Dangerous Dogs – Scottish Government Public Audit and Post-Legislative Scrutiny Committee Review of Dog Control Law – CWU Written Submission

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

As CWU Branches, Safety Reps and Regional Safety Forums will know from previous LTBs, there are currently two public inquiries of legislative reviews underway, looking at the Dangerous Dogs problem in the UK, examining the effectiveness of the current Dog Control Legislation and its enforcement. One is being undertaken in Westminster by the UK Government’s House of Commons, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee and a second, in Holyrood, Edinburgh by the Scottish Government’s Public Audit and Post-Legislative Scrutiny Committee. Both inquiries were brought about, in no small part by a concerted effort and lobbying by the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department’s ‘Bite-Back’ Campaign re-launch, following growing problems across the country with dangerous dogs law enforcement by Police and the Courts. Additionally the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department has been working hard campaigning also in Wales, pressing the Welsh Government to take action and a number of meetings have taken place with Ministers, MPs, MSPs and MLAs.

In Scotland, the Union was successful in gaining the support of every Political Party which led to a full parliamentary debate and from there the setting up of an Inquiry. As part of its post-legislative scrutiny of the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010, the Public Audit and Post-Legislative Scrutiny Committee will examine the effectiveness of Dog Control Legislation, that aims to ensure dogs are kept under control and the role of Police, Crown Prosecutors, Courts and local authorities in fulfilling their duties, including the serving of Dog Control Notices as a deterrent to irresponsible dog ownership.

The inquiry was prompted by the CWU ‘Bite-Back’ Campaign working alongside the ‘Lead The Way’ Campaign, which has been campaigning for young children victims of dog attacks and follows concerns at the number of serious dog attack hospitalisations in Scotland, which have increased 80% over the last 10 years and are now topping 2,000 a year in Scotland alone.

The Control of Dogs Act was right to recognise that responsibility rests with dog owners to ensure their pets pose no risk to the public, however the number of prosecutions and convictions in Scotland has remained extremely low, less than 10 a year and the number of dog destructions has been zero.

The CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department is of the view that the problem in Scotland isn’t difficult to see. Despite being given assurance the “One Free Bite” rule or doctrine would not be followed, this is exactly what is being applied right across the legal structure with Police, Prosecutors, Defendants and Courts all following this ‘unwritten rule’ which should have no place in law.

The Scottish Government Public Audit and Post-Legislative Scrutiny Committee is currently seeking written views as part of its post-legislative scrutiny of the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 and has invited written submissions for consideration. Subsequently the Committee will invite selected witnesses to give evidence and it wants to hear a wide range of views on whether the Law has been effective in reducing the number of out of control dogs or not. The Committee also wants to know how well the Police, Courts and local authorities are carrying out their duties under the Act, and whether the public believe legislation can and should be strengthened to prevent dog attacks in the future.

The aim of the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 was to ensure that dogs which are out of control are brought and kept under control by tackling irresponsible dog ownership and by shifting the focus from “breed” to “deed”. To do so the Act makes provision for local authorities to impose measures on an owner, or person in charge of a dog, who fails to keep their dog under control via Dog Control Notices. The Public Audit and Post-legislative Scrutiny Committee is seeking to review the effectiveness of the Act in meeting its objective “…to ensure that dogs which are out of control are brought and kept under control in Scotland”. The Inquiry is asking the following questions:-

• How effective is the Act in reducing the number of out of control dogs/ dog attacks in Scotland;
• How well are local authorities carrying out their duties under the Act;
• What challenges do you feel local authorities face in carrying out their duties under the Act;
• Are there any weaknesses in the Act and what specific changes would you would like to see;
• Any other issues relating to the Act you wish to bring to the attention of the Committee.

Attached is a copy of the CWU written submission which has been lodged with the Scottish Government’s Public Audit and Post-Legislative Scrutiny Committee for their consideration.

Further reports will be made in due course.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB572 Dangerous Dogs – Scottish Government Review

Control of Dogs (Scotland Act) 2010 – Post Legislative Scrutiny – CWU Ev.._

Dog Attacks on Postal Workers Example Cases (V8a) April 2018

Royal Mail and BT/Openreach Preparing for European Health & Safety Week 2018:

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

CWU safety reps at workplaces all across the country are asked to carry out workplace safety inspections and thorough checks later this month, with a focus on awareness-raising, risk assessment and accident prevention.

Wednesday October 24^th has been chosen as the official ‘TUC National Inspection Day’, as it falls right in the middle of the 2018 European Health and Safety Week – and this year, as usual, our union will be playing its full part in supporting and highlighting the need for a safe workplace and workforce for all.

At the two companies where the vast majority of CWU members work, operational and safety managers will be fully supporting CWU safety reps in a wide range of joint activities, which will include safety inspections, work-time learning sessions, posters and leaflets and key messages to the workforce.

The headline theme of this year’s European Health and Safety Week is – Healthy Workplaces Manage Dangerous Substances – something which affects many workers in the UK and all around Europe.

In recent decades many hazardous substances, such as asbestos, have been banned, restricted or subjected to strict regulatory control, however, dangerous substances continue to be a major safety and health issue in some workplaces.

From Monday 22^nd through to Friday 26^thOctober, the aim will be to raise awareness of the risks posed by dangerous substances in the workplace, to promote a culture of risk prevention to eliminate and, where that is not possible, to effectively and safely manage these risks.

“Royal Mail Group and BT Group/Openreach have endorsed and are fully supporting National Inspection Day and European Health and Safety Week and we’re encouraging CWU Safety Reps to specifically prioritise inspections at higher risk workplaces, areas or functions or specific jobs and consider whether the workplace is healthy and safe for all,” Dave pointed out.

Safety Rep workplace health and safety inspections don’t just have to focus on the tangible hard hazards such accommodation issues, equipment, protective clothing, slip and trip risks, fire risks, and work stations, spot checks can also focus on intangible hazards and solutions that do not have a physical presence, hazardous substances, chemicals, dust and fumes are just as important as are work patterns, specific tasks, working environment and flexible working.

So our message is, please play your full part in Health and Safety Week and National Inspection Day and remember, workplaces with active Safety Reps are twice as safe as those without.

—————————————————————————————————–

HSE Statistics

At UK workplaces in 2017/18
137 deaths 

621,000 injuries 

0.5 million workers were suffering work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

0.5 million workers suffering from work-related stress, depression or anxiety.

30.4 million working days were lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury.

And…

12,000 lung disease deaths were estimated to be linked to past work exposures

2,515 Mesothelioma deaths were due to past asbestos exposures.

—————————————————————————————————–

Key dates:

• European Health and Safety Week 22-28 October 2018.
• National Inspection Day Wednesday 24 October 2018.

Campaign objectives:

• Target groups of workers with specific needs and functions with higher levels of risk
• Raise awareness of risk
• Promote risk assessment
• Increase knowledge of the legislative frameworkFor further information on EU Health & Safety Week: LTBs 503/18 and 550/18:

—————————————————————————————————–

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB571 Royal Mail & BT Openreach preparing for European Health & Safety Week 2018

Royal Mail Safety Alert – Peugeot Expert Van – Side Door Detachments

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

There have been a growing number of incidents and reports of Peugeot Expert Van side doors detaching from the small panel vans whilst side doors are being operated whereby the top mounting arm comes out of the runner.

The guidance now being briefed out to all drivers is as follows:-

1. When opening and closing the side load door on new shape Peugeot Expert vans ensure the side door is opened and closed without using excessive force which can otherwise cause door failure.
2. Drivers must not use a “throwing” action when opening and closing the door and instead the door should be held by the handle throughout its operation which prevents the door being ‘thrown’ against its stop.
3. If excessive force is used the door can detach from the top runner channel during use.
4. Royal Mail Fleet is reviewing the issue with the vehicle manufacturer to establish a modification campaign. In summary, drivers must not use a “throwing” or “slamming” action to open and close the door. Ensure the door is opened and closed without using excessive force as damage can occur. Drivers should remain holding the handle throughout the entire sliding travel ensuring the door is opened fully to engage the end of travel catch.Please ensure the message gets to all your driver members, operating this LCV type small van. 

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB570 Royal Mail Safety Alert – Peugeot Expert Van – Side Door Detachments

GP SA 2018 005 Side Load Door Detachment

Final Call: CWU Union Learning Representatives Networking Event 2018

#CWULearn18; #LearningFromEachOther

Branches are reminded that places are still available for the CWU Union Learning Representatives Networking event.

This year’s networking event will take place on the 21st & 22nd November 2018 at: 

The Elstead Hotel, Knyveton Road, Bournemouth, BH1 3QP

This event will ensure that our ULRs can discharge their legally recognised responsibilities to great effect through networking with other educationalists.

Over the two days, delegates will explore new and innovative ideas on learning and enhance their skills so that they can facilitate both new and ongoing learning opportunities in their workplaces.

This year’s theme is “Learning From Each Other” and will focus heavily on sharing best practice and developing new and innovative learning activities.

There will be opportunities:

· To meet with other CWU Union Learning Representatives

· To attend a skills market

· To attend facilitated workshops

· To hear from high profile guest speakers

· To learn about the latest CWU learning developments

· And to celebrate your achievements!

Programme

Wednesday 21st November, 12.50pm – 6.00pm

– Registration from 11.30am, lunch from 12.00 noon – 12.45pm

– Followed by Introductions, skills market, guest speakers and workshops

– Evening Dinner & entertainment

Thursday 22nd November 2018, 9.00am until 1.00pm

– Main Event, Workshops and Panel Session – (Exact programme to be confirmed)

Conference Registration

Places are limited for this event so priority will be given, in the first instance, to one ULR from each branch who has not attended the event before but if Branches would like to send additional ULRs to this event please let us know.

Any additional places will be awarded on a first come first served basis and will be confirmed once the final date for registration application has closed.

Please note that Branches are responsible for delegates travel and authorised expenditure for this event. However, we will be providing lunch and an evening buffet on the 21st and lunch on the 22nd November 2018. 

Further detail – please read

Branches are asked to book a ULR delegate place by email in the first instance to learn@cwu.org with contact details including name, Branch, contact number and an email or postal address to which an application form can be sent.

Alternatively, Branches can contact Michelle Simpson (as listed below).

The form will be sent out to the individual ULR and this will need to be countersigned by the Branch Secretary. Delegates who have specific dietary needs or allergies must advise us of any requirements on the form.

To guarantee that your Branch is represented you must return your completed and signed application form to the Education & Training Department at HQ by Friday 26th October 2018. 

You can book accommodation at the Elstead Hotel for a cost of £55 per person per night or £90 for a shared room. This cost also applies if you wish to stay more than one night (apart from weekends).

Please advise the Elstead Hotel that you are attending the CWU ULR Networking Event using the code ULR18. Accommodation at the Elstead will be on a first come-first served basis and you can book into other accommodation in Bournemouth if you wish. A list of nearby hotels is attached which cover a range of prices. Please note that the hotels listed have not been vetted by the CWU so we cannot make any recommendations.

Unfortunately, due to registration and accommodation not being linked, we will not be able to arrange substitutions for delegates. The Branch will need to contact both the Education & Training Dept. and the hotel directly to either notify of cancellation or replacement by another ULR from within the Branch.

This event is being supported by the CWU and the Union Learning Fund (England).

Release

This event should attract paid release for those accredited ULRs working for employers where the CWU is recognised. The event is specifically designed to meet the aims of ULR legislation and is fully supported through the Government Department for Business Innovation and Skills. The ACAS Code of Practice applies.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to Michelle Simpson by telephoning 0208 971 7340 or by email to learn@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Trish Lavelle

Head of Education & Training

18LTB 568 – Final Reminder CWU Union Learning Representatives Networking Event 2018

Nearby Hotels

Premier Inn East, 47 Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, BH1 3PA.

Tel: 0871 527 8126

https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/dorset/bournemouth/bournemouth-east-boscombe.html?cid=GLBC_BOULYN

Travel Lodge, 43 Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth BH1 3PH

Phone: 0871 984 6257

https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/267/Bournemouth-hotel?WT.tsrc=GHA_Organic&utm_campaign=GHA_Bournemouth&utm_medium=GHA_Organic&utm_ source=google

Premier Inn East Cliff, Christchurch Road, St. Swithuns Roundabout, Bournemouth, BH1 3ND

Tel: 0871 622 0703

https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/dorset/bournemouth/bournemouth-east-cliff.html?ARRdd=20&ARRmm=11&ARRyyyy=2018&NIGHTS=1&ROOMS=1&ADULT1=1&CHILD1=0&COT1=0&INTTYP1=DB&SID=4

Bay Majestic, Derby Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH1 3QE

Tel: 0844 499 9356

https://www.bayhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/bay-majestic-bournemouth-hotel

Balincourt Hotel, 58 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 3PF

Tel: 01202 552962

Coach House Cottage 5 Annerley Rd, Bournemouth BH1 3PG

Phone: 01202 315067

http://www.coachhousecottage.com/

Cransley Hotel 11 Knyveton Rd, Bournemouth BH1 3QG

Phone: 01202 290067

http://www.cransley.co.uk/

Derby Manor, Derby Rd, Bournemouth BH1 3QB

Phone: 01202 294822

Langtry Manor, Derby Rd, Bournemouth BH1 3QB

Phone: 01202 553887

http://www.langtrymanor.co.uk/

Royale Hotel, 16 Gervis Rd, Bournemouth BH1 3EQ

Phone: 0844 387 6265

https://www.bestwestern.co.uk/hotels/best-western-hotel-royale-83884