Election of CWU Regional Secretaries – 2017 
Further to LTB 054/17 dated 30th January 2017 at the close of nominations the following had been received:
Eastern Region 
Paul Moffat
Central Counties & Thames Valley
*ELECTED
Midland Region
Kate Hudson
South Midlands Postal  
*ELECTED
North East Region
Paul Clays
York & District
*ELECTED
Northern Ireland Region
Billy Hannaway
Northern Ireland West
 
David Kennedy
Northern Ireland Telecom
 
Fra Martin
Northern Ireland Combined
 
David Moffett
Northern Ireland East
*Ballot Required
North West Region 
Carl Webb
North Lancs & Cumbria
*ELECTED
Scotland Region 
Craig Anderson
Scotland No 1
 
John Brown
Glasgow District Amal
 

Tony Sneddon
Scotland No 5
*Ballot Required
South East Region 
Paul Carpenter
South East No 5  
*ELECTED
South West Region 
Kevin Beazer
Bristol & District Amal
*ELECTED
Wales & The Marches Region  
Gary Watkins
Gwent Amal  
*ELECTED
London Region 
Khurram Khan
South West Middlesex Amal
 
Ian Murphy
Harrow & District Amal
*Ballot Required
Please note that the timetable for the ballots is as follows: 
Dispatch ballot material from: 16th March 2017
Close of ballot: 4th April 2017 (first post)  
Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 020 8971 7237, or email address sdgs@cwu.org.
Yours sincerely,
 
TONY KEARNS
SENIOR DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY

Email Attachments – Click to download

LTB 120/17 – Election of CWU Regional Secretaries 2017

Safe & Well – February 2017 
To: All Branches with Telecom Members  
Dear Colleagues, 
Please see attached the February 2017 edition of Safe and Well newsletter with contributions from our USRs and field teams. It contains news around a Near Miss, Exchange Safety & Vehicles. 
Other focus is on MEWPs as a result of a recent incident, articles from the field, updates around hot sites and round up on Waste Education – which is also a good news story this month. There is a myth buster on ladder checks and a roundup of publications for the month. There is also a reminder where to find guidance on weather.
Yours sincerely
 
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Offi
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LTB 118/17 Safe & Well February 2017

Safe & Well Issue 43 February 2017

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID (MHFA) COURSE – 10/11 APRIL 2017 – LONDON 
As you may know Youth Conference carried two motions this year directly relating to mental health, especially suicide amongst young adults. 
Mental Health issues within the workplace is still very much a silent problem and often reps are ill-equipped to deal with the many situations that arise directly as a result of some mental health occurrence such as depression, stress or suicidal tendencies. 
The Youth Committee has therefore arranged for a two-day course for Branch Youth Officers and/or youth reps to take place 10th and 11th April 2017 at: 
Unite Eastern & London Regional office
33-37 Moreland Street, London EC1V 8BB Tel: 020 8800 4281 Fax: 020 8802 8388 
Start time 1000 – finish time 1730/1800 (both days) 
Course Details:
The two day Adult MHFA course is an internationally recognised course. After taking it, participants will be able to:
Recognise the symptoms of mental health issues

Provide initial help

Guide a person towards appropriate professional helpWhat will Participants learn?

The quality assured MHFA instructor will deliver training that has been designed to fit into four manageable chunks. These are:

MHFA won’t teach participants how to be a therapist, but once they have completed the two day course they will be able to say they are a Mental Health First Aider. 

Mental Health First Aid, mental health, and depression

Depression (cont.) and suicidal crisis

Anxiety, personality disorders, eating disorders and self-harm

Psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

In each section participants learn how to:

Spot the early signs of a mental health issue

Feel confident helping someone experiencing a mental health issue

Provide help on a first aid basis

Help prevent someone from hurting themselves or others

Help stop a mental health issue from getting worse

Help someone recover faster

Guide someone towards the right support

Reduce the stigma of mental health issues.The Adult MHFA course usually takes place over two full days. 

Everyone who attends the course will receive a copy of the MHFA manual and workbook, which are both excellent support resources. When participants have completed the course they will receive a certificate to confirm that they are a trained Mental Health First Aider.

The sessions will be a mix of presentations, discussions, and group work activities. The instructor will provide a safe learning environment and are trained to support participants throughout the whole course. If participants don’t feel comfortable joining in certain parts, then there is no pressure to.

 
How will Participants learn? 
Places are limited to 20 (the course may be run again if there is interest). Branches are asked to encourage their Branch Youth Officer or Youth Rep to take part. The cost of the course will be paid for by the national youth budget, but branches are asked to cover travel, subsistence and accommodation costs (if required) – no accommodation will be booked by head office. 
An application form is attached and should be completed by the branch/participant and emailed back to Jo Thair (jthair@cwu.org) by close of play on Tuesday, 14th March 2017 please. 
Queries on this LTB should be directed to Jo Thair at CWU Head Office via email: jthair@cwu.org or by telephone 0208 971 7487. 
Yours sincerely,
 
Dave Ward

General Secretary
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LTB 117/17 – Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Course – 10/11 April 2017 – London

Mental Health for Health and Safety Professionals Conference Organised by the BMA on Thursday May 11 2017:   
To: All Branches 
Dear Colleagues, 
The British Medical Association (BMA), have notified the Health, Safety and Environment Department that they are organising a Mental Health Conference for Health and Safety Professionals on Thursday May 11 2017, 09:15 – 17:00 at BMA House, London WC1H 9JP. 
There is no final agenda or details as yet. 
Healthy Work and Tim Marsh are delighted to present this one day event at the BMA, on the subject of proactively managing mental health and wellbeing in your organisation and the event aims to provide those attending with both the theory and practical tools to take a programme forward. 
The conference features Alistair Campbell as keynote speaker and a range of industry experts including psychologists including Tim Marsh and Sharon de Mascia, MHFA, HR expert Pam Loch and Senior Industry leaders from organisations already successfully implementing programmes in their organisations such as Clive Johnson, Karl Simons and Judith Grant Royal Mail Group Head of Health.
For more information contact Heather Beach on heather@healthy-working.com 
This conference is brought together in partnership with BMA, Acre, Barbour EHS, British Safety Council, IIRSM and MHFA for England. 
Professor Tim Marsh and Sharon de Mascia are two well-known psychologists speaking at this one day event which takes place on May 11 at the BMA in London. Tim will address the “what is mental health” question and Sharon will demonstrate how to make the business case for mental health through work she has done with organisations in this area. This is not a cheap event! However IIRSM members of which, a number of CWU Safety Reps are, qualify for a discount. Special IIRSM member’s rate is £249 and standard rate is £295. IIRSM Members need to use the code: MPMH and Bookings need to be made by Thursday 16 March. 
Yours sincerely
 
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
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LTB 115/17 Mental Health for Health and Safety Professionals Conference Organised by the BMA on Thursday May 11 2017

DFS fined £1m Following Worker’s Neck and Head Injuries – Warning to All Large National Employers Such as Royal Mail, BT, Capita, POL etc on Health & Safety: 
To: All Branches 
Dear Colleagues, 
DFS Trading Limited has been fined £1 million plus costs of £15,099 after safety failings led to serious neck and head injuries of a worker. 
Derby Magistrates’ Court heard that on 02 July 2015 the worker was unloading wooden furniture frames at one of their upholstery sites, when a worker was struck by an unsecured furniture arm which fell from an unstable load. The impact knocked the worker unconscious and he suffered serious neck and head injuries. 
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation identified fundamental and systemic failings in the company’s health and safety management systems which is far from what would be expected from a company of their size. The investigation found that DFS failed to adequately manage the risks of heavy loads being moved between manufacturing sites. The court heard the company also failed to supervise the work taking place with a number of near misses being reported from unsecured loads. 
DFS Trading Limited of Rockingham Way, Redhouse Interchange, Adwick Le Street, Doncaster pleaded guilty to breaching sections 3 of the Managing Health and Safety at Work Regulation and also section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and have been fined £1million and ordered to pay costs of £15,099. 
The HSE stated after the case that DFS is a large national organisation and the fundamental and systemic failings identified in their health and safety management systems is far from what would be expected from a company of their size who has the ability to deliver higher standards of safety. Unfortunately DFS were unable to do that on this occasion and a preventable accident was allowed to occur. 
In a statement DFS said: “The health and safety of our employees is extremely important to us. The employee who was injured, in June 2015, is a valued member of our team; we deeply regret the accident he suffered and we’re very glad that he is back at work in his previous role. This case has highlighted some areas where, on occasion, our procedures were not as strong as they should have been. Over the last eighteen months we’ve invested heavily in health and safety including reviewing our health and safety procedures and retraining all our employees. Our skilled craftspeople are critical to our success and we’re committed to ensuring their health and safety at work.” 
Footnote – New Health and Safety Sentences:
The significance of this case is the clear warning to all large employers such as Royal Mail and BT. New Sentencing Council Guidelines to the Courts came into force in 2016 for Health and Safety Offences, described as the most dramatic change to health and safety legislation since the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work Act in 1974. Under the guidance large organisations that have been convicted of the serious offences, where they have flagrantly breached the law and created a high risk of serious harm, or where serious harm has actually been caused, can expect to receive a fine proportionate to the seriousness of the offence and to their financial means. For some time there has been concern that penalties imposed for health and safety offences and corporate manslaughter offences, particularly on large organisations, were too low and the approach to sentencing in the courts inconsistent. It is mandatory for courts to follow the guidelines for all sentences passed after 1 February 2016, regardless of whether or not the offence took place before that date. This heralds the start of an era where sentencing in health and safety offences will increase dramatically in order to have a real economic impact. Higher fines will also carry significant commercial and reputational consequences. Tough new sanctions will be a timely reminder that standards in health and safety management cannot slip. The new guidelines are also likely to result in an increase in custodial sentences for individuals who have committed a health and safety offence. 
Yours sincerely
 
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 113/17 DFS fined £1m Following Worker’s Neck and Head Injuries – Warning to All Large National Employers Such as Royal Mail, BT, Capita, POL etc on Health & Safety

TUC and CWU Hits out at Plans to Stop Injured Workers and Motorists Claiming Legal Costs  
To: All Branches 
Dear Colleagues, 
The TUC, CWU and all UK Unions and Lawyers have criticised the Government’s plans, announced on 23 February to stop injured workers from reclaiming their legal costs in cases where claims are worth under £2,000. 
Ministry of Justice proposals announced last Thursday will mean that thousands of workers, mostly low paid, are no longer able to get the legal expertise they need to seek compensation after an injury. 
The Government has announced that it will be increasing the small claims limit for employers’ liability personal injury claims from £1,000 to £2,000. Although this is well below the £5,000 originally proposed (and which will now apply to road traffic claims), it is still an attack on the ability of workers to claim compensation and will disproportionately hit the lowest paid. It will restrict the ability of unions to support these members and will also have an impact on health and safety in the workplace as there will be less pressure on employers and from their insurers to deal with safety failures that lead to lower level injuries. There is also a concern that this is just a stepping stone to a further increase at a later date. 
The TUC has issued a press release on the announcement and Unions will continue to oppose it. 
People injured at work because of their employer’s negligence or those injured in road crashes because of other drivers mistakes, carelessness or recklessness shouldn’t have to pay their own legal costs. This will stop many low-paid and vulnerable workers from bringing damages compensation claims for personal injuries. It will also cost Unions more to support their members through legal services benefits. 
These plans are dangerous and will encourage bad bosses to cut corners with health and safety. So much for Tory Prime Minister Theresa May’s speech to the Tory Party Conference last October when she said on workers’ rights – “Existing workers’ legal rights will continue to be guaranteed in law – and they will be guaranteed as long as I am prime minister. We’re going to see workers’ rights not eroded, and not just protected, but enhanced under this government.” 
The government announced their intention to make these changes in their 2015 Autumn Statement and this announcement is the first part of their intended changes. They intend to follow this up with a fixed tariff of compensation payments or ‘cap’ on amounts awarded. This is clearly designed to benefit the Insurance Industry at the expense of ordinary working people who get injured.  
Yours sincerely 
 
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 112/17 TUC and CWU Hits out at Plans to Stop Injured Workers and Motorists Claiming Legal Costs

Mental Health Foundation New Series of Short Guidance Publications – (The ‘How To’ Series) – On Stress, Anxiety, Mental Health and Sleep 
To: All Branches 
Dear Colleagues, 
The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) has released a series of publications aimed at helping people understand how to effectively manage their own mental health, including managing and reducing stress, looking after your mental health using exercise and how to manage fear and anxiety. 
THESE NEW GUIDE BOOKLETS INCLUDE:-
‘How to Manage and Reduce Stress’

‘How to Look After Your Mental Health’

‘How to Look After Your Mental Health Using Mindfulness’

‘How to Look After Your Mental Health Later in Life’

‘How to Overcome Fear and Anxiety’

‘How To Sleep Better’ 

PDF Copies of these 6 Guides are attached. Hard Copies can be ordered from MHF and the price rates for bulk orders are below. 
The management and reduction of stress is an important part of a health and safety manager’s role as stress can over lead to people either not performing as well as they should be, a reduction in concentration, an increase in absenteeism and can often hide other – perhaps larger – issues. 
The ‘How to Manage and Reduce Stress’ guide looks at how you can identify stress, the importance of a work/life balance, and how you can manage and reduce stress on a day to day basis. 
The ‘How to Look After Your Mental Health’ makes the point that being mentally healthy doesn’t just mean that you don’t have a mental health problem but if you have good mental health, you can; Make the most of your potential, Cope with life and Play a full part in your family, workplace, community, and among friends. The guide covers talking about the issue, seeking help and advice and living a healthy lifestyle. 
The ‘How to Look After Your Mental Health Using Mindfulness’ guide explains that Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to the present moment, using techniques like meditation, breathing and yoga. It helps us become more aware of our thoughts and feelings so that, instead of being overwhelmed by them, we’re better able to manage them. 
The ‘How To Overcome Fear and Anxiety’ Guide explains that Fear is one of the most powerful emotions and that it has a very strong effect on your mind and body. It can create strong signals of response when we’re in emergencies – for instance, if we are caught in a fire or are being attacked. It can also take effect when you’re faced with non-dangerous events, like exams, public speaking, a new job, a date, or even a party. It’s a natural response to a threat that can be either perceived or real. Fear and anxiety can last for a short time and then pass, but they can also last much longer and you can get stuck with them. In some cases they can take over your life, affecting your ability to eat, sleep, concentrate, travel, enjoy life, or even leave the house or go to work or school. This can hold you back from doing things you want or need to do, and it also affects your health. Some people become overwhelmed by fear and want to avoid situations that might make them frightened or anxious. It can be hard to break this cycle, but this guide explains that there are lots of ways to do it and that you can learn to feel less fearful and to cope with fear so that it doesn’t stop you from living. 
The ‘How to Sleep Better’ Guide explains the importance of getting good-quality sleep and gives advice on healing sleep problems. Sleep affects our ability to use language, sustain attention, understand what we are reading, and summarise what we are hearing; if we compromise on our sleep, we compromise on our performance, our mood, and our interpersonal relationships. Sleep has also been shown to protect the immune system.
The amount that each person needs is different; however, it is recommended that a healthy adult should sleep, on average, between seven and nine hours a night. 
MHF Vision
MHF’s vision is for a world with good mental health for all. Their mission is to help people understand, protect and sustain their mental health. Prevention is at the heart of what they do, because the best way to deal with a crisis is to prevent it from happening in the first place. 
To Order printed versions of the publication:-
1-10 copies: £1.50 per copy

11-50 copies: £1.25 per copy

51-100 copies: £1.00 per copy

101-500 copies: £0.75 per copy

501+ copies: £0.55 per copy
You can buy direct from MHF by calling the MHF Publications team on 020 7803 1150.
Order by email and pay by invoice by emailing an order form (copy attached) to publications@mentalhealth.org.uk or order over the phone and pay with a credit or debit card
Contact Details:-
Mental Health Foundation Headquarters

Colechurch House, 

1 London Bridge Walk, 

London, SE1 2SX
Tel: 020 7803 1100
Glasgow office

Mental Health Foundation

Merchants House, 

30 George Square, 

Glasgow, G2 1EG
Tel: 0141 572 0125
Cardiff office

Mental Health Foundation

Castle Court, 

6 Cathedral Road, 

Cardiff, CF11 9LJ
Tel: 02921 679 400
Attachments:
MHF Guide ‘How to Manage and Reduce Stress’

MHF Guide ‘How to Look After Your Mental Health’

MHF Guide ‘How to Look After Your Mental Health Using Mindfulness’

MHF Guide ‘How to Look After Your Mental Health Later in Life’

MHF Guide ‘How to Overcome Fear and Anxiety’

MHF Guide ‘How To Sleep Better’ 

Yours sincerely
 
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 111/17 Mental Health Foundation New Series of Short Guidance Publications –

Look After your Mental Health

Look After your mental Health Later in life

Overcome Fear and Anxiety

Reduce Stress

Mindfulness

Sleep Better