RM and CWU Road Traffic Accident/Collision Procedure Agreement 2021

RM and CWU Road Traffic Accident/Collision Procedure Agreement 2021

Further to the National Briefing held on Thursday, 28th October 2021, Branches should be aware the ballot for the above agreement will commence on Thursday 18th November 2021and will close on Friday 3rd December 2021 using the branch email address that we hold on file.

The Ballot papers will be sent to Branches electronically. The number of members in each Branch will be included on the Ballot paper.

The agreement has the endorsement of the Postal Executive and we would urge all Branches to participate in the Ballot.

Any queries to the content of the above should contact:

PTS Department quoting Ref 320 e-mail address: khay@cwu.org
Outdoor Department Ref: 300, email address: njones@cwu.org
National & Area Distribution: Ref 202.11 email address: dwyatt@cwu.org

Yours sincerely                                             
Steve Jones                                                         
Acting Assistant Secretary

Yours sincerely
Mark Baulch
Assistant Secretary

Yours sincerely
Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary

LTB 490/21

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HSE Launches New ‘Working Minds’ Work-Related Stress Campaign:(Mental health is the number one reason cited for sick days in the UK and is on the rise.)

HSE Launches New ‘Working Minds’ Work-Related Stress Campaign:
(Mental health is the number one reason cited for sick days in the UK and is on the rise.)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have launched their new ‘Working Minds’ work-related stress campaign, calling for a culture change across Britain’s workplaces where recognising and responding to the signs of stress becomes as routine as managing workplace safety.

The Working Minds campaign has been created by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety, and is committed to improving the health of workers

The HSE state that work-related stress is now the number one cause of employee sickness absence, with major factors causing work-related stress including workload pressures – tight deadlines, too much responsibility and a lack of managerial support.

The HSE add that employers, particularly smaller ones, are not aware of their legal duties or how to spot the signs of stress.

‘Working Minds’ aims to raise awareness about how to recognise and respond to the signs of stress and reminds employers of their legal duty to protect workers and support good mental health to help people to stay well.

Working with partner organisations, including leading mental health charities ‘MIND’ and ‘Mates in Mind’ plus ‘ACAS’ and ‘Lifelines Scotland’, HSE will provide employers, particularly small businesses with relevant information and practical tools.

HSE stated in their launch that; ‘Work-related stress and poor mental health should be treated with the same significance as risks of poor physical health and injury. In terms of the affect it has on workers, significant and long-term stress can limit performance and impact personal lives. No worker should suffer in silence and if we don’t act now to improve workers’ mental health, this could evolve into a health and safety crisis.’

The pandemic has highlighted the need to protect the health of employees who have faced unprecedented challenges and HSE want to make sure good mental health is central to Government plans to re-build the economy. Even before the pandemic took hold, it was estimated that mental health issues cost UK employers up to £45 billion a year.

MIND stated that ‘the charity were pleased to be supporting HSE’s Working Minds campaign which aims to support businesses to promote good mental health among their workforce and MIND has long been working with employers of different sizes and sectors to help them create mentally healthy workplaces, but this has never been more important. This campaign couldn’t have come at a better time, given the huge impact the pandemic has had on employers and workers.’

Working Minds is aimed specifically at supporting businesses by providing employers and workers with easy to implement advice, including simple steps to introduce employers to the principles of the stress management standards, that directs employers to Make it Routine by Reaching out, Recognising, Responding and Reflecting.

Whether a small business or a large corporation, the law requires all employers to prevent work related stress to promote, support and sustain good mental health in the workplace.

The Working Minds campaign brings together a range of tools and support to help businesses and workers understand the best ways to prevent work related stress and encourage good mental health.

The HSE is inviting business and organisations across the nation to support their campaign and become Working Minds Champions.

No matter where you work, employers have a legal duty to identify risks and agree ways to prevent work-related stress and support good mental health.

Good work can help promote good mental health but this is not always the case.

Anyone can suffer with stress and poor mental health – it affects us all at different times and in different ways. There are things you can do to help look after your mental health. The important thing is to make talking about how you and your colleagues are feeling, normal.

For anyone feeling the signs of stress at work, it’s important to talk to someone, for example a Union Rep or Mental Health & Wellbeing Ambassador or Mental Health First Aider or call the employer’s independent occupational health helpline or the Samaritans 24 hour helpline (116 123) or a GP. Talk to them as soon as possible and it will give them the chance to help and stop the situation getting worse.

‘Working Minds Matter’

For more about the Working Minds campaign visit the HSE ‘Working Minds Matter’ Website here: https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/workingminds/?utm_source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=working-minds&utm_content=work-right-17-nov-21

Get Your Mind Plan 

The NHS has created a simple tool that provides a free plan with tips to help deal with stress and anxiety, improve sleep, boost your mood and feel more in control. Get Your Mind Plan – Every Mind Matters Website is here: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/your-mind-plan-quiz/?WT.tsrc=Search&WT.mc_id=Brand&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-K2MBhC-ARIsAMtLKRvaO32ZmKMo6jwYAw5rvh0X0hi5wkLpRZp-NLsQF7_ev5nzlH5q6C4aApyhEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Samaritans 24 Hour Helpline

Need support? Call Samaritans 116 123 to speak to a Samaritan.

Other Charity Helplines

MIND Infoline: 03001233393

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) 0800 58 58 58(helpline for those who are down or have hit a wall, who need to talk or find information and support).

Papyrus – Prevention of Young Suicide – Helpline 0800 0684141or Text: 07786209697

Step Change – Debt advice service helping get problems back under control. 0800 138 1111

Shout – Text Shout to 85258 – Shout is the UK’s first free 24/7text service for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere for those struggling to cope and needing help.

SOS Silence of Suicide – 0300 1020 505 (midday to midnightdaily).

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 495/21 – HSE Launches New ‘Working Minds’ Work-Related Stress Campaign

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New Mk3 York Container Faulty Yellow Handle Grips

New Mk3 York Container Faulty Yellow Handle Grips:

A small batch of new Mk3 York Containers which were part of the 133,500 Yorks purchased from manufacturer ‘K.Hartwall’ this year have been found to have faulty Yellow steering handle grips which are opening either during transit or when in operational use and the grips do not close or stay completely closed at the top. This was found to be due to an injection moulding issue which has now been addressed.  The supplier K.Hartwall believes this may have affected between 10,000 to 15,000 Yorks, most of which have not entered the Royal Mail network and were intercepted prior to roll out.  Working in consultation with the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department, the manufacturer has agreed with Royal Mail both an interim fix and a longer term repair, replacing the handle grips. The interim fix is being deployed with a new handle grip, additionally strengthened using a specialist tape.

Any Mk3 Yorks found in service with faulty handle grips (SEE ATTACHED PHOTOGRAPHS) should be removed from service for repair by a York Repair Team.

Any problems or queries managers should either contact:

container.reporting@royalmail.com 

or telephone:

National Head of Assets Gary Yeo – 07872 636537

National Asset Supply Chain & Containers Manager Ian MacDonald – 07436 560875

National Asset Operations Manager Clare Smith – 07872816461

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 494/21 – New Mk3 York Container Faulty Yellow Handle Grips

Att: New Mk3 York Container Faulty Yellow Handle Grips – Photos

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Christmas Peak Pressure Period – Repatriation of York Containers, ALP Sleeves, Trays and Cardboard

Christmas Peak Pressure Period – Repatriation of York Containers, ALP Sleeves, Trays and Cardboard:

To ensure sites are safe and clear throughout our busiest time of year with the largest volume of containers within the network, Delivery Offices are to ensure that Container repatriations regularly take place and are returned to the agreed locations. Repatriated Yorks should be fully nested and consolidated in line with the York SSoW as well as being identified on the Office’s Yard Risk Assessment.  This will ensure congestion and potential safety issues are avoided as well as ensuring Royal Mail can maintain York Container supplies to offices and customers in order to deliver a good quality service.

Royal Mail have requested that we encourage all ASRs, WSRs, ADRs, Unit and IR Reps to report any excessive build up York Containers within their respective Delivery Offices to container.reporting@royalmail.com so that they can assist in site clearances and ensure safety and support for the operation and customer requirements.

Any problems or queries managers should either contact:

container.reporting@royalmail.com 

Or telephone:

National Head of Assets Gary Yeo – 07872 636537

National Asset Supply Chain & Containers Manager Ian MacDonald – 07436 560875

National Asset Operations Manager Clare Smith – 07872816461

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 493/21 – Christmas Peak Pressure Period – Repatriation of York Containers, ALP Sleeves, Trays and Cardboard

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POST OFFICE: HORIZON SCANDAL – SIR WYN WILLIAMS INQUIRY – CONFIRMATIONS OF WAIVER OF LEGAL PRIVILEGE

POST OFFICE: HORIZON SCANDAL – SIR WYN WILLIAMS INQUIRY – CONFIRMATIONS OF WAIVER OF LEGAL PRIVILEGE

Further to LTB 479/21 dated 11thNovember. A key output from the preliminary hearing held on 8thNovember was that the Chair of the Inquiry, Sir Wyn Williams, issued a statement calling for a response from Post Office, Fujitsu, BEIS and UKGI regarding a waiver of legal privilege when giving evidence.

The deadline for responses from the four entities was 4pm on 15thNovember. On 16th November, Sir Wyn reported that all four parties had responded within the timescale specified.  He added:

“The response of POL, on any view, goes a very long way towards meeting the request I made of them. It is clear to me that in respect of many of the most crucial lines of investigation for the Inquiry POL has waived legal professional privilege.”

“There is now a great deal of work to be done in organising and obtaining disclosure of relevant documents (including documents which until now have been the subject of legal professional privilege).”

In essence, Post Office, Fujitsu, BEIS and UKGI have voluntarily agreed to waive legal privilege for the purpose of the inquiry.  This means, for Post Office in particular, potentially thousands of documents going back over 20 years will now be accessible to Sir Wyn and his team for thorough scrutiny to try and uncover the full story behind this long-running scandal and find out who is ultimately responsible.

The full statement and the responses from Post Office, Fujitsu, BEIS and UKGI can be accessed via the following link:

In addition, Post Office published a press release:

We obviously welcome this development and any further activities / updates relating to the Horizon inquiry will be reported as appropriate.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

LTB 492/21 Post Office – Horizon Scandal – Sir Wyn Williams Inquiry – Confirmations of Waiver of Legal Privilege

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Postal Industrial Constituency Organising and Recruitment

Postal Industrial Constituency Organising and Recruitment

Following the carriage of a document by the Postal Executive on Tuesday 2nd November 2021 which outlined our commitment to Organising and Recruitment in our core businesses, this LTB summarises the change to our Organising and Recruitment Strategy going forward.

The whole profile of Organising and Recruitment needs to be the central focus of all Branches, Divisional Committees and Parcel Regional Meetings.  To that end we have devised a process to report on the efforts of Branches/Divisions/Parcel Regional Meetings in this regard.

Listed below are a number of strategic principles and approaches that the Department has compiled in light of the recent concerns raised by the SDGS regarding membership numbers and the need for us all to intensify our recruitment activity.  This list is not exhaustive and will always be subject to revisions as we welcome input from the Postal Executive and prioritise this issue on the Postal Executive agenda.

Key Principles and Approach:

With immediate effect the following steps must be adopted by Branches/Divisional Committees/Parcels Regional Meetings:

  • Postal Branches carry the overall responsibility for Organising and Recruitment in their area. Branches should therefore have a structured approach to recruitment which should not be left for one or two individuals to carry out alone.  In effect, every Branch Representative is a Recruitment Officer and should be expected to participate in any capacity they can;
  • Recruitment should be a standard agenda item at Branch Committee meetings and given the highest priority. We will provide a standard Recruitment and Organising agenda, advice and information which committees can use to structure their recruitment activity;
  • We will encourage Branches to provide regular reports to their Royal Mail Divisional Representatives and PFW Regional Organisers. The Department will engage our Senior Field Officials to ensure Recruitment and Organising is a regular agenda item at RM Divisional and PFW Regional Representatives meetings;
  • Postal Executive members, when attending RM Divisional and PFW Regional meetings, will be in a position to note and report back to the Senior Organiser on the progress being made, barriers being encountered and identify new ideas and initiatives that can be formulated into a best practice strategy document, which can then be circulated and added to the DGS(P) Department Portal, currently under development;
  • Using these reports, we will subsequently be able to identify where there is a problem and where a Branch might require additional support from the Senior Organiser, RM Divisional or PFW Regional Representatives and/or a Postal Executive member;
  • The Postal Executive will be supplied with a monthly update detailing the number of new joiners, new members, non-joiners and overall membership numbers;
  • The Department will undertake a review to ensure that all recruitment literature is still fit for purpose. In addition, the Senior Organiser will look at producing videos and literature to target different groups of workers explaining the value of membership.  For example, women, young workers and diverse cultures and ethnicity;
  • While focusing on recruitment, we also need to ensure that members’ information is correct and that members are on the appropriate membership rate. We will develop a format to encourage this detailed information in due course;
  • If a Branch is identified as still encountering difficulties, the Department will contact them and offer direct support from the Senior Organiser/Postal Organiser. In addition, assistance from the RM Divisional/PFW Regional Representatives and/or the appropriate Postal Executive will also be provided.
  • Branches will recall that, prior to the pandemic, the Department had made arrangements to hold an Organising and Recruitment Session with our Senior Field Officials in Liverpool, which was planned as a follow up to the successful event held in Birmingham on 24th November 2016. The event was due to be an interactive one and would have been workshop based.  It is still the intention of the Department to hold a workshop sometime in early 2022.  However, in the intervening period, another workshop has been developed and can be delivered by Lynn Browne and Steve Brown, our Senior and Postal Organisers, to Branches on an individual or collective basis.

The Department are proactively encouraging Branches to engage with us and take part in this workshop which is available now. Branches who wish to participate in the workshop should contact Lynn Browne on lbrowne@cwu.org

The subjects covered in the workshop are listed below:

  • One to One Recruitment;
  • How to Map the Workplace;
  • How to Set up a Workplace Committee;
  • Communications;
  • Handling Objections;
  • Identifying Future Leaders

We are now in a growth and job creation scenario in the Postal pillar of our Union and the opportunity to grow membership and revenue for the Union must not be missed.

Using the ‘build it and they will come’ mind-set, we also need to focus on the other factors that are important from an organising perspective such as succession planning, further development and function of workplace committees, supporting the next generation of industrial representatives and increasing the number from underrepresented groups.

‘Every Representative and member is a Recruitment Officer and no day or moment should be wasted in increasing our membership’ are part of the Department’s intensified strategy going forward.

Any enquiries in relation to the content of this LTB should be addressed to Lynn Browne, Senior Organiser Postal lbrowne@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Terry Pullinger

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 488/21 – Postal Industrial Constituency Organising and Recruitment

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Election of National Representative Positions – 2021 Members Auditors

Election of National Representative Positions – 2021

  • Members Auditors

Further to LTB 460/21 dated 28thOctober 2021.

At the close of nominations today, the following were received:David ConnellMidland Counties Branch*ElectedNeil CrothallGreat Western Branch*Elected

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

LTB 487/21

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Royal Mail Property & Facility Solutions – Election of: 3 Regional Cleaning Representatives – North, East & West Regions1 National Cleaning Representative

Royal Mail Property & Facility Solutions – Election of:

  • 3 Regional Cleaning Representatives – North, East & West Regions
  • 1 National Cleaning Representative

Further to LTB 448/21 dated 22ndOctober 2021, at the close of nominations the following have been received:

NORTH REGIONBallot RequiredNicola BoothLeeds No 1 AmalJudith Railton-ConroyGreater Manchester

EAST REGIONChris ImmsSouth Midlands Postal*Elected

WEST REGIONCathy ChilcottBristol & District Amal*Elected

NATIONAL CLEANING REPRESENTATIVEEleanor HipsonGlasgow & District Amal*Elected

The timetable for the above ballot is as follows:

Ballot Papers Despatched: Thursday 18th November 2021

Ballot Close:  Thursday 2ndDecember 2021

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

LTB 480/21

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Royal Mail Area Representative & Royal Mail Area Representative Substitute Elections – 2021

Royal Mail Area Representative & Royal Mail Area Representative Substitute Elections – 2021

Branches will be aware that the Senior Deputy General Secretary is required to publish a standard election timetable for the RM Area Rep/Substitute positions. The timetable applies to positions that cover more than one branch area, i.e. those RM Area Rep elections, which are currently organised by the Regional Secretary.  Accordingly the timetable for the 2020 RM Area Rep elections is as follows:

Nominations Open: 16thNovember 2021

Nominations Close:  7thDecember 2021(3-week nomination period)

In line with the above policy, I have asked Regional Secretaries to co-ordinate these elections and to contact branches and advise them of the arrangements for the positions which are subject to election within their respective areas.

Branches are reminded that candidates must have received the nomination of their own branch and if ballots are required, we will advise the respective branches of the ballot timetable in due course.

Branches should also note that any ballots will be conducted on an individual member basis of those members eligible to vote and that the costs incurred for the ballots would have to be met from the relevant Branch(s) funds. The Regional Secretary will discuss the detail of this with the Branches.

Due to the current unprecedented circumstances we find ourselves in, branches should note that ballots for any elections that occur will be deferred into the New Year.

Also please note that it has been agreed that any candidates taking part in a ballot will be entitled to submit the following biographical and election information:

  1. Biographical Details up to a maximum of 100 words.
  2. An Election Statement of no more than 300 words.

Please note that the biographical details and election address will need to be provided to the respective Regional Secretary by the close of nominations on 7thDecember 2020.  Any information received after this date will not be included with the ballot information. 

In addition, any elections will be conducted in line with the attached Guidelines and I would also take this opportunity to remind branches and candidates that they have a responsibility to treat fellow candidates with respect and they must ensure that no election material is published that could be deemed as either offensive or abusive.

Please note that elections for Area Representatives that fall wholly within one Branch boundary are the responsibility of the Branch, however if required, assistance can be sought from the Regional Secretary regarding these elections.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 020 8971 7237or email address sdgs@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

LTB 486/21

Att: RM Area Reps Guidelines 2021

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Royal Mail Materials Handling Containerisation Update & Christmas Arrangements 2021 – Health & Safety Aspects

Royal Mail Materials Handling Containerisation Update & Christmas Arrangements 2021 – Health & Safety Aspects

Below is a summary update on Materials Handling Containerisation Arrangements for the 2021 Christmas period. The contents of this LTB have been discussed and agreed with Royal Mail HQ, Central Containers Team, the Safety, Health & Environment Team and Head of Assets.

  1. York Containers

Royal Mail has purchased an additional 133,500 Mk3 York Containers and these, along with 662,000 (Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3) York Containers already in circulation since March due to the accelerated increase in parcels into the RM Network brought on by the COVID-19 Pandemic and increase in e-commerce, a total fleet of around 755,500 Yorks will be in service during the Christmas pressure period. The 133,500 Yorks purchased is the highest volume of Yorks RM has purchased in a single year which is almost double the order of 2020 (68,000 Yorks) which was then the largest order in a single year RM has made due to the increase in parcels as a result of the growth following the pandemic and changes in consumer trends. This is the largest order placed with the supplier, which took up their entire remaining capacity.  No further options to fabricate more Yorks is available with any supplier. Despite this large order of Yorks there is still a risk for the peak period of 2021 should the totality of this order not be fabricated in time linked to global supply chain and shipping issues and continuing challenging labour markets on the final assembly element so alternative arrangements and contingencies within the network have the potential to be required to maintain service should it be required as it was in 2020.

Royal Mail will be looking for Yorks to be filled with the maximum 7 layers of 4 trays (28 Max), wherever possible subject to safe systems of work, weight constraints of the container and subsequently the vehicle weight limits on to which they will be loaded to comply with Safe Systems of Work and both Health and Safety and Road Traffic Act Legislation.

York Containers primarily carry mainly stacked parcels, trays or mailbags without a sleeve or small parcels and packets in ALP (Auto-Level Packet) sleeves or cardboard sleeves.

All Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3 York Containers introduced in previous years have continued to be maintained, modified and updated through rework programmes as identified by the Royal Mail Assets, Containers and Manual Handling Equipment Team in consultation with the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department and as previously reported in updates to Branches and Area Health and Safety Reps. Mk’s 1, 2 and 3 amount to the vast majority of the 755,500 York Containers.

1(a) Yellow York Handle Grips

There have been a small proportion of New Yorks of the 133,500 procured this year with the Yellow hand grips opening during transit and operational use.  This was due to an injection moulding issue which has now been addressed.  The supplier K Hartwall believes this to have affected between 10-15k units, most of which have not entered the RM network.  A fix has been agreed with RM and CWU on this and will be deployed with an additional strengthening to the hand grips using a specialist tape, and new handles being deployed and fixed.  Any Mk3 Yorks found in service with faulty handle grips should be removed from service for repair, see paragraphs 10 and 14 below.

1(b). York Container ALP Sleeves – Mk2(A)

Royal Mail has purchased 30,000 Mk2(A) ALP Sleeves this year to support the increase in parcels brought on by the pandemic and increase of parcel automation. These have an increased ergonomic auto level to the Grey Mk2 ALP sleeves purchased in 2019 and is an approved asset in the operation.

1(c). York Container – Cardboard Sleeves

Royal Mail has informed us that with increasing parcel volumes and large tracked customers there may be problems with sites struggling to get sufficient numbers of ALP Sleeves to meet their operational requirements. The Central Container Team will continue to push the Zonal Areas to ensure that they clear their Delivery Offices every day and repatriations from gaining sites take place but they may still struggle to meet the demand at key locations. Royal Mail has assured CWU/HQ that they will do everything possible to ensure that Zonal Areas repatriate as many York Containers and ALP Sleeves as possible out of their Delivery Offices.  However, the business is now seeing the continued increase in parcel volumes and traffic accelerating. As a result, Zonal Areas will probably struggle to get sufficient ALP Sleeves back into their Parcel Sort Centre operations and losing Mail Centers to meet demand. As and when critical emergency situations are reached in Offices, Royal Mail has proposed and CWU/HQ has agreed that, the use of Cardboard Sleeves/York Inserts will be permitted as a last resort – with agreement with the RM CPC/Container Team as follows:

  1. As a contingency supply source at Mail Centres on all mail streams (including PSMs), PSCs and RDC’s for outward dispatches and inward dispatches to DOs.
  2. For outward dispatches by Mail Centres (including PSMs) and Parcel Sort Centres.
  3. Before this contingency is implemented however the site must ensure that all efforts have been made to get ALPs back from their DO’s and that permission has been sought and been given by the RM Container Team.
  4. Designated and approved Customer Streams to MC and DO (AMZ DI/DDU).
  5. To move essential PPE and cleaning supplies through to the operation.

IMPORTANT: – If Cardboard Sleeves/York Inserts are used as a contingency, the site must ensure that:

  1. The CWU Area Safety Representative and Area Processing Representative are consulted should this contingency need to be implemented.
  2. That the SSoW is followed at all times, rotating duties if necessary.
  3. That the mandatory cross-members and false bases must be fitted and used correctly in Cardboard Sleeved York Containers. Any Offices found not to be compliant with this instruction will be asked to investigate reasons why this has happened and furnish a report on remedial action taken with the report shared with the CWU Area Safety Representative. Such breaches of the SSoW by management will be viewed as serious!

If the demand for parcels decreases, the contingency use of Cardboard Sleeve Inserts will be withdrawn and Offices will revert back to business as usual with Cardboard Sleeves used on the agreed Amazon/Tracked Contracts only and the parcel operation must revert back to using ALP Sleeves for inward transfers to DOs and outward dispatches to Mail Centres and Regional Distribution Centres.

The cardboard MUST be in good order; the cross member and base must be inserted in compliance with the SSoW at all times as follows:

  • Under no circumstances is damaged cardboard to be used and it must be discarded locally.
  • Reference to the current, agreed York Container SSoW.
  • Reference to the current, agreed Cardboard Sleeve York Container Additional Requirements SSOW.

1(d). York Containers – Loading Parcels of a Shoe Box Size or larger.

In previous years both Royal Mail, Tracked Customer and Amazon had concerns about the shortage of York Containers across the network and additional costs incurred by losing approximately 15% of York fill capacity when inserting Cardboard Sleeve false bases into York Containers. In line with the York Container SSoW, York Containers will be filled and stacked with parcels/packets larger than shoe box size without any form of Cardboard Sleeve or false base etc. This approach is only applied to larger items and Sleeves, Bases and Cross Members will not be removed for smaller packet items, i.e., those smaller than a shoe box size. Those packets will continue to be loaded into York Containers with either an ALP Sleeve (preferable) or a full Cardboard Sleeve with a cross-member and false base fitted. This was jointly examined and found to be the best approach.

The York Container SSoW, under the heading of ‘Approved Loads’ includes the following: ‘loose strapped bundles and boxes which are of sufficient dimensions, that they will be retained by the load retention straps and metal container framework.’

This approach has been ergonomically tested and approved prior to concluding the York Container SSoW. It makes both safety and business sense to apply this principle for larger parcels which are not suitable for loose loading into sleeved Yorks in most cases.

1(e). York Containers – Use of Shrink-Wrap/Cling-Film

The existing agreed national policy remains as follows “There is no agreement whatsoever to use “Shrink-Wrap/Cling-Film” on York Containers under any circumstances. Also, Opsflash – CPC (2008) No 167 instructs all sites that have received new trays delivered on pallets and shrink wrapped to remove and dispose of the shrink wrap immediately. There are NO circumstances where the shrink-wrapping of Yorks is acceptable. This practice must not be allowed at any RM site.

  1. RSCs Rigid Stackable Container

RSCs are not intended for BAU usage inside Mail Centres and Delivery Offices and are primarily for the Distribution Centres and Parcel Sorting Centres network.  However, with a shortfall in Yorks, there may be circumstances which require flows on a contingency basis for the transfer of workflows where there is sufficient space and where risk assessment and Safe Systems of Work requirements apply.  In respect of workplace transport hazards from FLTs and crush hazards etc., specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) regulations requirements also apply in these work environments, e.g., high visibility clothing and protective footwear. RSCs may only be used in risk controlled working environments as per the Safe Systems of Work.

  1. FSC Folding Stackable Containers 

As Above.

Safe information is located on a plate on the side of the container.

MCs/DOs should not receive FSCs, however, if received they should be returned to the local RDC as soon as possible.

  1. ‘A’ Frame Roll Containers 

As originally reported in LTBs 838/06 and 840/06, 12,000 supermarket type ‘Roll Cage’ Containers were introduced in 2006 by the Royal Mail Group Procurement Operational Equipment Team, manufactured by ‘Palletower’ and ‘Cargo Pak’. They were strictly intended for internal use (inside Offices) and for storage purposes only, in order to free up much needed York Containers. Since their introduction, the number of York Containers has doubled and the limitations of these ‘Roll Cages’ have seen them become outmoded against the all-round far superior York Container. These containers have therefore and will continue to be run down, phased out and withdrawn from Royal Mail service.

For removals of the containers please contact: container.reporting@royalmail.com

  1. Loose Loading of Mail Bags – Christmas 2021

Further to enquiries and concerns raised by Branches and Area Safety Reps in previous years regarding possible loose loading, Royal Mail has confirmed they will be taking a number of steps to ensure that loose loading of mail should only take place in exceptional circumstances, as a last resort due to container supply shortages.

If loose loading has to occur, local CWU Reps will be consulted and the Manual Handling/Loose Loading SSOW will be adhered to. 

Clear instructions have been issued by Royal Mail HQ CPC that should any service which is normally containerised have to be loose loaded, then the dispatching unit must inform the receiving unit in advance so that they can provide any additional staff resources and working arrangements which may be necessary to ensure health and safety standards are maintained.

Extract from Loose Loading Core Risk Assessment: 

It is a Royal Mail goal that no manual handling task will exceed risk level 2.  Mail Bags average 7kg, maximum gross weight 11kg. Lifting frequency up to 7 bags/minimum over a 30 min period (then rest). Vehicle doors are adequately maintained and must be in good working order.

Priority Services bags could exceed 11kgs but they should be clearly labelled with the weight so that special consideration can be given to lifting. NB: No Priority Services Bag exceeding 11kgs should contain more than 1 item. All equipment is used in accordance with the appropriate Safe System of Work. All staff to have received manual handling training and instruction or refresher training during the past 3 years.  All staff to understand and operate the appropriate Safe System of Work. If there are any tasks that are not listed, the manager must consult the safety team for further advice. No pregnant worker or person under 18 should undertake tasks greater than risk level 1.

  1. Plastic Letter Trays

Last year RM purchased 1m trays which stayed in the system. Letter decline has meant Royal Mail has purchased an additional 600,000 trays this year as demand is no longer as high, these are already in production and will be delivered directly from suppliers during November and December.

  1. Mail Bags

RM International MB4L Bags for Automation (Blue)

RM International has this year deployed a new larger blue bag for use within its Automation Streams known as the MB4L. These bags are not to be used in RM domestic postings and are designed for export only and only to be handled and used within RM International Sites.

New RM MB66 Bags for Automation (Yellow)

RM has this year deployed a new variation of the Parcel Sort Machine (PSM) known as the Solystic phase 2b within some of its Mail centers. These bags are to be used on the machine and the 11kg weight limits will remain. They are a slightly larger bag with a wider neck to allow greater parcel automation efficiency of larger parcels. They should not be used on Drop Bag Fittings (DBFs) for manual sortation. They will be yellow in colour.

  1. Amazon Gaylord Pallets

Amazon Gaylord pallets will once again be used on RDC, PSC and some Inward Mail Centre traffic streams for Direct Injection traffic and approved flows.  For agreed uses and safety information on Amazon Gaylord Pallets please reference attached SSoWs.

  1. Repatriation of York Containers, ALPs, Trays and Cardboard

To ensure sites are safe and clear throughout our busiest time of year with the largest volume of containers within the network, Delivery Offices are to ensure that Container repatriations regularly take place and are returned to the agreed locations. Repatriated Yorks should be fully nested and consolidated in line with the York SSoW as well as being identified on the Office’s Yard Risk Assessment.  This will ensure congestion and potential safety issues are avoided as well as ensuring Royal Mail can maintain York Container supplies to customers in order to deliver a good quality service.

We would encourage ASRs, WSR and IR Reps to report any excessive build up York Containers within their respective Delivery Offices to container.reporting@royalmail.comso that they can assist in site clearances and ensure safety and support for the operation and customer requirements.

  1. Repair of Faulty & Damaged Containers, Sleeves, Trays

All damaged containers must be withdrawn and repaired before being brought back into service. The following instructions relate to the repair of the individual containers:

(a) Letter Trays

  • Royal Mail has an agreement with one plastics group for the recycling of RM letter trays, for which Royal Mail receives payment.  For this to be cost effective AAC Ltd will only accept complete trailer loads of trays, equating to 5200 trays.  This process describes the use of a collection point to ensure that trays are recycled and do not build up in offices.
  • Trays must be removed from use if damaged and not suitable for use if, for example:
    • There are any obvious physical defects such as breakages or holes (other than those designed).
    • The tray sides or bottom are split.
    • The handle is damaged e.g., split.
    • The label holder is damaged in such a way as to render it unusable.
  • The tray is NOT deemed damaged if only:
  • The barcode or barcode clip is missing.
  • The tray bottom is bowed.
  • Only the corners are chipped and then only if the break does not leave a jagged or pointed edge.

DAMAGED TRAYS:

SEND TO AAC via NDC

  • NDC to consolidate the RSCs of damaged trays and, when a trailer is loaded to capacity, forwards them to One 51 Plastic.

(b) York Containers

Examples of damage:

  • Sharp, jagged or pointed hazards.
  • Anything, which prevents proper assembly.
  • Anything, which prevents proper movement.
  • Temporary or amateur repairs.
  • Broken welds.
  • Excessive corrosion.
  • Damaged or missing wheels.
  • Missing wheel retaining nuts, pins or clips.
  • Poor brake operation.
  • Damaged or defective towing arrangements.
  • Missing or damaged straps or clips.
  • Damaged handle grips.

The repair process is as follows:

  • A number of sites have been nominated to receive a scheduled visit by a York repair team (currently RMP&FS).
  • Some sites also act as a consolidation site looking after a catchment area of other offices. For example, SDC in Wishaw receives all of the damaged/strapless Yorks in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
  • A contact at each site has been developed and a location for the storage and repair of Yorks identified.
  • Each Thursday a count of damaged Yorks is submitted by each site to the Royal Mail mhe cpc e-mail inbox and the figures are used to plan a schedule for the following week’s site visits. Some offices may have a team that visits every day whilst others will be visited by mobile teams as required. The minimum requirement is that there be 50 Yorks needing repair on site.
  • A repairer can replace anything up to 100 straps per day but, if there are structural repairs also needing to be done, the overall number can reduce substantially. The repairer will check each damaged York for other possible problems and does not solely rely on the fault noted by Royal Mail staff.

Damaged Yorks may be moved, on existing services, from non-repairing sites to a consolidation site (see repair process above) to await repair. Damaged Yorks should be labelled accordingly so that the receiving site is aware.

Damaged Yorks must not, however, be used to form part of a movement order to another site and should never be sent to a customer. Neither should damaged Yorks knowingly be used to convey mail through the network.

Some straps have given the appearance of losing their elasticity but tests have been carried out at the manufacturer and replicated by our engineers in Swindon and the results show that this does not affect load retention or the safety of the York. It is not, therefore, necessary to replace such straps.

Short Strap repairs, can be carried out locally at any site. For more information contact container.reporting@royalmail.com  

(c) RSC and FSC

  • Examples of damage to an RSC/FSC are as follows;

–      Sharp, jagged or pointed hazards.

–      Anything which prevents proper assembly or movement.

–      Temporary or amateur repairs.

–      Broken welds.

–      Broken side wires bent inwards or outwards.

–      Excessive corrosion.

–      Mis-aligned feet or spigots which hinder stacking.

  • In these circumstances, an ‘Out of Service’ label must be attached and the nature of the problem noted on the label.
  • Damaged RSCs/FSC’s should be moved to a designated area to await repair. They may only be stacked if the uprights are intact and make contact with the RSC/FSC above at all 4 corners.  They may not be stacked if to do so would leave an unstable stack.  If in doubt – DO NOT STACK.
  • Damaged RSCs/FSC’s must be forwarded to NDC for onward movement to MK Stores for repair. Movements of damaged RSCs should be agreed with the local Container Equipment Manager beforehand.

(d) Auto Levelling Packet Sleeves

  • A minimum of 25 sleeves will be presented for repair in a single consignment.  Sleeves are to be packed in Rigid Stackable Containers (each containing 25 sleeves).
  • Clearly labelled damaged RSCs are to be returned to SWDC for onward movement back to the manufacturer Jacon.

(e) York Cardboard Sleeves

  • Cardboard Sleeves are not repairable. Any damaged sleeves must be disposed of by local arrangement.
  • Any re-usable parts of cardboard sleeves must be returned to Amazon; whether by direct transfer or via the nearest RDC.
  • Cardboard inserts to be stored/transferred in York’s or palletised on at Regional Distribution Centre’s using good pallets.
  • If held/stored onsite ahead of transfer, they must be kept under cover or protected from the weather.
  • All component parts must be in good order (certainly not water damaged or torn) and ready to use. Any not meeting these criteria should be disposed of locally.
  • Yorks must be individually packed i.e., no mixed component parts please. Yorks to separately contain X Member/Sides/Bases which must be stacked neatly.
  • Any transfers arriving at Amazon that do not meet these criteria may be refused by the Amazon Team.

(f) Cardboard RSCs/Euro Pallet Boxes

Any damage needs to be checked. The following damage would render the Cardboard RSC unusable:

  • Water damaged/wet cardboard.
  • Tears greater than 25%/¼ of the length of any one side or along any seam.
  • Tears in 2 adjoining corners of the tray or lid.
  • Staples in the seam undone with exposed points.
  • Broken Pallet Base such that the wooden planks are broken or the corner blocks are damaged such that they would not support a load.

The following would not necessarily render the Cardboard RSC/Euro Pallet Boxes unusable:

  • Small holes in the side walls, for example made by the fork lift.
  • Small tears, i.e., less than 25%/¼ of the length of any one side or along any seam.
  • One tear in the corner of the tray or lid.

If there is any doubt as to the safe condition of the asset, then it must be considered damaged. Any damage which renders the sleeve unusable needs to be reported and the damaged part (i.e., the lid, sleeve or tray) marked with a cross from a thick marker pen. Only the damaged part needs to be marked as the undamaged parts may be used as spares.

Transport and transfer equipment must meet the receiving customer’s safety requirements.

(g) Wheeled Container Repair Process including Mini Yorks (Other than York Containers)

The following process should be used to keep wheeled containers functional:

  1. When a wheeled container (other than a York) is found to be faulty, remove it from operational service and label it accordingly.
  2. Log the fault with the Properties & Facilities Helpdesk on 0870 850 1000, who will give a reference number. The Helpdesk will then contact RMP&FS, who allocates the work to the local coordinator. A RMP&FS engineer then plans and completes the repair.
  3. If the repair is not economical, the engineer condemns the equipment and advises the Unit Manager. The Unit Manager then decides if they want it replaced, and completes a Requisition Form ECF01 and sends it to the Asset Support Team.
  4. When the repair is completed, RMP&FS invoice through the Inter Business Agreement, which is funded from the central assets budget. Area budgets are not affected.

(h) General note on containers:

If there are any surplus containers on site that are not damaged and you are unsure of where to send them, you should consult your Regional Head of Assets for Yorks, Trays and Sleeves or your Container Equipment Manager for RSCs.

Contingency Arrangements

  1. Pallets – Transportation, Processing, Unloading and Stacking of Pallets

This year Royal Mail has again faced an increased requirement from bulk customers to accept and process palletised loads, including shrink/stretch wrapped palletised traffic and Cardboard Pallet Boxes from Amazon known as Gaylords. The SSoWs have therefore been reviewed to ensure sufficient up to date information and instruction is available to allow Offices and managers to control safety risks for the specific tasks and ensure the correct work methods are adopted and materials handling equipment is deployed for this increasing area of work to ensure it can be completed safely. The new, updated SSoW and associated, embedded SSoWs are attached. This includes the attached documents – Pallet Truck SSoW, DDT SSoW, Palletising of Trays SSoW, and Manual Handling SSoW.

  1. Cardboard RSCs/Cardboard Euro Pallet Boxes/Amazon Gaylord Pallets/ Shrink Wrapped Pallets

As originally reported in LTB 632/05these types of containers have been successfully utilised during successive Christmas pressure periods since 2005, and were introduced to provide contingency ‘back-up’ container assets as York Container use is maximised, as opposed to using Yorks and RSCs when in short supply so these are brought into service and used during the Christmas pressure period mainly for customer use. These are used primarily in the RDC, PSC network, RM International BAU streams and used as a ‘contingency measure’ for when demand outstrips supply of Yorks and RSCs for agreed flows – as an alternative.

These variant containers are folding, heavy-duty cardboard containers with the base fixed to a standard wooden Euro Pallet.

25,000 Euro Pallet Boxes have been purchased this year and are available as a contingency back-up as an additional container type during the Christmas peak period and intended:

  • For use anywhere in Royal Mail’s network and at large customer premises.
  • For storage of empty bags and trays to release RSCs into the network.
  • For conveyance of Customer Parcel Returns.
  • For conveyance of Customer Collections.
  • For conveyance of parcels within the RM network (RDCs, MCs, PSCs & Customers).
  • For use in RM International BAU flows.
  • For conveyance of empty bags to customers.
  • For empty bags, empty trays and bags of mail.

CRSCs and Euro Pallet boxes are intended to be:

  • A reusable container and serviceable for over 8 trips per usage.
  • Used indoors and in the network, but NOT for external storage where they may get wet.
  • Folded flat when being stored empty.

For agreed uses and safety information on CRSCs, Euro Pallet Boxes, Pallets and loads please reference attached SSoWs.

  1. Operational Waste Management

Operational waste such as cardboard, shrink wrapping will increase over the peak operations as we receive increased volumes of parcels and packets from our customers.  The business as usual process for managing this within the operational sites remains unchanged with an uplift in collections by our waste providers in line with forecasted volumes.  Additional site clearances can be requested should they be required through the RM PFS helpdesk.  Details of the process have been attached with this LTB.

  1. Contacts & Phone Numbers – IMPORTANT

Should Area Safety Representatives wish to discuss any issues or questions in relation to Container Control or Container Equipment, the following field managers can be contacted for all Royal Mail Container related issues:

National Team Contacts

National Head of Assets                                                            Gary Yeo – 07872 636537

National Asset Supply Chain & Containers Manager         Ian MacDonald – 07436 560875

National Asset Operations Manager (All sites below)          Clare Smith – 07872816461

Belfast, SDC, Edinburgh, Perth, Inverness and

Aberdeen, Warrington, Chester, NWDC, NWPSC

Tyneside, Darlington, Preston, Chorley, Carlisle,

Manchester, Stockport, Leeds, Bradford, York, YDC,

Sheffield, Doncaster and Hull, Nottingham, NEPSC,

East Midlands Airport, Crewe, Shrewsbury, HCN,

NHCDC, Greenford, PRDC, Jubilee, Guilford and

Woking, Derby, Coventry, Leicester, Peterborough,

Cambridge, Norwich and Ipswich, Chelmsford,

Southend, Medway, SEDC, Canterbury, Tonbridge,

Croydon, Gatwick, London Central, South Warwick,

Victoria, Romford and Whitechapel

Container Manager International                                Nalin Mandalia – 07715480197

HWDC and LAMU, Atherstone international

  1. Health & Safety Processes

From a Health and Safety point of view the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department will continue our joint work with Gary Yeo RM National Asset Supply Chain Manager and Ian MacDonald RM National Container Supply & MHE Manager along with the SHE (Safety, Health and Environment) Team and the RMPFS Property Safety and Compliance Team to monitor health and safety throughout the Christmas Operations.

  1. IR Aspects

The IR aspects of the Christmas pressure period are dealt with by the Postal Department.  All Operational enquiries should be addressed to the appropriate Postal Department Operational Officer.

Attachments:

These documents are accurate as of the time of sharing. The current version is always held on the SHE Knowledge Database, accessible by managers.

  1. Manual Pallet Truck (MPT) SSOW v1.2
  2. York and Mini -York Safe System of Work v3.2
  3. Pallets SSOW v1.4
  4. Shrink-Wrapping Pallets SWI v1.0
  5. Cardboard Sleeve York Container Additional Requirements SSOW v1.1
  6. Transport of Yorks and RSCs SSOW v1.3
  7. Non-Wheeled Container SSOW v1.7
  8. Operating Double Deck Trailers v1.3
  9. Vehicle Load Plan – 95 Double Deck Trailer v 1.7
  10. Vehicle Load Plan – Single Lower Deck Trailer Load Plan v 1.5
  11. Waste Management process for cardboard, shrink wrap, pallets.
  12. Operation and Use of Knives SWI v1.0.doc

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

21LTB485 Royal Mail Materials Handling Containerisation Update Christmas Arrangements 2021

Cardboard Sleeve York Container Additional Requirements SSoW v1.1

Manual Pallet Truck (MPT) SSoW_v1.2

Non-Wheeled Containers SSOW v1.7

Operation and Use of Knives SWI v1.0

Pallets SSOW v1.4

RMG Operating Double Deck Trailers (DDT) SSoW_v1.3

Shrink-Wrapping Pallets_SWI_v1.0

Transport of Yorks and RSCs SSOW v.1.3

Vehicle Load Plan-Single-Lower Deck Trailers v1.5

Vehicle_Load_Plan-95_York_Double_Deck_Trailer_v1.7

Waste Cardboard Disposal Process November 2021 ver1.4

York and Mini-York Safe System Of Work v3.2

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