB108 All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Respiratory Health Publishes Inquiry Report

APPG Report – Silica-next-asbestos

Royal Mail Property & Facilities Solutions – RMG Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Frequency Changes:

Background

The main change is that RMG will move from the current general regime of 12 monthly PAT testing to 24 monthly PAT testing. Following discussions regarding the higher risk areas using bench and hand held power tools and equipment  it was agreed that Vehicle Service Centres, Quadrant Facilities, RM and RMP&FS Engineering Workshops would be excluded and will receive a 6 month formal visual inspection by a competent person (PHS) and 12 monthly PAT testing.  The PAT schedule has been amended to accommodate the variation.  In relation to Fixed Wire Testing, there will be no change to the current situation which is a 5 yearly programme.

Introduction:

RMP&FS has been undertaking a national review of the frequency of Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) to reflect the level of risk based on guidance provided by the Health & Safety Executive, Fire & Rescue Service and other published guidance to ensure that a risk management approach is achieved which minimises risks associated with the use of transportable and portable electrical appliances throughout the Royal Mail Group (RMG) estate.

Future Testing Frequency:

The outcome of the review has concluded and has been subject to consultation and input from the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department. The new testing frequencies are:

• Vehicle Service Centres                 –        12 monthly formal PA Tests plus 6 monthly
• Engineering Workshops                          formal checks performed by a specialist
• Quadrant Kitchens                                  contractor            
• All other sites/areas                      –        24 monthly formal PAT tests performed by  a         specialist contractor

What is Changing?

As part of these changes, more emphasis will be placed on pre-use checks which should be made by users of portable appliances in line with existing PIC (Person in Control) Handbook guidance.  The HSE guide is provided below (HSG107 (Third edition) Published 2013) as additional reference.

User Checks:

The person using the equipment should be encouraged to look at it before use and check for signs that it may not be in sound condition, for example:

• Damage (apart from light scuffing) to the supply cable, including fraying or cuts;
• Damage to the plug or connector, e.g., the casing is cracking or the pins are bent;
• Inadequate joints, including taped joints in the cable;
• The outer sheath of the cable is not effectively secured where it enters the plug or the equipment. Evidence would be if the coloured insulation of the internal cable cores were showing;
• The equipment has been subjected to conditions for which it is not suitable, e.g., it is wet or excessively contaminated;
• Damage to the external casing of the equipment;
• Loose parts or screws;
• Evidence of overheating (burn marks or discolouration).

(This list is not exhaustive)

Dealing With Faulty Equipment:

Any faults found as part of the pre-use checks should be reported to the unit manager (PIC) and the equipment taken out of use immediately. Managers should take effective steps to ensure that the equipment is not used again until it is repaired or replaced; the defective equipment should be labelled as ‘faulty’ and removed from the area of work.

Available Support – RMP&FS Help Desk:

Faults should be reported and any questions or queries can be raised by contacting the Property & Facilities Solutions helpdesk on 0844 800 9191 or use the Self-Service link to report a fault via the Property & Facilities Portal at: https://selfservice.royalmailpfs.com/

Checking When An Office Is Due A Portable Appliance Test (PAT):

The Office Manager (PIC) can log into the Compliance Records Database (CRD) and view details for the office concerned for all certification including PAT records.  Dates when the next PAT is due will be provided (where a six monthly visit is required the PAT programme schedule will be amended and the CRD updated to reflect this requirement). Alternatively, a call can be made to the Property & Facilities Solutions helpdesk on 0844 800 9191.

Compliance Checks and Auditing:

To ensure that the level of risk associated with the use of portable appliances throughout the RMG estate is risk managed, RMP&FS has introduced a process for an annual review of PAT test results. The review will deliver a formal three-stage process:-

1. Contractor/Supplier to provide detailed records of PAT tests in a format that allows easy and accurate assessment of results.  To be provided on a monthly basis and collated for an annual review of results – part of contract specification and KPI.
2. Data Team (PFSL) to collate PAT results and provide detailed report for Subject Matter Experts review – data to be collated every 12 months and completed by December 31st each calendar year
3. PFSL Subject Matter Expert to review collated data and perform a risk verification exercise, i.e., a low failure rate would indicate that the interval between tests/inspections can be increased whilst a high failure rate would indicate that the interval between tests/inspections should be shortened.  Output of the review and recommendations will be developed and submitted to the PFSL Board by the 28th February each year for consideration and action as necessary.

Additionally:

• Persons in Control – will have documented processes outlining responsibilities regarding the property management and safety of staff and which includes guidance on portable appliances.
• Property Help Desk – available 24-hours, 7-days a week allows for the reporting of equipment that requires testing, replacing or repair.
• SHE Team Safety Advisors – are available to provide safety professional support and advice when necessary and can assist in the safety management processes for both staff and PICs.
• Safety Audits – are carried out by the RMG SHE Safety team and the nominated FM service provider (Property & Facilities Solutions Ltd).

PAT Testing Supplier

RMP&FS has appointed ‘PHS’ to carry out both Portable Appliance Testing and Fixed Wired Testing to agreed programmes within the RMG estate.  PHS will commence the new PAT & FWT programme of scheduled inspection and testing visits on 1 April 2020.

Starting Date:

The new PAT testing regime will formally start from 1 April 2020.  However, there is an interim arrangement in place to cover the sites/areas where the 6 monthly visit is required/due.  If there are any queries from our colleagues then the PFS helpdesk should be contacted in the first instance.

Enquiries

Any Management enquiries can be directed to Tim K Williams RMP&FS Property Risk & Assurance Lead Mobile: 07841 788464 Email: tim.k.williams@royalmail.com

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

20LTB107 Royal Mail Property & Facilities Solutions – RMG Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Frequency Changes

Davie Robertson, National Officer responds to the Parcelforce communications you have received in the last few days and why it’s imperative you vote

IAmTheUnion 🙋‍♀🙋‍♂ https://www.facebook.com/ThecommunicationsUnion/videos/538192366810119/

Carl Maden, Acting Assistant Secretary talks about the Attendance Agreement… #IAmTheUnion 🙋‍♀🙋‍♂ https://www.facebook.com/ThecommunicationsUnion/videos/2792347277524392/

BT PERSONNEL – Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Union has been in discussions with BT during the past week on the Coronavirus outbreak.

The general advice from Public Health England is outlined below including the link as the advice may change over time.  This also covers guidance for people who may have visited affected areas and general hygiene.

There is also a link to the NHS 111 online service.

Further information from the World Health Organisation is also given.

World Health Organisation https://www.who.int/

Public Health England – Present Advice

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance

The advice for anyone in any setting is to follow these main guidelines.

1. If you have been in contact with someone with coronavirus or have returned from an affected area identified by the Chief Medical Officer as high risk and you are feeling unwell with a cough, difficulty breathing or fever, stay at home and use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service or call NHS 111.
2. Wash your hands more often than usual, for 20 seconds using soap and hot water, particularly after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose, or after being in public areas where other people are doing so. Use hand sanitiser if that’s all you have access to.
3. To reduce the spread of germs when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, or your sleeve (not your hands) if you don’t have a tissue, and throw the tissue away immediately. Then wash your hands or use a hand sanitising gel.
4. Clean and disinfect regularly touched objects and surfaces using your regular cleaning products to reduce the risk of passing the infection on to other people.

As mentioned above, the situation could change but the links within this LTB should help members to keep up-to-date with the medical advice.

Any enquiries from Branches regarding this LTB should be referred to my office in the first instance.

Yours sincerely

Dave Jukes
Assistant Secretary

LTB 105.2020

Carl Maden, Acting Assistant Secretary has a message for Engineering members..

IAmTheUnion 🙋‍♀🙋‍♂