Hazards Conference 2020 – ‘Viral Action’ – Saturday 1st August – An ‘On-Line’ Free Event For Safety Reps:

This Year’s Hazards 2020 Conference will now be an ‘online’ event, taking place on Saturday 1st August 2020 – the first ever time the event has gone on-line in its history.

All CWU Health and Safety Reps are welcome to participate in this event which is both recommended, supported and sponsored by the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department.

The original 31^st National Hazards Conference was scheduled to take place on 31July – 2 August, 2020 at its usual venue, the University of Keele, Stoke-on-Trent but like so many conference gatherings, it came as no surprise that the Hazards Campaign were forced to cancel the Conference due to the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic.

CWU/HQ are therefore delighted that the Hazards Campaign have not given up and are instead putting on this abridged version of the conference with a one-day, on-line conference involving international speakers and plenty of interesting subject matter on the Agenda.

Over 320 safety reps from all the UK’s Trade Unions, officers and activists attended last year’s conference, when it was a celebration of 30 years of the Hazards Conference.

The Conference Agenda

This unique Zoom based online conference starts with an international plenary and is followed by four specific subject workshops with brilliant speakers and experts throughout the day.

Each Zoom workshop will start at the advertised time and will provide an opportunity to join in the discussions and together help formulate action plans to direct Hazards Campaign work priorities for the next 12 months.

10.00 – 11.30 Plenary – with international speakers on Covid-19 and the impact on workers.

12.00 – 13.00 Safety reps taking the lead! – during and after Covid-19.

13.30 – 14.30 Fighting inequality in health and safety.

15.00 – 16.00 Mental Health and Covid-19.

16.30 – 17.30 Toxics Out! Air pollution, just transition after Covid-19.

Registration

To register please use the eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hazards-online-conference-2020-viral-action-tickets-113872190788

‘Free Event’ – Donations Welcome
The conference is ‘free of charge’ to participate but if delegates or their Union branch/organisation, would like to donate to the Hazards Campaign, all support would be most welcome. CWU/HQ will be sponsoring the event again this year.

Further Information

Contact Janet Newsham Tel: 07734317158 (Hazards Conference Organising Committee)

Conference ‘Flyer’

See attached ‘flyer’

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

20LTB390 Hazards Conference 2020 – ‘Viral Action’ – Saturday 1st August – An ‘On-Line’ Free Event For Safety Reps

Hazards 2020 On-Line Conference Flyer

HSE Releases Annual Workplace Fatality Figures for 2019/20

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its annual figures for the number of work-related fatalities in 2019/20, as well as the number of people known to have died from the asbestos-related cancer, Mesothelioma, in 2018.

The provisional annual data for work-related fatal accidents revealed that 111 workers were fatally injured at work between April 2019 and March 2020 (a rate of 0.34 deaths per 100,000 workers), the lowest year on record.  This represents a fall of 38 deaths from the previous year, though it is likely that this fall was accentuated by the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the economy in the final two months of the year.

In line with previous years’ fatal injury statistics, these figures do not include deaths from occupational disease. Covid-19 infection is therefore not part of these figures and will not feature in fatal injury statistics in subsequent years*.

While there has been a long-term reduction in the number of annual fatalities (the number has almost halved in the last 20 years), aside from the current fall, the number has remained broadly level in recent years.

Following the release of the statistics, a statement from the HSE’s chief executive, Sarah Albon, said: “No one should be hurt or killed by the work they do. In these extraordinary times, we have seen many workers risking their lives to help others during the Coronavirus outbreak. Although these statistics are not a reflection on Covid-19 related loss of life, it is a pertinent time to reflect. Every workplace fatality is a tragedy and while we are encouraged by this improvement, today’s statistics is a reminder that we cannot become complacent as we look to continue to work together to make Great Britain an even safer place to live and work.”

The new figures show the spread of fatal injuries across industrial sectors:

• 40 fatal injuries to construction workers were recorded, accounting for the largest share. However, over the last five years the number has fluctuated. The annual average for the past five years is 37. The annual average rate over the last five years in construction is around 4 times as high as the all industry rate.
• 20 fatal injuries to agricultural, forestry and fishing workers were recorded, the lowest level on record. Despite this fall, this sector continues to account for a large share of the annual fatality count. It has the highest rate of fatal injury of all the main industry sectors, around 18 times as high as the all industry rate.
• 5 fatal injuries to waste and recycling workers were recorded. Despite being a relatively small sector in terms of employment, the annual average fatal injury rate over the last five years is around 18 times as high as the all industry rate.

These statistics remind us that in certain sectors of the economy, fatal injury in the workplace remains worryingly high. Agriculture, forestry and fishing accounts for a small fraction of the workforce of Great Britain, yet accounted for around 20 per cent of worker fatalities in the last year. This is unacceptable and more must be done to prevent such fatalities taking place.

Work-related deaths fracture families, they shatter communities, and so many of them can be avoided. The work that the HSE does is about more than numbers, their role is to continually work with duty holders to ensure that they assess and appropriately manage risks to their employees. These efforts are a vital part of keeping essential services going, particularly as duty holders adapt to the current circumstances.

The three most common causes of fatal injuries continue to be; workers falling from height (29), being struck by a moving vehicle (20) and being struck by a moving object (18), accounting for 60 per cent of fatal injuries in 2019/20.

The new figures continue to highlight the risks to older workers; 27 per cent of fatal injuries in 2019/20 were to workers aged 60 or over, even though such workers make up only around 10 per cent of the workforce.

In addition, members of the public continue to be killed in connection with work-connected accidents.  In 2019/20, 51 members of the public were killed as a result of a work-connected accident in HSE enforced workplaces (33 of which occurred in the Health and Social Work sector) and a further 41 occurred on railways (enforced by the Office for Road and Rail). No data is currently available on the number of such deaths in Local Authority (LA) enforced workplaces in 2019/20 as we have been unable to verify these cases with LAs during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Typically, in recent years the number of such deaths has ranged between 12 and 16 deaths annually.

Mesothelioma, which is contracted through past exposure to asbestos and is one of the few work-related diseases where deaths can be counted directly, killed 2446 in Great Britain in 2018. This is slightly lower than the average 2550 over the previous five years.

The current figures are largely a consequence of occupational asbestos exposures that occurred before 1980. Annual Mesothelioma deaths are expected to fall below current levels for years beyond 2020.

A fuller assessment of work-related ill-health and injuries, drawing on the HSE’s full range of data sources, will be provided as part of the annual Health and Safety Statistics release on 4 November 2020.

HSE – Accidents At Work – Key figures for Great Britain Last Year:

• 1.4 million working people suffering from a work-related illness
• 2,446 Mesothelioma deaths due to past asbestos exposures
• 111 workers killed at work
• 581,000 working people sustaining an injury at work according to the Labour Force Survey
• 69,208 injuries to employees reported under RIDDOR
• 28.2 million working days lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury
• £15 billion estimated cost of injuries and ill health from current working conditions (2017/18)

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 389/20 – HSE Releases Annual Workplace Fatality Figures for 2019-20

HSE – Workplace fatal injuries in GB 2019-20

Royal Mail – Mail Tray (Perstop Trays) Hygiene and Equipment Requirements

During the current Coronavirus/Covid-19 Pandemic, Royal Mail have received a number of complaints from customers that mail trays (Perstop Trays) and other equipment is being delivered to them a in filthy condition, soiled with gloves, sanitiser wipes, food and other rubbish. Attached is a photograph of some of the trays in question that were returned to Royal Mail from one of the Company’s largest customers.

A communication is being issued today by Royal Mail (copy attached) along with two posters on correct waste disposal of PPE items (gloves, masks, tissues and wipes). Copies of the posters are also attached.

The message, which CWU supports, is that basic hygiene and infection prevention and control practices must be maintained. These are health and safety law requirements and as such Royal Mail must present equipment to its customers in a safe, useable state.

The posters have been produced to highlight the correct bins to use and are available on The Royal Mail ‘SharePoint’.

Managers are being asked to communicate to the workforce the importance of mail equipment hygiene and that failure to dispose of used equipment and rubbish correctly is both a health and safety issue and a serious threat to contracts that Royal Mail and Parcelforce hold with customers.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 requires Royal Mail to keep furnishings, fittings, equipment and all surfaces in the workplace clean and waste free. Rubbish and used protective items e.g., gloves, wipes and face coverings must be disposed of in the correct bin.

Both management and all employees have a responsibility to help keep the premises clean and tidy and to identify areas that fall below acceptable or safe standards. The practice and promotion of effective hygiene and cleanliness is a vital measure, particularly at present during the Covid-19 health pandemic.

Attachments:

• Mail Tray Hygiene and Equipment Requirements Communication
• Royal Mail Letter (Perstop) Trays Full of Rubbish (sent to a large customer)
• ‘Sort Your Waste’ Poster
• ‘Dispose of Used Protective Equipment In Designated Bins’ Poster

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 388/20- Royal Mail – Mail Tray (Perstop Trays) Hygiene and Equipment Requirements

Bin Notice.

Coronavirus Safety_Dispose Protective Equipment_Poster v1 (00000002)

Mail Tray Hygiene and Equipment Requirements

Royal Mail Letter (Perstop) Trays Full of Rubbish

POST OFFICE: PRODUCT SPECIALIST: INTERIM BONUS PAYMENT

Branches are advised that following recent discussions with Post Office management, the following Joint Statement has been agreed and published in regard to an interim bonus payment for all Product Specialists:

Joint Statement – Product Specialist: Interim Bonus Payment

As a consequence of the pandemic we have been unable to set targets for Product Specialists (PS) in respect of both travel and mails. This situation is unfortunate however we were mindful that PS shouldn’t be penalised due to the circumstances and we wish to recognise your efforts. We have therefore agreed that all PS will receive an interim payment of £62.50 in lieu of the April-June quarter. This payment will be made with the July salaries.

In terms of looking forward we hope to be able to make informed decisions regarding targets for the rest of the year by September. At this point we will review performance against these targets and where appropriate top-up bonus payments will be made to individuals whose performance has been better than the target. Further discussions will take place between us to review these matters when there is greater clarity.

We hope the interim £62.50 recognition payment will be welcomed by Product Specialists.

Thank you for your hard work during these difficult times.

 Steve Blampied                                                               Andy Furey
Head of Directly Managed                                          Assistant Secretary
& WHS Branch Network                                              CWU

Obviously we recognise that our Product Specialists, especially the Travel Specialists have been working under unprecedented circumstances as the Post Office withdrew its travel insurance and bureau de change services for a number of weeks due to the pandemic. Therefore the usual targets were unable to be met and we needed to find a fair and reasonable solution for the April-June quarterly bonus payment. I am pleased we have reached an agreement for this interim resolution during these difficult times.

Finally, whilst some of our Product Specialist members may be disappointed with the amount compared to their normal bonus payments, the £62.50 should be viewed as an interim, short-term solution. Once we receive greater clarity and agree targets in September, it is hoped that retrospective calculations will facilitate top up payments to be made.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

LTB 387/20 – Post Office – Product Specialist – Interim Bonus Payment

Revised Royal Mail Coronavirus/Covid-19 Risk Assessments Following Revised Social Distancing Government Guidance (2M to 1M)

Branches will be aware that Royal Mail issued revised guideline documents and SSOW based on revised Government advice on Friday 17th July 2020 in regard to social distancing arrangements on certain specific operational tasks within Mail Centres/RDC’s. Reports received from the field suggested that in some instances Representatives were being informed that the change represented a carte blanche reduction from 2m to 1m in relation to social distancing across all functions.

A meeting was therefore arranged this morning between the CWU Operational Departments, the CWU Health and Safety Department and the Royal Mail Senior Management Operational and Safety leads to seek clarification.

We can now advise, that following changes to Government advice in England and Northern Ireland a joint review of the current Covid-19 social distancing arrangements across all functions, was undertaken by the Royal Mail and CWU Health and Safety Departments. The review activity included input from nominated CWU Area Safety Representatives. As part of the review three areas were identified where it was established that amendments to the current arrangements could be safely made, with mitigation.

– Bullrings
– Incline Conveyors
– In Cab Training –Large Fleet >3.5T

Revised SSOW have been agreed for these tasks, which maintain the commitment to social distancing with a reduction in certain circumstances from 2m to 1m, only where appropriate and with proper mitigation. Attached for the information of Branches are the revised safety documents highlighting the specific tasks and the necessary additional measures required to facilitate the

change. Currently these changes only apply in England and Northern Ireland, as Government advice on social distancing in Scotland and Wales maintains the 2m criteria.

For the avoidance of doubt social distancing arrangements relating to all other operational tasks across all functions is unchanged and remains at 2m distance. There is currently also no change to the existing arrangement to preclude two-person operation of Car Derived Vans (CDV’s) in Delivery Units.

Local consultation should take place on any revised arrangements with sign off by both the IR and Health & Safety Representatives to ensure that all necessary measures associated to the SSOW are in place in full. Any issues that are identified should be escalated to the appropriate CWU Divisional Representative and Royal Mail Service Delivery Leader for resolution as a matter of urgency.

Royal Mail have confirmed that the business accepts the requirement to support employees through this change and that they will address individual concerns sympathetically. These arrangements will be the subject of constant review and will be revised in the case of any change to either National or local circumstances.

During the Covid period Royal Mail and the CWU have attempted to ensure that guidelines on operational arrangements have been clear, concise and issued to the field in advance of any proposed change. In particular, the progression of the arrangements for the handling of Covid-19 Test Kits has set the standard for coordinated consultation. In this case, Royal Mail have accepted that clearly this standard has not been met and assurances have been received on future consultation in relation to Covid-19 issues.

To remedy any misinformation in the field the business agreed to arrange a call today with Mail Centre/RDC managers to ensure that the advice is consistent across all sites and refers only to the specific operational tasks included in the revised SSOW.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to:

Processing/Logistics/Area Distribution:Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email:

dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference: 014.14

Or

Deliveries: Mark Baulch, Assistant Secretary, email: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org quoting reference: 600

Or
Engineering: Carl Maden, Acting Assistant Secretary, email: khay@cwu.org quoting reference: 420

Yours sincerely,

Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary

Mark Baulch
Assistant Secretary

Carl Maden
Assistant Secretary

LTB 386/20
Annex A – COVID 19 Social Distancing in the Workplace – reducing to 1m (002)
Annex B – Copy of Final TBRA 2m to 1m Incline Conveyors and Bullring Operations v8.1
Annex C – SWI Three Person Incline Conveyor Operations 2m to 1m v2
Annex D – SWI Two Person Incline Conveyor Operations 2m to 1m v2
Annex E – SWI Four Person Bullring Operations 2m to 1m v2
Annex F – SWI Two Person Bullring Operations 2m to 1m v2
Annex G – Final Larger Vehicle_Sharing_Task Risk Assessment 2m to 1m v8
Annex H – SWI In-Cab Training ‘Large Vehicles’ v2

Revised Royal Mail Coronavirus/Covid-19 Risk Assessments Following Revised Social Distancing Government Guidance (2M to 1M)

Branches will be aware that Royal Mail issued revised guideline documents and SSOW based on revised Government advice on Friday 17th July 2020 in regard to social distancing arrangements on certain specific operational tasks within Mail Centres/RDC’s. Reports received from the field suggested that in some instances Representatives were being informed that the change represented a carte blanche reduction from 2m to 1m in relation to social distancing across all functions.

A meeting was therefore arranged this morning between the CWU Operational Departments, the CWU Health and Safety Department and the Royal Mail Senior Management Operational and Safety leads to seek clarification.

We can now advise, that following changes to Government advice in England and Northern Ireland a joint review of the current Covid-19 social distancing arrangements across all functions, was undertaken by the Royal Mail and CWU Health and Safety Departments. The review activity included input from nominated CWU Area Safety Representatives. As part of the review three areas were identified where it was established that amendments to the current arrangements could be safely made, with mitigation.

Bullrings

Incline Conveyors

In Cab Training –Large Fleet >3.5T

Revised SSOW have been agreed for these tasks, which maintain the commitment to social distancing with a reduction in certain circumstances from 2m to 1m, only where appropriate and with proper mitigation. Attached for the information of Branches are the revised safety documents highlighting the specific tasks and the necessary additional measures required to facilitate the change. Currently these changes only apply in England and Northern Ireland, as Government advice on social distancing in Scotland and Wales maintains the 2m criteria.

For the avoidance of doubt social distancing arrangements relating to all other operational tasks across all functions is unchanged and remains at 2m distance. There is currently also no change to the existing arrangement to preclude two-person operation of Car Derived Vans (CDV’s) in Delivery Units.

Local consultation should take place on any revised arrangements with sign off by both the IR and Health & Safety Representatives to ensure that all necessary measures associated to the SSOW are in place in full. Any issues that are identified should be escalated to the appropriate CWU Divisional Representative and Royal Mail Service Delivery Leader for resolution as a matter of urgency.

Royal Mail have confirmed that the business accepts the requirement to support employees through this change and that they will address individual concerns sympathetically. These arrangements will be the subject of constant review and will be revised in the case of any change to either National or local circumstances.

During the Covid period Royal Mail and the CWU have attempted to ensure that guidelines on operational arrangements have been clear, concise and issued to the field in advance of any proposed change. In particular, the progression of the arrangements for the handling of Covid-19 Test Kits has set the standard for coordinated consultation. In this case, Royal Mail have accepted that clearly this standard has not been met and assurances have been received on future consultation in relation to Covid-19 issues.

To remedy any misinformation in the field the business agreed to arrange a call today with Mail Centre/RDC managers to ensure that the advice is consistent across all sites and refers only to the specific operational tasks included in the revised SSOW.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to:

Davie Robertson Mark Baulch Carl Maden

CWU Officers

CWU NORTH WEST REGION ONLINE ‘WOMEN OF TODAY’ EVENT

The CWU North West Region is holding an online ‘Women of Today’ event on the 28^thJuly 2020.  We are pleased to support this initiative by the Region and request that Branches circulate this information to members encouraging participation.

The details of the event are as follows:

DATE/TIME:               Thursday 28^th July – 6pm to 7pm

Speakers: 

• Jean Sharrocks, Women’s Lead (NEC)
• Vera Kelsey, CWU Activist
• Angela Connell, Union Tutor

This is an opportunity to meet a range of women involved with the CWU who will share some of their experiences.

To register, please email cwunwreg@gmail.com

For more information, please contact Sheila Biggins, North West Women’s Lead – Email:sheilabiggins.cwuequality@gmail.com

The Region will also be holding a number of workshops for women over the next few months, please see attached programme. 

Any queries on this LTB should be directed to Equality&Education@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson

Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 385/20 – CWU North West Region Online ‘Women of Today’ Event

WoT 2020 programme

CWU Windrush Day – Competition

Further to LTBs 261/20 and 325/20, this is a brief reminder that the CWU Windrush Competition is still open and we would encourage Branches to bring the attached posters to the attention of your members, on social media platforms and mailing out directly where possible.

Windrush is a hugely important part of our history and shows the significant contribution made by many from the West Indies.  This is an opportunity to be a part of an historic CWU resource and it’s open to members and their families alike.

Any queries on this LTB should be directed to Equality&Education@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson

Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 384/20 – CWU Windrush Day Competition Reminder

Attachment 1

Attachment 2

TUC responds to announcement on return to workplaces from August

Responding to Boris Johnson’s announcement today (Friday), allowing employers to start bringing home-working staff back to the workplace from next month, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:  

“We all want to get the economy up and running as quickly as possible. Returns to workplaces must happen in a phased and safe way. 

“The government is passing the buck on this big decision to employers. Getting back to work safely requires a functioning NHS Test and Trace system. Yet progress on test and trace is still patchy, and the government is still refusing to support workers who have to self-isolate by raising statutory sick pay from just £95pw to a rate people can live on.

“A safe return to workplaces also requires much greater investment in public transport if people are to be able to commute to workplaces.

“Before reopening any workplace, every employer must complete a risk assessment, and make plans to reduce the risk to workers through enabling social distancing. They must consult their staff trade unions, and larger employers should publish the risk assessment on their website.    

“Not everyone will be able to return to workplaces full-time or immediately. People who have been advised to shield and those without enough childcare may need to work fully from home for the foreseeable future.  

“Many businesses have seen the benefits of flexible approaches to working during this pandemic. This progress must not be lost. All staff should have the right to work flexibly from their first day in the job.” 

The TUC is calling on employers to do the following before asking staff to return to the workplace:

• Complete their Covid-Secure risk assessments as required by law, in consultation with unions and their workforces
• Publish their Covid-Secure risk assessment on their website, as the government expects
• Take the actions from the risk assessment to enable safer working, such as requiring social distancing and supplying PPE if it is required
• Show flexibility and consideration for workers’ individual circumstances, including considering caring responsibilities, those who are shielding, and those who have other health conditions, including mental health  
• Allow workers who rely on public transport to have staggered start times to prevent a rush hour crush 

More information on flexible working: The TUC is calling for government to make flexible work the default and give all workers the right to work as flexibly as possible from their first day in the job. Flexible working can take lots of different forms, including the right to predictable hours, working from home, job sharing, compressed hours and term-time working.

Not a member of a union? Please click on the link below to join

https://findyourunion.tuc.org.uk/?language=cy