Reinstatement of Doorstep Signature Capture on Signed-For Deliveries – Dog Awareness Briefing & FAQ’s Briefing:
Further to the recently issued LTB 134/22, dated 23 March, and the Royal Mail Delivery Office Staff Briefing entitled ‘Reinstatement of Doorstep Signature Capture on Signed-For Deliveries’, see attached two further follow up Royal Mail Delivery Office Staff Briefingswhich are being issued today in support of the original communication to staff via DOMs and WPCs. It is important to stress that these are Royal Mail Communications.
This LTB should be read in conjunction with LTB 134/22 and its attachments.
The two Delivery Office Staff Briefings attached are entitled:
- ‘Dog awareness’ and ‘Confrontation Risk’ as we re-instate Signature Capture and embed Capture Photo on Delivery.
- Signature Capture: frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Dog Awareness:
As indicated in LTB 134/22, a second detailed staff WTLL Briefing on dog awareness would be produced and delivered to the Delivery Office workforce in preparation for the reinstatement of PDA ‘Signed-For’ delivery, reminding and raising awareness of all delivery staff to be vigilant at all times and to always take the safe course of action regarding dogs.
Remember! There are 3000 dog attacks on postmen and women every year. Members need to be vigilant and aware of the risks that dogs pose and take no chances. Royal Mail and CWU agree that the safety of our delivery workforce is paramount, and dog awareness must be taken seriously.
We have recently, sadly seen a number of particularly vicious and savage dog attacks. One postwoman remains in hospital after having sustained very serious, life changing injuries in a dog attack. Another postwoman has suffered the loss of a finger which was bitten off as she pushed mail through a letter box. The dog was completely silent before it attacked! A thousand similar finger amputation incidents have occurred in the last 5 years! Sadly, also, three children have recently died in separate dog attacks within recent weeks.
The aim of this dog awareness briefing is to do what we can jointly to minimise the risk of dog attacks on members and to promote the staff dog awareness ‘AVOID’ acronym message. The ‘AVOID’ message, is outlined in the attached briefing and is crucially important at this time – the message is:- ‘AVOID and Stay Safe’ – Managers and Workplace Coaches have been requested to ensure that staff are thoroughly briefed on the importance of using ‘AVOID’ and being dog aware. All CWU Reps should support getting the briefing message across to all members.
Risk of Confrontation:
The risk of confrontation is to be briefed to staff and is included in the second WTLL Briefing along with dogs. The agreed position is that if delivery staff at any time feel threatened or find themselves in conflict with a customer then they should remove themselves from the threat and leave the item if necessary and leave the premises. It is important that, if at any stage a frontline employee feels threatened or in danger, they should walk away from the doorstep (leaving the item if unable to take the item back) and inform the Security Helpdesk, their manager and the police (if required).
Frequently Asked Questions:
A number of questions have been raised since the announcement by Royal Mail of its intention to reinstate Signature Capture on signed-for deliveries and these have been pulled together with the answers from Royal Mail HQ in the attached FAQs Staff Briefing. The questions broadly cover the following:
Start Date:
Royal Mail planned to re-instate Signature Capture from Monday 4 April and some concerns were raised about that date. Noting that units may need initial or refresher training or where there are concerns about current Covid-19 case numbers, the unit can choose a date later in April that suits the office and therefore the start date can be extended to Sunday 1 May when the service should be resumed.
Covid Transmissions:
Questions were raised about transmission risks whilst capturing signatures. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is that staff are not to hand over the PDA but to get it signed at arm’s length.PPE is available to those who wish to utilise masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes. PPE will be provided to all delivery staff requesting it. The message to members is please do utilise and use the PPE items and maintain good hygiene standards. PPE use is recommended but not mandatory, in line with Government guidance. Good hygiene standards should be maintained.
Unit managers have been instructed not to take a heavy-handed approach but to work with staff and CWU Reps to resolve any problems or concerns staff have.
Some important facts provided to the CWU from Dr. Jonathan Fluxman of the Covid Clinical Assessment Service are as follows:
- Inside areas – the highest risk is indoors.
- Outside – the risk is minimal unless an unmasked individual infected person is very close and in your face.
- Face masks work as control for airborne aerosol transmission.
Professor Chris Whitty, the UK’s Chief Medical Officer, has said; “The evidence is very clear that outdoor spaces are safer than indoors.”
Researchers say infections can happen outdoors, but the chances are massively reduced. Fresh air disperses and dilutes the virus. It also helps to evaporate the liquid droplets in which it is carried. On top of that, ultraviolet light from the sun should kill any virus that’s out in the open.
Self-Isolation Rules:
The legal requirement to self-isolate if you contract the virus has been removed by the UK Governments, but Royal Mail Group advise that those testing positive should self-isolate and avoid contact with others for at least 5 days after developing symptoms.
Coronavirus Help:
RMG helpline on management of COVID. The helpdesk number is 0345 604 3657 or email: coronavirus.support@royalmail.com.
First Class Support:
RMG First Class Support is a 24/7, free and confidential helpline for all employees including direct access to counselling services. Call: 0345 266 5060.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Mark Baulch
Assistant Secretary
Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary
CWU Eastern No5 Branch 
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