Safe & Well – July 2018

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

Please see attached the July edition of Safe and Well newsletter with contributions from our USRs and field teams. This edition has a message on a recent tragic fall from height and also articles on:

• Vehicles: When weather isn’t a factor in damage

• Drivers: Getting priorities right

• Risk assessment: Which one’s right?

• Vehicles: Trailer brakes

• Incident: Drill trip

• AMS Box: MS 826 Multi-surface flat roof access

• Focus on: Frames environment

• TSO Near Miss: cable tie cut offs

• Equipment: Working with knives

• Action: Updates on fire stopping processes

• Info: Updates on the pre climb check

• Wildlife: More horrors of summer/outdoor working

• Equipment: Water safety

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB430 Safe & Well – July 2018 Safe and Well Issue 60 July 2018

Safe and Well Issue 60 July 2018

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TSO Safety, Health & Environment Newsletter– July 2018

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

Please see attached the July edition of TSO Safety, Health & Environment Newsletter. In this month’s issue there are articles on the following:-

• Mobile generator & load bank electrical testing

• Working at height –Telecoms installer dies in tragic accident

• ISO14001 update

• Remembering Piper Alpha –30 years on

• Battery incident

• Trailer servicing

• Water safety –float to live

• Lock Out and Tag Out Kit

• Earthing cable thefts

• Near miss of the month candidates

• Near Miss Reporting

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB429 TSO Safety, Health & Environment Newsletter– July 2018

SHE Newsletter July 18

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Royal Mail Property and Facilities Solutions Pay Agreement – Ballot Result

Further to LTB 371/18 dated 27th June 2018, at the close of the ballot on the 27th July 2018 the following result was declared:

YES 646

NO 188

Please see attachment for further details.

Any enquiries regarding the content of this LTB should be addressed to the PTCS/Outdoor Departments, quoting reference number 301, email: khawkins@cwu.org/outdoorsecretary@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely ,

 

Ray Ellis – Assistant Secretary

Mark Baulch – Assistant Secretary       

18LTB426

LTB426.ATT

TRADE UNION ACT – POLITICAL FUND NOTICE IN RELATION TO MEMBERS WHO JOINED THE CWU ON OR AFTER 1ST MARCH 2018

Please note that LTB 411/18 contained a typographical error which has been corrected below in bold. Please can you ensure that this information is brought to the members of your branch as a matter of urgency.

Under the Trade Union Act, the union is required to notify members who joined the CWU on or after 1st March 2018 of their right to give a withdrawal notice to paying the political levy.

As set out in the CWU rulebook, such notice may be given:

a by delivering the notice (either personally or by an authorised agent or by post) at the head office or a ranch office of the union;

b by sending it via e-mail to the following email address: membership@cwu.org;

c by completing an electronic form provided by the union which sets out the notice and sending it to the union by electronic means with instructions by the union;

d by any other electronic means prescribed under the 1992 Act (as inserted by the 2016 Act).

Branches are asked to publicise this LTB to members who have joined the union since 1st March 2018.

Any queries on the contents of this LTB should be addressed to gsoffice@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward – General Secretary 

Tony Kearns – Senior Deputy General Secretary

18LTB428

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CWU Union Learning Representatives Networking Event 2018

#CWULearn18; #LearningFromEachOther

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 9th November 2016, 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 or Neil Coleby directly (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 12th 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 or Neil Coleby by telephoning 0208 971 7340 (Michelle) or 07801 364088 (Neil) or by email to learn@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Trish Lavelle

Head of Education & Training

18LTB 427 – 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

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

https://www.balincourt.co.uk/

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

https://www.derby-manor.co.uk/

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

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

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CWU MEMBER BENEFITS

Dear colleagues,

Our number one priority will always be to represent you in your workplace. Member benefits have always been an added bonus and will remain so in the future. That said, over 4,000 of you have already taken advantage of our new benefits package with savings on cinema tickets, restaurants, home appliances, family days out and much more available.

To take a look at what is on offer all you have to do is visit https://www.cwu.org/my-union/member-benefits/ and log in using your membership details. If you haven’t got an account you can create one and if you have any issues with this just drop us an email at medwards@cwu.org

Enjoy!

#TheCWU 

CWU/RM – Joint Statement – Collections Hub/Units Checklist Update

Dear Colleagues,

Further to LTB 357/18 which contained the Resourcing and Quality Unit checklists for Collection Hubs and Units, please find attached a Joint Statement agreed between Royal Mail and CWU which provides an update on activity.

The Collection Resourcing and Quality Unit checklists were an important exercise that both parties agreed to undertake, as a part of the 2018 Guiding Principles Agreement, in order to understand how units are performing against some of the core resourcing and quality operating standards in line with the National Agreements and Joint Statements which relate to these aspects.

Following completion of the exercise the most important and valuable next step is to implement the locally agreed action plans to remedy any shortfall where it has been jointly identified that the standards are not being met.

The purpose of this joint statement is therefore to ask all Collection managers and CWU Representatives to maintain their efforts and attention on completing all of the actions which have been jointly agreed locally as quickly as possible.

This will help both parties to ensure that their Unit is operating in a consistent and standard way, whilst also adhering to the joint commitments that have been agreed between Royal Mail and CWU in National Agreements and Joint Statements.

Recognising current workload and that we are now entering into a high annual leave period, both parties would like to ensure that all agreed actions are accomplished and put in place before September 18.

Managers and representatives can log back onto the share point site at any point in time to review the actions that have been jointly agreed and additionally a new button will also be published on the share point site to allow you to indicate when the actions have been closed. Actions should only be shown as closed when both the manager and the local CWU representative agree that this is the case.

Heads of Collections, Area Managers and Hub managers with their corresponding CWU representatives can access the share point site to review actions and the current status of whether actions have been closed at any point in time.

A central monitor of progress will also be shared with the Heads of Collections and their teams so that they in turn can brief their CWU Divisional Representatives through their normal engagement sessions, and this information can then be cascaded to the Operations Managers and CWU Area Representatives for their respective Units.

We would like to thank our representatives for their attention in undertaking this exercise and for ensuring that the agreed action plans are also, in order to create the right environment and to also ensure each Unit is adhering to the relevant national agreements and standards.

Any queries in relation to the content of this LTB should be addressed to:

Collections in Deliveries & MPU’s: Mark Baulch, Assistant Secretary,

E-mail: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org quoting reference: 532

or

Mail Centre Area Distribution Collections: Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary,

E-mail: dwyatt@cwu.org or shayman@cwu.org quoting reference number: 722.01

Yours sincerely,

 

Mark Baulch – Assistant Secretary                                                                                                     

Davie Robertson – Assistant Secretary                                                                                                       

LTB42418

Collections Checklist Joint Statement

Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning 2018

Branches will be aware of the policy adopted at General Conference 2010 to present the “Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning” which is presented to a Union Learning Representative (ULR) or group of ULRs who have made a significant contribution to lifelong learning within the CWU. The award is presented each year at our CWU ULR National Networking Event. This year will follow tradition and be part of the agenda at this year’s event scheduled to be held in Bournemouth over two days on the 21st and 22nd November 2018.

Last year the accolade was awarded jointly to Christine Carruthers (Tyne & Wear Clerical), Geoff Hodge (Somerset, Devon & Cornwall), and Scott Taylor (Glasgow & District Amal) and as usual we received a good number of nominations of a very high quality.

I am now inviting applications for the 2018 Annual Ken McKenzie award for lifelong learning. The award will be made in recognition of exceptional achievements and contributions to lifelong learning and training by a CWU ULR or a group of CWU ULRs.

Nominations can be made by Branches, Regional Learning Committees or Regional Committees via letter or email to my Departmemt .

Nominations should include a précis of the nominated ULR or group of ULRs endeavours and achievements and be sent to:

Michelle Simpson, Education and Training Department, CWU, 150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1RX or email learn@cwu.org

The closing date for nominations will be FRIDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2018.

Any queries relating to this LTB should be addressed to me via the Education and Training Department at learn@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Trish Lavelle

HEAD OF EDUCATION & TRAINING

18LTB 416 – Ken McKenzie Award 2018

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Royal Mail Group Message To Managers – ‘Stay Safe in the Sun’ ‎& Severe Weather Risk Assessment For Sun

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

With temperatures rising, it’s important that all members working outdoors stay safe in the Sun and avoid Sun Burn, Heat Stress and Dehydration.

Given that the hot weather is forecasted to continue with temperatures as high as 35c/95F the Royal Mail Safety Health and Environment Management team have been briefed to make sure that Operational Managers and Royal Mail and Parcelforce Delivery/Collection workers are focussed on the Sun Safety messages and also that Unit Managers complete a Severe Weather Risk Assessment for “Sun” to avoid unnecessary staff sun burn/sun stress/dehydration conditions which could lead to injury or illness.

Managers and staff have been reminded of the key messages in WTLL this week and the “Stay Safe in the Sun” guidance has been reissued. WhatsApp users have also been sent a video message from Dr Shaun Davis.

Managers must carry out a Severe Risk Assessment in consultation with the CWU ASR ‎where the temperature and the periods of sun exposure increase significantly as at present.

To complete a severe weather risk assessment managers need to visit the Royal Mail Intranet, SHE Management System Standard 2A:1 entitled ‘Severe Weather Risk Assessment’, download a copy of the risk assessment and complete the details for their office, they then need to click on the Heat & Sun Symbol and work through the questions. The risk assessment will then prompt a list of controls which the manager should consider implementing depending on the local conditions.‎ The Manager must consult the CWU ASR on the assessment and controls as set out in the assessment process and take account of the ASR’s input.

‎The CWU HQ Health Safety and Environment Dept has raised concerns with RMG HQ Directors, SHE, HR, as well as the Chief Operating Officer requesting that Unit managers be reminded of their risk assessment obligations.

Managers have been asked to brief their outdoor staff on Sun Safety as follows – to take the five simple steps in Sunny, Hot weather in order to not put their health at risk:

2 Cover up – To keep the sun off your skin, wear long, loose clothing. Your uniform is made from a special fabric to protect against ultraviolet radiation.

3 Protect your head– Ensure you protect your head, face, ears and neck. Wear the wide brim hat that’s part of your uniform – it’s specially treated to protect against the sun. Remember to use sunglasses with UV protection.

4 Seek shade– Seek shade away from the sun when you have the chance, especially during the most powerful ultraviolet periods between 11am and 3pm in the summer months.

5 Use sunscreen– Use SPF 30 or higher on any exposed skin – apply it half an hour before going outside, put plenty of sunscreen on and reapply it frequently.

6 Be skin safe– Report mole changes (size, shape, colour, itching or bleeding) or any other concerns about your skin to your doctor as soon as possible – don’t put it off, early treatment is important.

7 Drink plenty of water on warmer days to prevent dehydration.

ANY NON-COMPLIANCE BY OPERATIONAL MANAGERS SHOULD BE PROGRESSED VIA THE NATIONALLY AGREED RMG SHE STANDARD 5.1 ‘DISPUTES ESCALATION PROCESS’.

Attachment:

• Managers’ Update – Severe Weather Warning

‎Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB421 Royal Mail Group Message To Managers – ‘Stay Safe in the Sun’ ‎& Severe Weather Risk Assessment For Sun

Managers’ Update Severe Weather Warning

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Skin Cancer – “Be Sun Smart & Skin Safe”

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

Temperatures have now risen to the highest of the year and record levels bring dangers with sunlight exposure and dehydration. We want Reps and members to be aware of those risks!

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, and rates continue to rise.

At least 100,000 new cases are now diagnosed each year, and the disease kills over 2,500 people each year in the UK – that’s seven people every day.

Whilst we are getting better at understanding how skin cancer works, we still have a long way to go. On average, someone who dies from skin cancer typically loses 20 years of their life, and rates of malignant melanoma are rising faster than any other type of common cancer.

There are three types of skin cancer: malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

You can read more about the types of skin cancer below:

• Malignant Melanoma

Cutaneous malignant melanoma is a cancer of the pigment cells of the skin. If it is treated early, the outlook is usually good. It is not contagious.

Melanomas can come up in or near to a mole, but can also appear on skin that looks quite normal. They develop when the skin pigment cells (melanocytes) become cancerous and multiply in an uncontrolled way.

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the non-melanoma skin cancers. It is the second most common type of skin cancer in the UK.

Squamous cell carcinomas can occur on any part of your body, but are most common on areas that are exposed to the sun, such as your head and neck (including the lips and ears) and the backs of your hands. Squamous cell carcinomas can also crop up where the skin has been damaged by X-rays, and also on old scars, ulcers, burns and persistent chronic wounds. Squamous cell carcinomas are not contagious.

• Basal Cell Carcinoma

A basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer. There are two main types of skin cancer: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. BCC is a non-melanoma skin cancer, and is the most common type (> 80%) of all skin cancer (skin cancer incidence is < 1%) in the UK. BCC are sometimes referred to as ‘rodent ulcers’.

Basal cell carcinomas mainly affect fair skinned adults and are more common in men than women. Apart from a rare familial condition called Gorlin’s syndrome, basal cell carcinomas are not hereditary. However some of the things that increase the risk of getting one (e.g. a fair skin, a tendency to burn rather than tan, and freckling) do run in families.

UV exposure is the main preventable cause of skin cancer, so here are a few tips on how to stay safe in the sun:

Clothing 

Clothing should always be your first line of defense against damage from the sun, with sunscreen being used in addition to clothes, including a hat, t-shirt and UV protective sunglasses. Clothing provided by RM and BT has a high UV ray protective rating.

Find the right sunscreen

Use a sunscreen of SPF30 (SPF stands for ‘Sun Protection Factor’) and refers to the level of protection against UVB radiation, linked to skin cancer. Look for a four or ideally five star UVA rating on the bottle which will help protect from UVA radiation, associated with skin ageing. You may also find that the UVA rating is represented by the letters ‘UVA’ inside a circle. (BT provides Sunscreen free – Royal Mail does not – The Union has a long standing claim for Royal Mail to provide it to all outdoor staff free).

Get your timing right

Skin needs time to absorb sunscreen, so apply generously about 20 to 30 minutes before going out. Reapply frequently at least every two hours, as it can come off when sweating or through rubbing.

Seek shelter!

The sun tends to be strongest in the middle of the day, so find some shade typically between 11am and 3pm, especially if you are very fair skinned. Just 10 minutes of strong sunshine is all it takes to burn pale skin. Take breaks in the shade.

Water
Drink plenty of water and avoid dehydration.

See attached CWU Leaflet and Poster and the Royal Mail Leaflet giving advice.

Branches and Regional Health and Safety Forums can purchase additional posters and pocket fact cards from CWU HQ Communications. Contact details for orders: Debby Akerman Post and Repro Department at CWU HQ dakerman@cwu.org T: 0208 971 7218.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB420 Skin Cancer – Be Sun Smart & Skin Safe

04131 Sun Smart leaflet 3up

04724 Sun Smart poster

SunSafeNew

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