Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY22 06 – Serious Road Traffic Accident:

Overview, Background, Description and Effect:

Following a recent, very serious, road traffic collision involving a Royal Mail vehicle in which a CWU member driver was seriously injured and remains hospitalised, the Royal Mail Group Safety Team have issued the attached SHE Flash to remind all drivers of some basic but key road safety driving techniques.

The Royal Mail driver was waiting at a junction when a heavy goods vehicle ran into the back of the Royal Mail vehicle at speed, pushing the Royal Mail van across the junction and into a collision with another vehicle. The Royal Mail driver was thrown out of the passenger side door of the Royal Mail van receiving serious injuries. The occupants of the other vehicle were also injured in the impact. The Royal Mail driver remains in hospital at the time of writing.

Key Messages And Learning Points: 

This incident is a reminder of the devastation that road traffic collisions can cause, and for most of us driving is the most dangerous work activity we will undertake. Our priority must always be to ensure the safety of our drivers and the public.

We can’t control everything that happens on the roads but the SHE Management System contains all the approaches that are in place to keep the workforce safe whilst driving.

The Following Key Points Are Important:

1. Drive Defensively: 

• Observation – actively look for hazards by scanning left, right and centre, and near and far. Check mirrors regularly. Check blind spots before completing manoeuvres e.g., pulling out, turning or overtaking.
• Anticipate – think about hazards you can’t see and how they might affect you. For example, oncoming traffic around blind bends, doors opening on parked cars, or vehicles approaching from behind.
• Plan – for what might happen. Are you going slow enough to stop? Do you need to give more space? If waiting to turn right across traffic, keep your wheels facing forward until you are ready to go. If you are hit from behind this may avoid you being pushed into oncoming traffic.

2. Be Aware Of The ‘Fatal 4’:

• Speed – increases the likelihood and severity of a collision. Drive at a speed which is appropriate for the road and conditions and always within the speed limit.
• Alcohol/Drugs – never drive under the influence of drink or drugs and be aware that some prescription drugs can also impair driving.
• Seatbelts – always wear your seatbelt, even for short distances or at low speed. At just 6mph, the forces in a crash are too high for the average person to restrain themselves without a seatbelt.
• Distractions – driving requires your full concentration. Royal Mail Group prohibit the use of mobile devices whilst driving, including hands-free use. Do not try to read addresses whilst driving.

3. Only drive vehicles that you are licenced to drive and have received the required training for, as set out in RMG SHE Instructions.
4. Never drive an unroadworthy vehicle – ensure that you complete your daily vehicle check and that defects are reported and repaired.
5. Always drive in accordance with the Highway Code, The Driving Safe System of Work and your training.
6. Always ensure that you are fit to drive – conditions which may affect your driving must be disclosed and an OH appointment may be arranged. Have regular eyesight tests and always wear eyesight correction if required. Ensure that you are properly rested.

Key Activity: 

Managers must ensure that this SHE Flash is delivered to all drivers.

Attachment: 

RMG SHE Safety Flash FY22 06 – Serious Road Traffic Accident.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB107 Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY22 06 – Serious Road Traffic Accident

SHE Flash FY22 006 – Serious Road Traffic Incident

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Coronavirus Update – Further Easing of Covid-19 Restrictions in Wales:

Further to earlier LTBs, this is a summary update following Friday afternoon’s announcement by the Welsh Government’s First Minister Mark Drakeford.

The First Minister announced on Friday the easing of a number of Covid-19 control measures and restrictions in Wales, including the ending of legal requirements for face masks and Covid vaccine passports as part of a sustainable return to a normal way of life. He said that the public health situation continues to improve in Wales – community transmission is reducing steadily and the omicron wave is receding.

The First Minister stated that face masks will no longer be legally required to be worn in indoor settings and added that the wearing of face coverings in shops and other indoor public places will now move to “strongly recommended” but voluntary.

The legal rules on wearing masks and self-isolation are expected to end on 28 March.

From the same date, most people with symptoms will no longer be able to get PCR tests, and free lateral flow tests (LFTs) will end from June.

The country will be the last part of the UK to totally lift its Coronavirus restrictions.

While it will no longer be law to wear masks or self-isolate if people have Coronavirus when rules end, First Minister Mark Drakeford said it would be recommended that people do so in crowded places but it would be voluntary.

Summary For Wales

From The End of March:

• Wales’ last few remaining Covid restrictions are to be scrapped on Monday 28 March.
• People will no longer be required to wear face masks by law. (They will be recommended only in crowded places).
• Businesses will no longer need to carry out Covid-specific risk assessments by law.
• PCR tests will no longer be available for most people with symptoms from 28 March.
• At the end of March routine asymptomatic testing in most schools, childcare and workplaces will also end.

• Lateral flow device (LFD) tests will be available online for free for those people who have symptoms but tests will no longer be available for free from June.
• While self-isolation will no longer be law, people will still be advised to get a test if they have symptoms and isolate if positive.
• A “more targeted” testing scheme aimed at vulnerable people will replace the current regime.
• Wales will be the last part of the UK to totally lift its Coronavirus restrictions.
• The Welsh government has published a plan to “live safely with this virus”.

From The End Of June:

• Free LFD Tests cease to be available for testing people with symptoms.
• Contact tracing ends.
• Self-isolation support payments end.
• Self-isolation guidance will be changed – advising people to take precautions when ill with Covid-19, such as staying at home if possible.
• PCR tests will be kept for certain groups only, such as health and social care staff with symptoms, care home residents, and hospital patients.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB106 Coronavirus Update – Further Easing of Covid-19 Restrictions in Wales

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RMG Driver/Road Safety Briefing/Communication/SHE Huddle W/C 07.03.22 – ‘Driver Eyesight’

Introduction 

The Royal Mail Group Road Safety Manager‎ has informed the CWU/HQ Health, Safety and Environment Department that the RMG Safety Health and Environment Team will be issuing a national driver/road safety briefing/communication huddle week commencing Monday 7 March about ‘Driver Eyesight’ and this will be based on the attached SHE Huddle FY22-13 ‘Driver Eyesight’ which will be supported by a slide on the RMTV screens throughout the business to support the road safety message to drivers.

Message “You Need To See Clearly When You’re Driving” – “When did you last have your eyesight tested?”

Nobody is going to argue with the message that “You Need To See Clearly When You’re Driving” but the question to all drivers is “When did you last have your eyesight tested?”

A change in eyesight can be caused by many things, from common eye conditions such as cataracts, to age, or even other underlying medical conditions such as diabetes.  Age related deterioration can happen at any age and is very common from the age of 40.  A sudden worsening in your eyesight is often the result of a serious underlying health condition that may need to be treated quickly, and you should immediately seek advice from your GP or optician.

You can protect your vision by maintaining a healthy lifestyle – with a balanced diet, regular exercise and limiting alcohol and smoking; protecting your eyes from UV rays; and getting regular eye tests.  Early detection and treatment of eye conditions such as glaucoma, may help to prevent your vision from worsening.

The College of Optometrists recommend eyesight tests every two years, or more often if your optician recommends; but in a survey of 2,000 drivers conducted by Specsavers, 1 in 3 drivers admitted that they had not had an eyesight test in the last 2 years and another survey found that 6% of drivers have never had an eyesight test!

Poor vision affects your ability to recognise hazards and the time it takes you to react.  Poor vision causes greater impairment at night including the ability to see pedestrians, road signs or hazards in the road, and glare from oncoming vehicle headlights.

To drive a car or van you must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres.  This checks your ‘distance acuity’ and drivers unable to do so are 15% more likely to be involved in a collision.

The DVLA also have minimum standards for visual acuity of 0.5 decimal (6/12) on the ‘Snellen’ scale (with glasses/contact lenses if needed), and an adequate field of vision.  The standards are even higher if you driver a bus or lorry.  Drivers with inadequate field of vision are nearly 5 times more likely to be involved in a collision.

If you’re found to be driving with inadequate vision, you face up to a £1,000 fine, 3 points on your licence or a potential disqualification from driving. The police can also request the DVLA to revoke a drivers’ license with immediate effect if they believe the driver poses a risk to the public.

To test your field of vision, you need to visit an optician, you can’t possibly know whether your eyesight meets the standard if you don’t.

In the ‘Specsavers survey’ referred to above, 22% of drivers admitted that they had driven without their glasses/contact lenses.  What would you think of someone who injured you, or someone you know, whilst driving without their glasses? 

Always wear eye correction/glasses/contact lenses where needed, and make sure glasses are clean too. 

Supporting Information 

See supporting information on the Royal Mail screens and intranet. 

Managers Actions:

1. Managers to brief drivers on the SHE Huddle FY22-13 content attached.
2. Drivers should have their eyesight checked by an optician at least every two years, and should consult their GP or optician immediately if they notice a sudden deterioration in their eyesight.
3. Don’t drive without your prescribed glasses/contact lenses.

CWU ASR Action

Would ASRs support the briefing and ensure it is delivered in all Units and cascade information.

Attachments:

• RMG SHE Huddle FY22-13 Driver Eyesight
• AA – Guide To Vision and Driving

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB105 RMG Driver Road Safety Briefing Communication SHE Huddle WC 07.03.22 – ‘Driver Eyesight’

SHE Huddle FY22 013 Driver Eyesight

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Postal Policy Forum – Wednesday 30^th & Thursday 31^st March 2022 – The Pathway to Change Ongoing Policy Document 2022 and Beyond

Further to LTB 103/22 and the associated letter dated the 4^th March 2022 from Mick Kavanagh, Postal Executive Vice Chair circulated to Branches on Friday.

Following further consideration and consultation with the Postal Executive Vice Chair, the closing date for the submission of amendments to the Policy Document has been extended to 5pm on Thursday 17^th March 2022.

We trust that Branches and Business Co-coordinating Committees will welcome the additional time to consider the policy document but you are asked to note that this extension may result in a delay to the circulation of the final agenda and order of business as previously advised.  The DGS(P) Department and Postal Executive Vice Chair will however endeavour to keep any delay to the publication to a minimum.  The Policy and Handling document will be published in advance of the Policy Forum.

In order to assist with the administration of the order of business and agenda, it would be appreciated if Branches could submit their amendments in advance of the closing date where possible.

Any enquiries regarding the content of this LTB should be directed to the DGS(P) Department or Mick Kavanagh, Postal Executive Vice Chair as appropriate.

Yours sincerely

Terry Pullinger                                                                        Mick Kavanagh

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)                          Postal Executive Vice Chair

22LTB104

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Lifting of Covid-19 Restrictions – Delivery And Collection Of Test Kits

As you will be aware the Government announced on the 19^th January 2022 that restrictions in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic are being lifted.  The detail was communicated to Branches in LTB 031/22.

In addition to the above the Government has announced that provision of free Lateral Flow Tests and PCR tests will also be removed from 1^st April 2022, with the exception of at risks groups (details to be announced in March 2022), Health Care Workers and NHS staff.  This applies to England only, the other devolved Nations have yet to confirm their intentions in relation to the provision of testing going forward.

Covid-19 test kits have of course been treated as an operational priority during the pandemic and the exceptional contribution that has been made by our members has been an integral part of the Government’s response to COVID-19 and central to the national effort to combat the coronavirus. The Prime Minister has thanked the Royal Mail workforce and the thanks of Royal Mail Group HQ and CWU HQ goes out to each and every member also.

Royal Mail is currently in discussions with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on the future of testing and the test kits programme across the UK.  In the meantime, the removal of free testing will see an expected reduction in numbers of kits but it is still vitally important that COVID-19 test kits continue to be treated as an absolute priority within the Royal Mail operation. 

Royal Mail is currently in discussions with the UK’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on the future of testing and the test kits programme across the UK and until the future of the service is finalised it is vital that the COVID-19 test kits programme continues to be treated as an absolute priority through the Royal Mail network as we see the expected reduction in numbers. 

Royal Mail have therefore issued the attached communication to update on the current position and to emphasise the importance of the adherence to the Standard Operating Procedures, to ensure that exceptional service standards continues to be delivered.  

The communication confirms the following: 

Mail Centres:

• Keep test kits separate from all other mail items
• If you receive any test kits for delivery for another plant out of course from Paragon, immediately call CPC and scan every kit as a mis-sort
• Process PCR test kits in discrete, manual work areas DO NOT PROCESSon the PSM as these are for UK citizens due elective surgery or critically extremely vulnerable (LFDs can be processed through PSMs until Thursday 31 March)
• Ensure the correct scans are applied to all test kits
• Label test kits returns with the correct colour corresponding York labels 
  • Red = elective care kits
  • Lilac = standard kits
  • Yellow = IEP kits
• Check the Redlands and QCC systems for potential quality defects.

Delivery Offices:

• Ensure every test kit is attempted delivery, especially PCRs in lilac and red poly bags which are for elective care and clinically vulnerable people
• Ensure the correct scans are applied to all test kits
• Check the Redlands and QCC systems for potential quality defects.

Further information will be communicated as it becomes available.

Yours sincerely

Davie Robertson                                          Mark Baulch Assistant Secretary                                     Assistant Secretary 

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

Attachment – Delivery And Collection Of Test Kits

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VISITORS – TUC BLACK WORKERS CONFERENCE – 6^TH – 8^TH MAY 2022

The TUC Black Workers Conference 2022 is being held from Friday 6^thMay – Sunday 8^th May at the TUC, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS.  The Conference sessions will be as follows:

Friday 6^th May                    14.00 – 17.30

Saturday 7^th May                09.30 – 17.30

Sunday 8^th May                  09.15 – 13.00

The CWU are allowed a limited number of visitors to attend the above Conference and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.  Due to the need for extra security at all TUC Conferences, names and addresses of those wanting visitor tickets must be supplied and tickets are not transferable.

Anyone interested in attending will need to contact their Branch initially for funding, to include a £10 visitor ticket fee. The easiest way to pay the £10 fee will be for us to transfer it directly from your Branch’s account through the rebate system, therefore please contact Angela Niven on conferences@cwu.org  with details of which Branch the individual belongs to on application.  Alternatively you can send a cheque (made payable to ‘CWU’) addressed to Angela Niven at CWU HQ with a covering letter.  Please note that places will not be reserved until the £10 fee is received.

Please let me know if you would like to attend the Conference as a visitor by no later than midday on Friday 18^th March 2022.

Any further enquiries with regards this please contact conferences@cwu.orgor Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256.

Dave Ward
General Secretary

22LT101 – VISITORS – TUC BLACK WORKERS CONFERENCE 2022

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Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY22 05 – Safe Disposal of Lithium Ion Batteries – Battery Explosion and Fire in ‘Biffa’ Waste Disposal Box:

Overview, Background, Description:

A spent Lithium Ion battery was placed in a ‘Biffa’ Waste Safe Mini Box at an RMG site. Metal gas struts in the box appear to have contacted the exposed battery pack terminals causing it to short circuit which in turn led to the battery overheating, creating a run-away thermal reaction within the battery. This resulted in a localised flash fire and explosion with a projectile being released. The battery pack could have contained damaged Lithium Ion batteries. The incident lasted a matter of seconds to occur.

Issue: 

Lithium Ion batteries must not be placed in Waste Safe Mini Boxes (WSMs). Only alkaline batteries can be placed in WSMs.

Effect:

The battery explosion and small fire could have caused a major fire and the projectile (piece of the battery) could have hit someone causing major injury.

Key Message:

Lithium Ion batteries must not be placed in the Red ‘Biffa’ Waste Safe Mini Boxes (WSMs). Only Alkaline batteries can be placed in WSMs.

Ring European Recycling Platform (ERP) directly on 0845 6852424 to arrange for the disposal of Lithium Ion batteries. The National Service Centre (NSC) can provide guidance by phoning 0333 0050312.

Learning Points:

Mixing Lithium batteries with the other waste designed for WSM’s can cause a thermal reaction leading to a possible release of projectiles. Refer to the WSM content list before placing items in the box.

Key Activities:

• Ensure that all relevant staff on site are informed that Lithium Ion batteries must not be placed in Waste Safe Mini Boxes (WSMs). Only alkaline batteries can be placed in WSMs.
• Ring ERP directly on 0845 6852424 to arrange for the disposal of Lithium Ion batteries. The National Service Centre (NSC) can provide guidance by phoning 0333 0050312.

Attachment: 

• RMG SHE Safety Flash FY22 05 – Safe Disposal of Lithium Ion Batteries – Battery Explosion and Fire in ‘Biffa’ Waste Disposal Box:

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB099 Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY22 05 – Safe Disposal of Lithium Ion Batteries

SHE Flash FY22 005 – Battery Fire in Waste

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Dr. Shaun Davis Royal Mail Group Global Director Health & Safety – Resignation – Replacement Phil Graham Interim Royal Mail Group Global Director Health & Safety:

LTB 397/21 informed all CWU Branches and CWU Health and Safety Representatives in Royal Mail Group that Dr. Shaun Davis Royal Mail Group Global Director of Health and Safety has resigned. His last day of service following his contractual notice period is today.

Shaun has once again asked me to pass on his thanks to all the CWU local Workplace and Branch Area Health and Safety Representatives for their important role and contribution to the health, safety and wellbeing of the workforce in Royal Mail Group, as part of the safety community along with the RMG SHE team during his ten years (2012-2020) with Royal Mail Group.

In a personal message to the Union, Mr. Davis said his decision was not quick or easy and he is proud of the great work he has done with his team, working with the CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department and the Union’s team of Branch ASRs and WSRs, through the strong and professional working relationship that had been established. He wished everyone a happy, healthy and safe future.

Shaun Davis now moves to a new post in ‘Belron’ the vehicle glass repair and replacement group operating worldwide across 34 countries and employing 25,000 people. Headquartered in Egham, Surrey, United Kingdom, Belron’s brands include Autoglass and Autoglass bodyrepair in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, Carglass in most of Europe, Safelitein the United States, O’Brien in Australia, Smith & Smith in New Zealand, and Lebeau and Speedy Glass in Canada.

On behalf of the Union I thanked him for his service and wished him well in his future career.

Mr. Phil Graham has taken over as ‘Interim’ Global Director of Health and Safety and the Health, Safety and Environment Department has had a ‘frank’ and productive introductory meeting with Phil Graham who now has Royal Mail Group wide responsibility for Safety, Health and Wellbeing for 6 months. During this time, he takes over full responsibility for running the Health and Safety Team and will also be carrying out a review of health, safety and risk management across the organisation. Mr. Graham has a wide experience across a number of industries having worked in mechanical engineering, logistics, the chemical industry and he was head of health and safety at SHV Energy.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB100 Dr Shaun Davis Royal Mail Group Global Director Health & Safety – Resignation – Replacement Phil Graham

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POST OFFICE: PAY DISPUTE – ALL MEMBERS ZOOM RALLY TUESDAY 8^TH MARCH

Further to LTB094/22 dated 1^stMarch.

Branches are advised we will be holding an All Members Zoom Rally at 7.30pm on Tuesday 8^thMarch (the night before ballot papers land).  We will be communicating this event via all of our channels and it will be hosted by Chris Webb, Head of Communications, Engagement and Media.  Branches and Representatives are urged to encourage as many Post Office members as possible to join this virtual meeting.

Below is the registration link for the Zoom rally.  Members will need to click the link and pre-register for the session.

https://cwu-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlcemuqTsjHd3fLPLaIzsZTbXcdolkxoIW

Also, attached are four campaign posters which we plan to despatch to Crowns and Supply Chain units this week.  These posters will support photo opportunities amongst the members, which in turn can be shared on social media.

Finally, thank you for your support in delivering what will hopefully be a powerful result in terms of turnout and the Yes vote.

Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

22LTB098 Post Office – Pay Dispute – All Members Zoom Rally Tuesday 8th March

Attachment 1 to 22LTB098

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UKRAINE – CWU HUMANITARIAN AID

Further to LTB 088/22, in which we issued a CWU statement in support of the people of Ukraine.  We have been contacted by CWU Humanitarian Aid who have advised that they are looking at a number of ways to assist with the relief program to help Ukrainian refugees in Poland, Romania and Moldova and they are initially asking for donations, which will enable them to purchase aid.

CWUHA are looking to Royal Mail or Parcelforce to supply vehicles, which will enable them to transport aid direct to the aid stations.  Failing this they will be looking to work with organisations in the various countries to ensure our aid reaches the refugees.

If your branch would like to make a donation to support the CWUHA Refugee appeal – you can either do a BACs to the account below or send a cheque made payable to ‘CWUHA’ to Carl Webb, CWU, 302a Barlow Moor Rd, Manchester, M21 8AY.

Bank: Unity Trust

Sort Code: 60 83 01

Acc no: 20031169

Ref: Ukraine

If you would like to make a personal donation, the charity has set up a JustGiving site www.Justgiving.com/campaign/cwuhaUkraineAppeal

Every penny donated will be spent on purchasing aid and the charity will only deliver items that are needed and of good quality.

Any enquiries on the above LTB should be addressed to the General Secretary at jdunn@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary 

22LTB097 UKRAINE CWU HUMANITARIAN AID

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