Workers’ Memorial Day – 28^th April 2023– Theme ‘Trade Unions Organising For Fundamental Safety’:

Background:

The purpose behind Workers’ Memorial Day has always been to “remember the dead: fight for the living” and Unions are asked by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), European Trade Union Confederation, TUC, STUC, WTUC, ICTU, the Hazards Campaign, FACK (Families Against Corporate Killers) to focus on both areas, by considering events or memorials to remember all those killed and injured through work but at the same time ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated. International Workers’ Memorial Day remembers those who have been killed, injured or who have contracted an industrial disease at or because of work but at the same time ensuring that we continue to do all we can to make sure such tragedies are not repeated.

The message is that the best way of protecting workers is by building trade union organisation, recruiting members, pressing employers to invoke better health and safety standards and risk controls and campaigning for stricter enforcement by the HSE and Local Authorities with higher court penalties for those employers and bosses breaching health and safety laws.

Workers’ Memorial Day is commemorated throughout the world.  International Workers’ Memorial Day is held on 28 Aprileach year to remember workers who have died, been injured or made ill due to hazards at work. It was formally recognised by the Labour Government led by Gordon Brown in 2010 following a consultation in 2009. The Conservative Government led by Theresa May confirmed continued recognition of Workers’ Memorial Day in October 2017.

Theme

In 2023 the theme for the day is “Trade Unions Organising For Fundamental Safety”.

The CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department has promoted Workers’ Memorial Day amongst our Health and Safety Representatives, Branches and Regions via regular reports and LTBs.

Post ‘Brexit’ Tory Government Health and Safety Deregulation Threat – “Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill”

The UK saw major change in the 70’s with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the formation of the HSE, followed by the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977, followed by a plethora of European Health and Safety Directives transposed into UK Health and Safety Regulations through the 80’s and 90’s. But what’s going to happen after Brexit? Which UK health and safety legislation will be affected and how? And when? Brexit presents the Tory right-wing opportunists with a new rationale for undermining health and safety law and enforcement through de-regulation, a drift towards an extreme form of self-regulation, further HSE budget cuts, enforcement and inspection cuts and post-Brexit now raises an imminent threat of the UK entering a ‘race to the bottom’. Previous Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Michael Gove Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government have called for the removal of the Health and Safety Regulations and Jacob Rees-Mogg Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency of the United Kingdom has said that the UK could slash safety standards “a very long way” after Brexit! The 2021 EU/UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement may enable the UK to evade its formal health and safety responsibilities under the treaty because of the lack of the prospect of significant retaliatory ‘rebalancing’ measures. With the Tories “Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill” on the horizon, should minimal health and safety requirements cease to apply in the post-EU era, then the UK Government will be free to repeal existing health and safety laws and pursue a system of self-regulation that will allow health and safety standards to fall even further behind those of other developed economies. Add this to the UK’s appalling record in observing ILO workplace health and safety instruments – in total, the UK Government has ratified only 6 of a total of 35 ILO ‘up-to-date’ health and safety protocols and conventions. There are a total of 74 countries that have ratified more ILO health and safety conventions than the UK. This is scarcely what should be expected of a supposedly world leading economy currently engaged in negotiating trade deals with the world beyond the EU 27. It does not appear anything is going to change on this front and the Trade Unions may have some major battles ahead in defending and protecting health and safety!

Anti-Union, multi-millionaire Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has already drawn a furious reaction from Unions by unveiling new planned anti-strike laws to enforce ‘minimum service levels’ in key sectors. The planned legislation will allow bosses and his big business friends and supporters to sue unions and sack employees who go on strike and refuse to work. The Labour Party has said it would repeal the anti-trade union legislation if Labour form the next government, setting out clear dividing lines with the Conservatives on workers’ rights in the run-up to the next general election. Sunak has no idea or appreciation of the struggles of low paid workers battling the cost of living crisis and soaring energy costs. Sunak is the richest ever UK Prime Minister with a total worth of £730 million. He is twice as rich as King Charles III and dwarfs the net worth of his predecessor Boris Johnson who is only worth £1.7 Million. Sunak owns four luxury properties worth £18.5 million, including a luxury apartment in California. What does he care about the workers?

Poster

A CWU Workers’ Memorial Day poster has been produced and 100 A3 size colour posters will be distributed to all 10 Regional CWU Health and Safety Sub Committees for onward distribution and these can be put up in workplaces to promote the day. Branches and Regions can order further copies from the Health, Safety and Environment department if required or alternatively print them off locally. A pdf of the poster is attached to this LTB.

Hazards Magazine

The Union continues its long standing relationship with and support for the Hazards Campaign and Hazards Magazine. We have a half-page WMD advert in the Hazards Magazine WMD Special Edition and 10 copies will be distributed to each Regional health and safety sub-committee in due course. Further copies can be ordered and purchased directly from Hazards Magazine. Contact is:- Jawad Qasrawi Email: sub@hazards.org – Tel: 0114 201 4265.

CWU Conference

As Branches, Health and Safety Reps and Regional Health and Safety Committees will know, the Union has, on five previous occasions, commemorated Workers’ Memorial Day (WMD) at ‎Annual Conference as WMD fell during Conference Week after the move of Conference to the end of April. This will not occur this year due to the postponement of Conference until October.

What Safety Reps and Branches and Regions Can Do:

Branch and Regional Reps and Officers will be able to participate and support WMD events around the UK and will need to note this and make local arrangements to attend the many events taking place across the UK.

Once again the CWU will continue its support of this important commemorative day in the calendar and would urge CWU Branches, Reps and Regions to give their support to local and regional WMD events.

Please therefore:

• Find out what is happening in your area on 28 April. The website below will list all the local activities the TUC knows about, but you can also check with the Union Branch, local trades council, local council and other Union contacts in the area as not all events will be on the TUC list as there are so many;
• If nothing is happening locally then consider organising a local event with other Safety Reps in your area or region. It can be a commemorative rally, a workplace meeting or just a small get-together;
• Organise a minute’s silence in the Branch area workplaces on the day;
• Ask the local council, or any other public body, to fly official flags at half-mast on the day. Remember that the day is officially recognised by the Government;
• Arrange an event such as planting a memorial tree in a public place, putting up a plaque, dedicating a sculpture, a piece of art, or a bench, to remember workers who have been killed at their workplace or in the community;
• If you are planning any events for the day, or you want to raise awareness about Workers’ Memorial Day on 28 April, then it is important you consider how you can best use local media both before and on the day to promote it;
• Ask local religious centres to include Workers’ Memorial Day in their worship on the day;
• Distribute purple ‘forget-me-not’ ribbons, the symbol of Workers’ Memorial Day;
• Let people know about anything that happened in your area on the day.

WMD Materials/Resources (Ribbons and Stickers)

For resources for Workers’ Memorial Day including ribbons and car stickers please contact the ‘Greater Manchester Hazards Centre’ at: mail@gmhazards.org.uk.

TUC List of Events and Resources

The TUC is compiling a list of WMD events taking place across the country and the list will be updated over the coming weeks. Some of these events will also feature a minute’s silence at noon, or a suitable time. The events will either be on Friday 28th April or will take place on the weekend of 29/30 April. More details are available from TUC HQ at: https://www.tuc.org.uk/workers-memorial-day-0 

“Trade Unions Organising For Fundamental Safety”

Every worker should know they have the right to expect that everything is done to keep them safe at work –

and CWU says NO to a Tory post-Brexit bonfire of EU Safety Laws through the
“Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill”

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB059 Workers’ Memorial Day – 28th April 2023 – Theme ‘Trade Unions Organising For Fundamental Safety’

6924 – Workers Memorial Day 2023 A3

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Openreach SD UK Operations – Restricted Duty Engineers

Branches will be aware of discussions that took place with Openreach SD UK Operations (SD UK Ops) regarding the application of the Restricted Duty process.   These discussions have been specifically aimed at improving the way our members are treated if they are in need of restricted duties, as well as ensuring that all steps are taken to avoid our members being subject to the enhanced AJS process.   In short, to retain people in their existing roles with adjustments limiting the need to initiate the AJS process.

The National Team (NT) is pleased to report that significant progress has been made and the details of the new approach are contained within the attached slides.

The new approach ensures the key focus is on the engineer’s capabilities and what they can do rather than their restrictions and medical conditions, whether temporary or permanently restricted.   You can see the details of the process contained within the slides.  This is a brief summary below:

• Managers have a discussion with restricted engineers on what they can do, based on a defined set of criteria; this is submitted on a data capture tool which maps the identified capabilities across to suitable work types.
• Engineers are placed into a Resource Pool where, with support from operational and resourcing leads, suitable available work types in their location are identified, in conjunction with the line manager.
• This is supported by a national Restricted Duties Forum, including operational leads and HR, to ensure a consistent approach across all people and better visibility of potential work available.  The support forum will meet regularly to review cases where the temporary work is ceasing and reallocation is needed, where there is a change in engineer capability or where there is a natural review point, guided by OHS referral.
• In instances where all internal workstreams have been depleted, and no appropriate avenue is applicable; following meaningful discussions with the local CWU representative and the impacted team member, Openreach will investigate and consider if any third party/contractor workstreams could provide a fitting opportunity. If there is suitable work available, further to the above conversations, Openreach would offer this to accommodate the restricted engineer (with consideration of minimum contractor flexibility).
• The CWU can offer support through this process and Openreach recommend involvement at the earliest possible stages.
• Where the engineer has no physical capability on a permanent basis and desk opportunities have been exhausted, the company would initiate support through the enhanced AJS process – there are nochanges to the current AJS process, Openreach SD UK OPS will only move to AJS once this restricted duties process has been exhausted.

As the process embeds, Openreach SD UK Ops will hold review meetings with the CWU to discuss the implementation at a national level and whether there are any opportunities for improvement.   These will take place every 6 weeks for the first 3 months, and then move to quarterly.

The NT recognises that by implementing this new approach to restricted duties, we are providing better visibility to engineers with a more consistent support right across Openreach SD UK Operations.  The steps outlined in this LTB and correspondence from the company provide a welcome platform for resolving both current and potentially new Restricted Duty cases.

Yours sincerely,

Fiona Curtis
Acting Assistant Secretary

LTB 060/23 – Openreach SD UK Operations – Restricted Duty Engineers

Att: Restricted Duties

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UK Weather Warnings of Snow and Ice – Royal Mail Severe Weather Preparation Advice Reminder:

Introduction and Background

The UK Met Office has issued Amber and Yellow Warnings regarding snow and ice in various parts of the country as follows; Temperatures are falling. Icy patches may cause travel disruption and delays on roads stranding some vehicles and passengers. Bus and train services may be delayed or cancelled, with some road closures and longer journey times possible – some rural communities could become temporarily cut off. Power cuts may occur and other services may be temporarily affected. Untreated pavements and cycle paths might be impassable with a chance of injuries from slips and falls on snow-covered or icy surfaces. The Met Office warn that heavy snow is likely in the East Midlands, North East England, North West England, Midlands, Yorkshire & Humber, Central, Tayside & Fife, Northern Ireland, SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde and Wales.

The news is that the so called UK ‘Arctic plunge’ may last for some time so all ASRs should check the weather maps for your area and regional/local weather forecasts and ensure, working with the SHE Advisors and OPLs/COMs/Transport Manager, that ‘Severe Weather Risk Assessments’ are carried out for all Units. The snow, freezing temperatures and wintry conditions could continue in the lead-up to spring.

Severe Weather Preparation and Risk Assessment Requirements:

All Royal Mail and Parcelforce Managers have received the message that it is important that prior to any severe winter weather, preparation takes place for conditions that may be faced.  Managers need to ensure that the workforce has the correct equipment needed to work outdoors in severe weather.

Managers need to ensure that they have reviewed the ‘Severe Weather Preparation Checklist’ and carried out the required activity. They need to download a copy of the Severe Weather Risk Assessment (SWRA) and save to a dedicated folder to use as required. Managers should familiarise themselves with the severe weather risk assessment so that they know how to use it as the situation arises. This must be carried out in consultation with CWU ASRs.

All staff must be briefed to remind them of their requirement to order the correct uniform personal protective clothing and footwear for use during winter conditions.

ASR – Be Proactive:

As always ASRs should be proactive and not wait for Managers to approach them to consult on the SWRA. Make contact with COMs, OPLs, SHE Advisors, Depot Managers, Transport and Distribution Managers, MCMs etc. Mobilise WSR to support also.

To assists ASRs, attached find 4 documents for information and reference and to assist in discussions with managers as well as bringing the information to their attention as need be.

SHE Huddle FY22 052 – Severe Weather Preparation

This was prepared to remind managers of their responsibilities and support to achieve compliance. SHE Huddle FY22 052 instructs Managers to:

• Ensure that they have reviewed the Severe Weather Preparation Checklist and carried out the required activity. Download and carry out a Severe Weather Risk Assessment.
• Brief employees to remind them of their requirement to order the correct uniform for use during the winter.
• Access the Severe Weather Instruction, Guidance, Risk Assessment and Severe Weather Preparation Checklist in RMG SHE Standard 5.1.7 ‘Severe Weather’.

SHE Instruction 5.1.7 Risk Manaement – Severe Weather Guidance:  

This guidance is for all managers in all functions and will help to manage the operation during periods of severe weather.  Managers will need to assess the impact of various weather conditions and ensure that suitable controls are put in place to reduce the risk.  The aim is to keep the operation running where safe to do so but in extreme weather, ceasing operations may be necessary to keep the workforce safe.

Severe weather is defined as any weather condition that could significantly increase the risk to the workforce whilst performing their job. This includes the following weather types:

• Snow
• Ice
• Heavy rain/floods
• Fog
• High winds
• Sun/high temperatures

The likelihood of accidents and ill health can increase significantly during severe weather. This can include:

• Road Traffic Collisions
• Slips/Trips/Falls
• Effects from the sun/heat e.g., sunburn and heat exhaustion

This guidance covers the following steps to successfully managing severe weather:

• Severe Weather Preparation Checklist
• On the day assessment of weather conditions
• Potential generic hazard controls
• Communication

RMG Gritting Contract Overview:

Please find attached a copy of the gritting contract communication that was shared on the intranet, through SHE News and Workplace week commencing 26^thSeptember as a reminder of the gritting controls.

SHE Huddle FY22 053 – Yard Risk Assessment and Yard Safety:

Yard Safety and specifically accurate and full completion of the site Yard Risk Assessment is vital. SHE Huddle FY22 053 was released to highlight some recent weaknesses identified by Health and Safety Enforcing Authority Officers. The huddle prompts PIC’s to review their Yard Risk Assessment after reading the learning identified in the briefing.

Yards are potentially some of the most high-risk areas that Royal Mail and Parcelforce has within the business. When completing the Yard Risk Assessment, it is vital that Managers fully consider all the hazards and the risks that exist. Royal Mail has previously been prosecuted and fined over Yard Safety failures and accidents plus the business has been served with a number of Enforcement/Improvement notices for risk assessments not being suitable and sufficient and hazards not having been considered as well as pedestrian walkways not being adequate and failure to segregate pedestrians and vehicle traffic. CWU ASRs must be involved and consulted in good time on risk assessments and control measures. This is particularly important in bad weather conditions.

Attachments:

• SHE Huddle FY22 052 – Severe Weather Preparation
• SHE Instruction 5.1.7 Risk Management – Severe Weather Guidance:
• RMG Gritting Contract Overview:
• SHE Huddle FY22 053 – Yard Risk Assessment and Yard Safety:

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB057 UK Weather Warnings of Snow and Ice – Royal Mail Severe Weather Preparation Advice Reminder

SHE Huddle FY22 052 Severe Weather Preperation

Severe Weather Guidance Sept 2022

September Gritting and Snow Clearing Refresh Comms

SHE Huddle FY22 053 Yard Risk Assessment

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BBC News Report – Dog Attacks – 34% Increase Recorded By Police:

A BBC Story has today been shown on BBC News and has been published on the BBC News Website reporting that the number of dog attacks recorded by police in England and Wales has risen by more than a third in the past five years the BBC investigation reports.

Last year, there were nearly 22,000 cases of out-of-control dogs causing injury. In 2018, there were just over 16,000.

The UK’s dog population is estimated to have risen by only 15% in that time.

Police say they’ve seen more reports of dangerous dogs as a result of specific work by specialist officers.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) says forces across the UK have been focusing on attacks.

The BBC’s findings are based on 37 responses to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests made to all 43 police forces.

Dogs which cause death or injury to a person or an assistance dog must be recorded by police – but other incidents, for example a dog attacking another animal, or nuisance and anti-social dogs, don’t have to be. As a result, these may not be included in the FOI figures.

It was also not possible to include comparable data for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The BBC’s FOI figures suggest reported dog attacks may have grown at about twice the rate of the number of new pet dogs.

Estimates vary – but an annual survey by the vet charity PDSA says there has been a nearly 15% increase in dog numbers UK-wide – up from 8.9m in 2018, to 10.2m in 2022.

The number of dogs removed from their owners by police has also risen, according to the FOI data obtained by the BBC. Nearly 3,500 dogs were seized in 2022 across 33 force areas – up 36% from 2018 figures.

Number of Dog Attacks (England and Wales)

• 2018 – 16,394
• 2019 – 16,984
• 2020 – 17,375
• 2021 – 19,623
• 2022 – 21,918

Note: The cost to the NHS of treating dog attacks is £71m a year (Sunday Times 5 February 2023)

A South Yorkshire Police specialist dog legislation officer said “It’s busier than we’ve ever known and there’s been an increase in dog numbers since the time before the Covid pandemic lockdown. Some have not been socialised as much as dogs would have been before – in terms of puppy training or training classes, or being used to people coming to the home address. That can impact upon the dog and create stress. Having seen the effects of these dog attacks, I make no apology for seizing dogs where there is a risk.”

There have been two fatal dog attacks so far this year. A dog walker was mauled to death in Caterham Surrey and a four-year-old girl was killed by a family pet dog in Milton Keynes. (Note: There have been 14 people killed in dog attacks in the UK in the last 14 months. 63 have been killed since 1981 in the UK).

The report features CWU member postwoman Sarah King who had a finger bitten off through the letterbox whilst delivering mail in Rotherham in January 2022. Sarah was featured on the TV and website and did a great job getting across the plight of postal workers and CWU members. Sarah needed several surgical procedures and now has a prosthetic finger. A year down the line and Sarah is still suffering with physical discomfort and psychological issues. Sarah didn’t go out for a long time and is still seeing a counsellor and has flashbacks. The dog owner was prosecuted and pleaded guilty to an offence under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control. He was given a six-month jail sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £2,000 in compensation. Sarah said that all dog owners should put up warning signs outside their homes and have either a separate external letterbox, or a letter cage for mail attached inside the front door.

• See attached copy of the BBC Website Report.
• Link to BBC Website Report: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64798162

The following letter was received from the BBC Senior Reporter involved in the story and Report:

From: Emily Unia
Sent: 08 March 2023 10:38
To: Dave Joyce
Cc: Press Officer;
Subject: RE: Dog Attacks – Dog Control Law and Enforcement Inadequacies and Dog Attacks on Postal Workers:

Hi Dave, 

I want to thank you for all the help that you gave me with getting this story to air. It wouldn’t have happened without your input, particularly connecting us with Sarah King, who has been in all our coverage today.  

My sincere apologies again, for not being back in touch sooner.  

Regards
Emily Unia
BBC Senior Reporter

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB056 BBC News Report – Dog Attacks – 34% Increase Recorded By Police

BBC Article Dog Attacks

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TO:      ALL BRANCHES WITH ROYAL MAIL PROPERTY & FACILITIES SOLUTIONS LIMITED   (RMPFSL) ENGINEERING MEMBERS

Dear Colleagues,

ROYAL MAIL PROPERTY & FACILITIES SOLUTIONS LIMITED (RMPFSL) – ENGINEERING FEASIBILITY STUDY – PHASE 2

During the RMPFSL pay negotiations the company wanted to make the agreement conditional on accepting the Engineering Transformation Project.  We could not accept this position as the full intention and potential outcomes of the project could not be identified.

During further negotiations, including a session facilitated by Acas in February 2023, we agreed with RMPFSL the Engineering Transformation Project will be subject to separate negotiation, with a separate agreement.  As part of this negotiation, we agreed there would be feasibility studies to scope what could be possible within any final agreement.

The first phase of the feasibility study has been implemented and is constantly being jointly reviewed.

We have now agreed a Terms of Reference (TOR) for the next feasibility study.  The TOR for the feasibility study – phase two and the joint statement are attached to this LTB.

In line with the TOR, the feasibility study will last for four weeks and there will be regular reviews with full CWU involvement and a decision after four weeks to cease, extend or roll out the study.

We will provide feedback and next steps after the final review.

Any enquiries to this LTB please contact: The PTCS Departmentreference 301, email address: khay@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Carl Maden

Assistant Secretary

LTB 055/23 – Royal Mail Property Facilities Solutions Limited (RMPFSL) – Engineering Feasibility Study Phase 2

Attachment: Attachment 1 to 23LTB055 – Terms of Reference for Feasibility Study – 03.03.23 Final Signed

Attachment: Attachment 2 to 23LTB055 – Joint Statement 08.03.2023

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UN Anti-Racism Day 2023 – Saturday, 18th March

Further to LTB 023/23 we are writing to Branches to remind them of the details for the forthcoming UN Anti-Racism Day march on 18th March 2023, which will take place simultaneously across the UK in London, Cardiff and Glasgow.

A number of Branches have indicated their interest in participating and traditionally the CWU has had a strong presence at this important rally.

The organisers have asked that those who are planning to attend the London rally meet at midday. Cardiff and Glasgow assembly times are 11am. Speeches are planned from the beginning culminating with more speeches in Parliament Square for the London rally.

Stand Up To Racism has also laid on a number of coaches and information on these can be found on one of the attached flyers. All the relevant details can be found on the attached. We look forward to seeing you there.

Any queries on this LTB should be directed to equality&education@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward
General Secretary  

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 053/23 – UN Anti-Racism Day 2023 – Saturday, 18 March

London Resist Racism Flyer

Travel Flyer

Glasgow Resist Racism Flyer

Cardiff Resist Racism Flyer

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POST OFFICE: PAY DISPUTE – JOINT STATEMENT

Further to LTB 046/23, Branches are advised that the Union held a further meeting with Jane Davies, Group Chief People Officer yesterday afternoon.  We are pleased to report both parties have agreed the following Joint Statement, which is being published this afternoon:

Joint Statement – Post Office and CWU Pay Negotiations

 Following our last update dated 2^nd March.  A further positive meeting on pay was held yesterday during which we continued our discussions on exploring various options on a without prejudice basis.  We are pleased to report progress was made; however, there is still more analysis to be undertaken by both parties on the “modelling” and the overall shape of a potential agreement.  We plan to meet again later this week. 

We will write to you once again to update you as and when further developments occur.  In the meantime, we are unable to provide any details until we have concluded an agreement.  However, please be assured both parties are working towards reaching a swift resolution and we once again thank you for your patience. 

Jane Davies                                             Andy Furey
Group Chief People Officer                        A/Deputy General Secretary (Postal)
Post Office

Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
A/Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

23LTB054 Post Office – Pay Dispute – Joint Statement

RMG/CWU Clarification on Re-engagement for Joint Revision Activity in Collections

Branches and representatives will be aware that the recently communicated LTB 047/23 – National Joint Statement – A New Process for Talks gives the following commitment in Para 9.

Revision activity and re-engagement in Parcelforce and other functions will be in line with the spirit and intent of this statement and will be subject to urgent separate discussion with the respective CWU national officers and Royal Mail functional directors.

Urgent discussions have therefore been taking place with the Collections function to finalise clarification that specifically focuses on a number of key topics that are required in order to move forwards with Collection Revision planning and implementation. Discussions have concluded with a document being agreed and endorsed by the Postal Executive, a copy of which is attached for your information.

The document ensures that our representatives are able to input and challenge in respect of proposed or deployed revision activity. The document also refers back to and reaffirms commitments given in previous agreements in respect of revision activity and ensures that all related people issues have been addressed.

In addition, Annex A to the document addresses the approach to include workload in Delivery where Postboxes have moved to Collection on Delivery.

It is also confirmed that the previous National Collections JWG structure will be re-established to ensure future collection associated activity can be progressed jointly.

Given the extremely tight timelines associated to the activity representatives are requested to engage with management with immediate effect in order to progress discussions/activity
in line with the principles of the National Joint Statement and attached clarification document.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to the relevant department:

Processing/Collections: Davie Robertson, email: dwyatt@yahoo.co.uk quoting ref: 721.04

Deliveries/Collections: Mark Baulch, email: njones@cwu.orgquoting ref: 555

Yours sincerely

Davie Robertson                                        
Assistant Secretary

Mark Baulch
Assistant Secretary

LTB 052/23 – Collections Revision Re-engagement 08.03.23

Final Collections Revisions Re-engagement (Signed) – 08.03.23

Annex to Agreement – JS Collections Approach – 09 April 2021 FINAL V1.0

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Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 005 – ‘Unbraked’ Wheeled Container Equipment – E.g. ‘Coffin’ Trolleys & ‘Auto-Levelling’ Trolleys (ALTs) – Immediate Withdrawal From Service:

Introduction, Background and Description: 

A recent minor impact injury accident, caused by an old ‘time-expired’ ‘Coffin’ Trolley led to an investigation which discovered that a number of offices had somehow retained in service use, old, un-braked, un-checked, wheeled trolley equipment which had been officially withdrawn from service via ‘mandatory’ instructions some years ago due primarily to the fact that they do not have a braking system fitted. Notices were previously issued to all Unit PiCs to remove this equipment from service.

Impact/Injuries: 

• An employee was injured by a rollaway, unbraked, Coffin Trolley in a Delivery Office. The Coffin Trolley should not have been in use.

Key Messages, Learning Points and Actions: 

Royal Mail Group’s Safety Team have issued RMG SHE Safety Flash FY23 005 following the recent injury accident, repeating previous instructions that all unbraked, wheeled container equipment, mainly ‘Coffin’ Trolleys and ‘ALT’ Trolleys and any other unbraked wheeled container equipment are no longer approved for use in Royal Mail Group operational offices and any remaining units are to be immediately withdrawn from service by the PiC/Office Management and disposed of via the Royal Mail Group Assets Team who will arrange removal and disposal.

PiCs Actions:

• PiCs to brief all staff on this SHE Flash.
• PiCs to withdraw from service any remaining ‘Coffin’ Trolleys, ‘ALT’ Trolleys etc., and any other similar unbraked equipment.
• PiCs to contact fulfilment@royalmail.comto arrange collection, removal and disposal.

CWU ASR/WSR Action:

• WSRs/ASRs please ensure that this Safety Flash is communicated to the workforce and that the PiCs actions above are deployed.

Attachment: 

• Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 005 – ‘Unbraked’ Wheeled Container Equipment – E.g. ‘Coffin’ Trolleys & ‘Auto-Levelling’ Trolleys (ALTs) – Immediate withdrawal From Service:

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 051/23 – Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 005 – ‘Unbraked’ Wheeled Container Equipment

SHE Flash FY23 005 – Unbraked Equipment

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New RMG Workwear/Uniform and PPE Range – RM Engineers – Provision ‘Blue Shirts’ Range For Royal Mail Engineers Following Safety Consideration and New Overalls for Both RM Engineers and RM Fleet Workforce For Evaluation Trials:

RM Engineers ‘Blue Shirts’ Range Workwear & PPE Range:

This issue was taken up with RM Engineering and RM Assets and Uniform Management a year ago by the CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department on 24 February 2022 (copy of letter attached) following representations from RM engineering CWU Reps and members when RM planned to phase out the ‘blue’ shirts and workwear/PPE for engineers and instead ‘standardise’ on the ‘red’ colour clothing worn by operational grades. In late January 2023 the business finally responded positively by reversing the earlier decision. Nevertheless, this belated response and news will be most welcome by our RM engineering Reps and members on this subject which has been chased over the last year on several occasions.

We welcome the progress made on both design, colour, fabric, specification and indeed use of the PPE items and overalls specification and use plus trousers and knee pads.

The RMG Assets Team and National Uniform Manager have agreed with Neil Chaplain, the new Programmes and Engineering Director to move back to blue (tops) rather than red for the engineering workforce as from a safety point of view this will ensure they are instantly recognisable within their work environment and in restricted, authorised only areas.

Attached are two slides of images which show the new clothing. You will see that RM are also going to provide the red soft shell and gilet as part of the engineers’ workwear choice.

The blue garments will be off the shelf (OTS) and RM will be running a small wearer trial for 6 weeks at Peterborough MC and the NW Super Hub.

Initial feedback from the RM engineers at Peterborough to a clothing roadshow held on site was reported as positive. RM Uniform have also looked at an OTS trouser with the safety knee pad inserts built into the trousers to trial which will be undertaken at the same time.

The engineering ‘Team Blue’ samples will be trialled for 6 weeks across the Peterborough MC and NW Super Hub sites – comprising:

• Trousers (2 types) – with safety knee pad insert holders (key part of the site team’s requests)
• Long Sleeve Polo shirts
• Shirt Sleeve Polo shirts
• Sweatshirts

The site Plant Engineering Managers have been asked to arrange for the staff involved to complete the measurements file and provide a collated return for each site back to the RM Engineering and Fleet Safety Manager from where the orders will be progressed via suppliers Dimensions who have confirmed that following receipt of the sizing information, the clothing items will be shipped (for evaluation only use at these two sites) in approximately 4 weeks on.

Dimensions will issue the usual uniform evaluation/wearer feedback form.

To ensure that the correct sizing information is received, the evaluation/trial sites have been sent additional guidance to assist:

MALE: https://www.wevideo.com/view/2268541103

FEMALE: https://www.wevideo.com/view/2268539422

Additionally, on the same subject:

• Engineering branded hi vis has already been deployed to NW Super hub and has been added to Engineering’s product range and once stock is in place will become a normal ‘self-order’ item.
• Industrial laundry of soiled engineers’ overalls (currently only washed at home) is being reviewed. The CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department has requested a RM provided collection/delivery laundry service, (similar to the established, existing scheme in RM Fleet where overalls are ‘Mandatory’ and get heavily soiled). RM have responded that a laundry service/process for RM engineers is prohibitively expensive to undertake for an ad-hoc, occasional overall wearing/use/lightly soiled etc., basis therefore a review of how to achieve this continues.

RM Engineers and RM Fleet Overalls Trial:

Also being trialled are new bespoke overalls/coveralls for both RM Engineers and RM Fleet which is being run as a separate trial with approximately 60 wearers both male and female, across 7 RM sites including Engineering and Fleet teams.

Attached is a slide of images (Overalls/Coveralls) which shows the finalised, newly designed overalls. The overalls designs have been under consideration and discussion for some time. Prior to reaching this stage, sample evaluations have been considered, followed by test overalls being tried out by volunteers, male and female, in a number of locations, prior to design changes, improvements and additions built in before the forthcoming planned wider trials. Note there have been a few more additional late minor changes/improvements made to the design/images such as large chest pocket(s).

The trials will collate the feedback and review with all relevant stakeholders.

RM Engineering Reducing the Need to Wear Overalls

To be clear and to remind all RM engineering Reps and members, last year the former RMG Chief Engineer James Baker proposed that RM engineers should henceforth wear overalls for virtually all tasks on all machines with powered conveyors for their complete shift. This caused widespread discontent and virtually universal objection. A letter dated 11 May 2022 (copy attached) was sent to the RM Engineering & Fleet Head of Safety, the RMG Chief Engineer, RMG Head of Assets and RMG National Uniform Manager, arguing strongly against this proposal or rather ‘intention’ (A copy is attached). Following a risk assessment review of the proposal, a positive response was received from the RMG Engineering and Fleet Head of Safety. A new, revised RM Engineering overarching Safe System of Work was launched and in conjunction with the introduction of Royal Mail Engineering trousers and long sleeve Polo shirts for abrasion protection, RME withdrew their intention and reduced the need for RM engineers to wear overalls, other than for specifically risk assessed ‘hot works’ and a small number of maintenance tasks. Key is that Royal Mail long trousers and long sleeve Polo shirts were risk assessed and confirmed as providing the level of protection required in many circumstances. See attached RM Engineering Safety Update Huddle/Briefing entitled ‘Engineering Overalls & Workwear’ issue date October 2022.

Attachments:

• Two slides of images of the RM Engineers’ new OTS ‘Blue Range’ clothing.
• A slide of images of the RM Engineers’ and RM Fleet overalls to be trialled.
• Evaluation/Order/Size Form example.
• RM Engineers’ Overalls Wearing Requirements – Dave Joyce Letter 11 May 2022.
• RM Engineering Safety Update Huddle/Briefing – ‘Engineering Overalls & Workwear’ – Oct 2022.
• RM Engineers’ Provision ‘Blue Shirts’ Trousers With Built In Knee Pad Pockets – Dave Joyce Letter 24 Feb 22.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

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