The Labour Party’s Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell addressed the 2016 ‘National Hazards Conference’ at Keele University, Stoke where 500 plus Safety Reps from across the UK’s Trade Unions gathered at this year’s event, now in its 27th year with this year’s event entitled ‘Building Resistance to Support Safety Reps’ The Hazards Conference is Britain’s biggest educational and organising event for trade union safety reps and activists, with a mixture of plenary sessions, presentations, research reports, debates, meetings and a comprehensive workshop programme. The Conference also featured John McDonnell as this year’s top headline speaker. John said that:-
The Health and Safety Executive’s regulatory mission has been compromised by its new profit motive and the commercialisation of the HSE was a ‘Scandal’.

Brexit threatens worse to come.

TTIP and CETA Trade deals that lower health and safety will be opposed by Labour.

Labour will expose the lack of performance of the HSE due to government cuts.

The Conservative’s ‘regulation-lite’, ‘enforcement-lite’ policies had seen a return to the bad old days.

Labour would tackle Britain’s safety malaise and give unions the rights they need to secure good, safe work.

 

McDonnell said that “the current climate we have come to accept is that occupational illness and exposure to asbestos, various chemicals and other hazards is the norm. But it needn’t be that way and we are going to end that climate and the climate of impunity where employers and managers can walk away without bearing any responsibility for the injury of the workers they employ, we will work with Trade Unions Safety Reps to oppose what the Tories are doing to health and safety, to raise the whole level of debate on health and safety”. McDonnell said “the whole basis of health and safety protection in this country is bound up with the development of the trade unions and health and safety advances are bound up with the trade union movement and the organisation, representation and pressure they can bring to bear, on employers and government. Health and safety advances go hand in hand with trade
union advances. We cannot establish an effective health and safety regime in this country unless we restore trade union rights as well.” In conclusion, John McDonnell made an open offer to Trade Unions to put together a paper on the health and safety issues facing workers and the demands they would like to set out for inclusion in Labour Party policy and he would take that to the Labour Shadow Cabinet for debate and for identifying priorities for the future. The CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department has taken John McDonnell up on that offer and written to him setting out the
‘CWU Manifesto of Health and Safety’ improvements and demands for the next Labour Party Election Manifesto. Additionally a meeting is to take place between Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell and CWU National Health, Safety & Environment Officer Dave Joyce to discuss the Union’s submission. Watch a Video Recording of John McDonnell’s Speech at:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6K78wbkeTSU Attachments:
Text of John McDonnell’s Speech

CWU Letter to John McDonnell Re: Labour Party Policy & Election Manifesto – Health and Safety:

Yours sincerely

 
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 607/16 John McDonnell Speech to 2016 Hazards Conference & CWU Health and Safety Labour Manifesto Demands

LTB 607/16 Att 1

Letter to John McDonnell

Serious Safety Warning To All CWU Member Drivers – Swing Arm Barrier Gates Hazard – One Member Seriously Injured & One Member Killed
 
To: All Branches
 
Dear Colleagues,
 
Serious Injuries Accident – Keighley:
On the 9th August this year a Keighley Delivery Office Postman and CWU member received serious injuries when his van collided with a ‘Swing Arm Barrier Gate’ which penetrated the Windscreen of his Royal Mail Vauxhall Combo Delivery Van and struck him in the face and head causing very serious injuries as he was leaving a sports centre premises after completing his deliveries to the premises. The member was fortunate to survive the accident and was hospitalised, undergoing major surgery and remains off work recovering and being treated for his injuries. (See Attached Photographs of the Accident Scene and Collision).
 
The CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department have held meetings and exchanged correspondence with both Bradford Council and the HSE to press for the owners of the premises to be prosecuted for Health and Safety Offences.
 
Fatal Accident – Somerset
On June 24th 2011 a Somerset Delivery Office Postman and CWU member was killed in a similar crash into a swing arm barrier Gate, in an accident at a farm near Henstridge, in rural South Somerset. The member was fatally injured when his Royal Mail Ford Transit Connect delivery van crashed into a metal gate on his rural round. The 48 years old member died from chest injuries after the Gate’s top metal bar punctured his Van’s windscreen and then went through his chest, causing a fatal wound. The member was making a routine postal delivery to the premises on a round he had done regularly for six years. The unfortunate member was pronounced dead at the scene. There was no prosecution of the farm owners. (See attached Press Report on the case.)
 
Fatal Accident Lincoln – North Lincolnshire Council Fined.
In a similar case, North Lincolnshire Council were prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and were fined after a man died when his car drove into an unsecured swing arm barrier gate to a car park at a sports ground in August 2012. At Hull Crown Court North Lincolnshire Council was fined a total of £160,000, plus £40,476 costs after pleading guilty to an offence under Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. (See attached HSE Report on the case.)
 
HSE Warning and Advice.
The HSE have stated that a significant number of people have been killed or injured in incidents involving horizontal swing arm barrier gates in car parks used in retail, leisure and industrial premises. Duty holders should carry out a suitable risk assessment so that potential dangers are identified and suitable precautions are put in place. These include making sure such barriers can be locked open and shut to suitable fixing posts preferably with a padlock so they cannot swing open and present an impalement risk. In summary the HSE advice is:-
 
A barrier typically comprises of a horizontal bar or beam hinged at a vertical pillar. The bar is manually moved to open or close off access to an opening in a car park exit/entrance.
 
Accidents have occurred when barriers have been inadequately secured so that they have partially opened and presented a least visible end on profile of the protruding barrier which has impaled an oncoming vehicle. The end profile of the barrier may not be clearly visible to an oncoming driver. Other incidents have occurred as a barrier has swung into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
 
Unsecured barriers can swing open due to the wind, gravity, vibration or as a result of vandalism.
 
HSE has decided to produce this information to remind users of these swing arm barrier gates of their legal health and safety duties in relation to the safe use of such barriers.
 
Duty holders include persons in charge of the entrances to industrial estates, retail premises, leisure premises, sporting complexes, parks, farms etc. In short any premise with a car park entrance or exit to which members of the public and workers have vehicular access, may utilise such barriers.
 
Vertically opening or lifting barriers can also present safety risks if they are not correctly controlled.
 
Duty holders are reminded of their responsibilities in relation to barriers. They include:-
 
Carrying out a suitable risk assessment so that potential dangers are identified and precautions are put in place to ensure they are removed or controlled.

Reviewing existing risk assessments where horizontal swing barriers are in use to determine whether elimination of the risk is possible. Horizontal swing barriers rely on human intervention to ensure they are locked open or locked shut, they are also susceptible to vandalism which can leave them in an unsafe position. Vertical lifting gates are a lower risk alternative, as is the provision of lower height swing barriers so that any collision will result in damage to the vehicle without causing any part of the barrier to enter the vehicle with possible fatal consequences.

Where horizontal barriers are used, making sure the barriers are adequately secured at all times whether open or shut (a padlock will suffice).

Making sure the barriers are made visible by painting or marking with alternate red and white bands of adequate width to be clearly visible, so that persons do not inadvertently drive into them (additional local lighting may be required).

Carrying out regular inspections to ensure that the methods of securing and visibility aspects have not deteriorated.

Ensuring barriers are maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Liaising with suppliers if your risk assessment reveals that securing and visibility requirements are inadequate.

(A copy of the official HSE advice is attached.)
 
Royal Mail Safety (SHE) Alert.
Royal Mail have issued a Safety Alert for the Attention of All Drivers on unsecured swing arm barriers gates as it is suspected that the unsecured gates swung into the paths of the Royal Mail Vans involved in the above accidents. The Alert advised as follows:-
Key Messages
Following a serious incident, a continued risk with regard to unsecured barriers and gates has been identified. These gates have the potential to move, particularly in windy weather or from the vibration of passing vehicles.
When entering premises where a manual swing barrier/gate is in place, observe its position and check it is secured.

Slow down when approaching the barrier and stop if it appears to be unsecured.

Identify and report to your manager any unsecured gate hazards that present a risk due to either their location, design or a previous near miss incident.

Key Actions
All employees to identify and report to line manager any unsecured barrier/gate hazards that present a risk due to either their location, design or a previous near miss incident.

Managers to ensure that staff are briefed and signatures obtained, and when completed confirm this to the SHE team using the Safety Alert Reference GP/SA/2016/002- Swing Gate.

Managers to ensure that all hazards are entered on WRAP, Walk Logs are updated accordingly and controls are agreed with staff and customers to eliminate the hazard or reduce the risk of injury.

Display the Safety Alert on the Office SHE Notice Board.

 
Would all CWU Branches and Safety Reps urgently bring the Royal Mail SHE Alert and HSE Advice to Members who are Drivers!
 
There is evidence to suggest that the Royal Mail Safety Alert has not been effectively briefed out and brought to the attention of our members and hasn’t been displayed on Notice Boards. Would Safety Reps please investigate this and check that the RM Instructions are implemented.
 
Please ensure Driver Members are aware of the Safety Precautions they should take (Points 1 – 3 Key Messages in the Royal Mail Safety Alert above) and ensure that any premises with unsecure barriers are reported and that WRAP and Walk Logs are updated (Points 1-3 Key Actions in the Royal Mail Safety Alert above).
 
The owners and operators of certain premises with Swing Arm Barrier Gates are failing to lock back these gates and are failing in their general duties under the Health and Safety At Work Act in relation to the safe use of the swing arm barrier gates to their premises, as set out in the HSE guidance and this poses a serious danger to our members who visit such premises on a regular basis. These property managers and owners should be prosecuted and where incidents occur, that’s what the CWU will press the enforcing authorities to do, as in this case.
 
As the Accident Scene and Accident Investigation Photographs demonstrate, Swing Arm Barrier Gates can be difficult to see when approaching them head-on and when not secured back especially in bad weather or poor light. The HSE advise that the end profile of the swing-arm barrier may not be clearly visible to an oncoming driver!
 
I would like to thank CWU Area Health and Safety Representative Mick Gledhill (Bradford & Dist Amal) for his thorough Accident Investigation and provision of photographs.
 
Attachments:
Royal Mail Safety (SHE) Alert (GP SA 2016 00).

Keighley Accident Scene photographs (Keighley-Serious Injuries Swing-Bar Barrier Gate Collision Accident-9thAug.16)

Somerset Postman’s Fatal Crash into Gate etc Media/Press

HSE Advice on Horizontal Swing-Arm Car Park Barrier Gates.

Council Fined After Man Killed By Swing Barrier Gate – Report on Nth Lincolnshire Council Prosecution and £200,000 Fine.

CWU ASR Mick Gledhill’s 2015 Request to RM For Attention to Swing-Arm Barrier Gates..

Examples of Typical Swing-Arm Barrier Gates (Images)

 
Yours sincerely
 
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer 
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 605/16 – Serious Safety Warning To All CWU Member Drivers

Attachment 1 – LTB 605/16

Attachment 2 – LTB 605/16

Attachment 3 – LTB 605/16

Attachment 4 – LTB 605/16

Attachment 5 – LTB 605/16

Attachment 6 – LTB 605/15

Attachment 7 – LTB 605/16

Royal Mail Shares – 15th October Sale Date
Branches and Representatives will be aware that the first shares allocated to CWU members under the privatisation sale are able to be sold on the open market from 15th October 2016.
We are aware that Representatives are receiving enquires from some members regarding the sale and in particular any potential tax liability they may incur. In order to assist Branches with these enquires the Department have attached an article that will hopefully aid colleagues in answering members’ questions. A version of the article will also appear in the next issue of the Voice.
We would emphasise that the CWU are not able to provide any financial advice to members – a point made clear in the attached article. It will also be noted that the article advises colleagues to contact the Royal Mail Employee Shares Helpline if necessary.
It would be appreciated if Branches could ensure this LTB is given the widest possible circulation to CWU Representatives and members.
Yours sincerely
 
Terry Pullinger
Deputy General Secretary (Postal)
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 602/16 – Royal Mail Shares – 15th October Sale Date

Attachment 1: Royal Mail Shares – 15th October Sale Date

CWU DEATH BENEFIT
In accordance with the terms expressed in CWU Rule 4.1.11 Branches are advised that from the 1st October 2016 the CWU Death Benefit payment will be increased to £771.
This information will also be published in the Voice. 
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 598/16 – CWU Death Benefit

World Mental Health Day 10 October 2016 – Royal Mail Group – Launch of New Stress Risk Assessment Joint Initiative with CWU and Unite/CMA to Manage Stress and Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace: RMG Statement
To: All Branches with Postal Members
Dear Colleagues,
The following article has been published today on Royal Mail Group’s Intranet Site and is reproduced for CWU Branches and Representatives information and reference:-
‘To support World Mental Health Day (10 October), RMG has launched a joint initiative with CWU and Unite CMA to support colleagues in talking about and managing stress and mental wellbeing in the workplace.
The aim is to create a working environment where colleagues can come forward and talk about their concerns.
New guidance is being launched to enable colleagues to have positive conversations about mental wellbeing. A simple ‘How are you?’ can start a conversation to help identify potential areas of need and support.
To support this, RMG is launching a new Online Stress Risk Assessment Tool to help all colleagues understand their own stress levels as well as assess overall wellbeing in areas such as fitness, diet and sleep. This is part of a series of initiatives RMG has launched through the Feeling First Class wellbeing programme.
Judith Grant, RM Group Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing, said: ‘We want to recognise when employees are experiencing stress and help them to identify and address their concerns. Our new stress guidance, designed jointly with the CWU and Unite CMA, is a supportive approach to prevent and manage stress, and enable people to keep doing the jobs they love.’
See also LTB595/2016 entitled “New Royal Mail Group Stress Risk Assessment Process and Guidance”.

Yours sincerely
 
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer 
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 597/16 – World Mental Health Day 10 October 2016

Dangerous Dogs Seminars for Professionals:
Cooper & Co Solicitors (“Dog Law”) have announced their 2017 series of seminars for professionals with the UK’s top Dangerous Dogs Law Lawyer Trevor Cooper. These popular seminars for professionals are half day talks concentrating on ‘dangerous dog’ offences and the legislation dealing with such attacks and prosecutions. These half day seminars are attended by Police Officers, Dog Wardens, Lawyers and others involved in dealing with Dog Control and Dog Law. The seminars are highly recommended to CWU Representatives wanting to learn more about the Law in this area following the changes achieved by the CWU ‘Bite-Back’ Campaign of course. These Seminars cover subject matter including:-

The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014

Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (which applies to any dog that is dangerously out of control), including the extension of the Act and defences.

The operation of the new ‘Householder Case’ defence and when it may be applicable

Increased prison sentences where a victim is injured or dies

New offence if a dog attacks an assistance dog

Addition of a ‘fit and proper person test’

The ‘Robinson-Pierre’ ruling and consider its impact on cases.

Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) (the law that deals with pit bull terrier type and other banned dogs)

The Index of Exempted Dogs

The ‘fit and proper person’ test

The ‘Sandhu’ ruling and its impact on changing keepership of a registered dog

The Dogs Act 1871 and does it have any future?

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 and how does it fit in with the new changes?

Registration and coffee will be from 9.30am with the seminars commencing at 10.00am and due to finish around 12.30pm.

Programme timings are approximate. Content is subject to change.
Provisional dates are:
Monday 13th February 2017 Monday 20th February 2017 Monday 27th February 2017 Monday 6th March 2017

Precise venues yet to be confirmed but are likely to be near London, Cardiff, Birmingham and Manchester.
Cost of attending these Seminars is £75.00 inclusive of VAT.
Those interested in attending these seminars can register their interest by emailing tracy@doglaw.co.uk and you will receive full details and an application form sent out once arrangements are finalised. 
Dog Owners Seminars On the 4th December 2016 Dog Law will be organising a seminar “Doglaw – What Every Responsible Dog Owner Needs to Know” in London. This talk lasts for around 3½ hours and is a mix of the main civil and criminal laws that affect dog owners. The cost is only £20 per person. CWU Reps from London and surrounding areas may be interested in attending this low cost seminar also. Presented by Solicitor Trevor Cooper, these seminars cover a wide ranging mix of legal issues that are important to dog owners. These are aimed at entertaining the audience as well as to inform and the feedback received from these talks is consistently positive. No prior legal knowledge is required to attend and learn. Subject matter covered include:-
Rights and responsibilities when buying and selling dogs

Liability (both civil and criminal) for dogs that attack and harm people and animals

Identification requirements / the legal implications of microchipping

Noise nuisance

Public Spaces Protection Orders

Community Protection Notices

Breed Specific Legislation

Cruelty / Duty of Care

And other issues.

Dates:- Saturday 29th October 2016 – 11.00am – Newbury, Berkshire Sunday 30th October 2016 – 2.00pm -Billingshurst, West Sussex Saturday 5th November 2016 – 2.00pm – Gloucester, Gloucestershire Sunday 6th November 2016 – 1.00pm – Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales Saturday 12th November 2016 – 1.00pm – Shrewsbury, Shropshire Saturday 19th November 2016 – 2.00pm – Alsager, Cheshire Sunday 20th November 2016 – 11.00am – Swindon, Wiltshire Saturday 26th November 2016 – 10.00am – Oldham, Lancashire Sunday 27th November 2016 – 10.00am – Biddesham, Somerset Sunday 4th December 2016 – 10.30am – London Saturday 14th January 2017 – 11.00am – Portsmouth, Hampshire Sunday 15th January 2017 – 1.30pm – West Malling, Kent Saturday 28th January 2017 – 1.30pm – Hayes, Middlesex Saturday 4th February 2017 – 10.30am – Felton, Northumberland Sunday 5th February 2017 – 10.30am – Corston (Bath), Somerset Saturday 11th February 2017 – 10.30am – March, Cambridgeshire Saturday 18th February 2017 – 2.00pm – Clapton (Crewkerne), Somerset Saturday 25th February 2017 – time tbc – Newquay, Devon (Host Managed Event) Sunday 5th March 2017 – 10.30am – Northallerton, North Yorkshire Saturday 18th March 2017 – 11.00am – Nottingham, Notts Sunday 19th March 2017 – 10.30am – Deal, Kent Saturday 1st April 2017 – 2.00pm – Ely, Cambridgeshire Friday 7th April 2017 – 6.30pm – Farnborough, Hampshire Sunday 9th April 2017 – 11.00am – Blackburn, Lancashire Saturday 29th April 2017 – 10.00am – High Bickington, Devon Saturday 6th May 2017 – 11.00am – Charlgrove, Oxfordshire (Host Managed Event) Sunday 7th May 2017 – 11.00am – Welham Green, Hertfordshire Saturday 13th May 2017 – 10.30am – Bristol, Friday 19th May 2017 – time tbc – Dogs Trust – Merseyside Saturday 20th May 2017 – time tbc – Dogs Trust – Manchester Sunday 21st May 2017 – 10.30am – Naburn, York Saturday 3rd June 2017 – time tbc – Medway, Kent To Book a place on these Seminars call 01227 469603 for further information. Hosting your own Seminar
Dog Law offer their services to those interested in hosting their own daytime seminar. Trevor Cooper is in big demand and is fully booked until June 2017 but happy to schedule seminars in for the summer of 2017. Those interested can email tracy@doglaw.co.uk and they will send out information. Dog Law are also offering to take bookings for those wishing to host an evening or weekend seminars with Trevor Cooper for 2016 / 2017. These evening or at a weekend seminars will last between 3 to 3 ½ hours. For more information email info@doglaw.co.uk or call 01227 469603.
Yours sincerely
 
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 596/16 Cooper & Co Solicitors (“Dog Law”) – “Dangerous Dogs” for Professional Seminars and Dog Owners Seminars in 2017

New Royal Mail Group Stress Risk Assessment Process and Guidance – Royal Mail Stress Toolkit: (Motion 37(2015):
To: All Postal Branches

All Regional Health & Safety Forums

All Area Health & Safety Reps  
Dear Colleagues,
Further to LTB 166/16 dated 15 March 2016, negotiations between Royal Mail Group, the CWU Health, Safety & Environment department and Postal department have jointly continued to a satisfactory conclusion.
On World Mental Health Day 10th October, with follow up in the run up to EU Health and Safety Week, Royal Mail Group, the CWU and Unite CMA are jointly launching the new Royal Mail Group Stress Risk Assessment process and the new Royal Mail Stress Toolkit. The CWU will therefore once again be supporting World Mental Health Day and on this occasion with the launch of the new RMG Stress Risk Assessment process as a positive component to creating a healthy and safe working environment for all RMG employees, recognizing the mental, as well as the physical, wellbeing of the workforce.
The CWU has been working with Royal Mail Group on introducing revised Guidance for employees on Stress. This is a key tool to ensure our members can get early support if they are overwhelmed and in distress which can prevent them becoming well, which is good for CWU Members and good for the RMG. Through this new approach the CWU & RMG recognise work-related stressors as a potential hazard to health and are jointly committed to managing work related stress in a proactive manner to reduce the personal impact on RMG employees.
There is a Stress Toolkit on a new specially constructed Intranet Stress page of the Royal Mail Group Health and Wellbeing intranet site where all the documents will sit and it forms the basis for the Online Stress Tool. 
The Stress Toolkit:
Preventing and Managing Stress Guide.

Stress Flow Chart.

Guided Conversation for Stress (individual stress risk assessment).

Online Stress Tool (through the Feeling First Class website using the HSE Stress Management Standards Risk Assessment Indicator Tool).

The ‘Two-Level’ Stress Approach:
The approach being jointly launched is very much focused on the ‘two level’ stress approach:-
The individual stress risk assessment called the ‘Guided Conversation for Stress’ and

The ‘Online Stress Tool’ using the full HSE Stress Management Standards Risk Assessment Indicator tool questionnaire to be used to measure ‘population based stressors’ when we assess all the staff in a workplace e.g. a Mail Processing Centre, a Delivery Office or a Distribution Centre etc., for example. 

This two-level Stress Risk Assessment process is supported by a helpline and a website offering advice and OHS guidance called ‘Feeling First Class’. 
The CWU very much welcomes this positive initiative which we helped shape through positive involvement and consultation at every stage. 
I can report that the new RMG SHE Stress Risk Assessment and associated documentation has been finalised and after a joint presentation to the PEC was cleared.
Pilot Sites: 

Ten sites were invited to participate in the pilot of the Stress Guidance as follows with Feedback still coming in for consideration:
HWDC  

Nuneaton DO  

South Midlands MC  

Coventry Hub (Parcelforce)  

NDC

Tonbridge MPU  

YDC  

Lincoln DO  

Edinburgh LD (Parcelforce)

Plymouth Customer Service Call Centre  

The Launch Timetable:
Following the pilots and further discussions, the documentation was finalised in advance of the following launch timetable being finalised.
Monday 10th October – World Mental Health Day – RMTV Joint RMG/CWU Media Launch.

Wednesday 12th October – Article in RM Wellbeing Weekly and launch of e-learning on RM success factors intranet site.

Monday 17th October – New Stress Risk Assessment Process Documents; Preventing & Managing Workplace Stress, Guided Conversation For stress, HSE Stress Risk Assessment

Online Stress Tool and The Preventing and Managing Stress Flowchart go live on the RMG Feeling First Class (FFC) Website.

Tuesday 18th October – RMG SHE Joint Event with CWU and Unite CMA ASRs – Official Launch of the new RMG Stress Risk Assessment Process.

Once launched RMG and CWU and Unite/CMA intend to work jointly on both raising awareness and building confidence in the process, as well as achieving compliance. The process will be reviewed and monitored jointly ongoing with a full annual review.
First Class Support & Feeling First Class: 

It is important that the workforce is aware of the support available to them for mental wellbeing through First Class Support (0800 6888 777) or wellbeing advice on Feeling First Class (www.feelingfirstclass.co.uk use the code FFC1 to register). We will be encouraging members to sign up to Feeling First Class and complete the Lifestyle Questionnaire and Online Stress Tool – by completing these questions they will get tips and ideas on improving their wellbeing and where to go for help.
Attachments:
The presentation of Judith Grant RMG Head of Health to CWU ASRs.

The Preventing and Managing Stress Guide.

Guided Conversation for Stress.

Online HSE Stress Tool (paper version).

Preventing and Managing Stress Flowchart

The Preventing and Managing Stress Guide:
This outlines roles and responsibility in Royal Mail for stress.
Provides advice on signs and symptoms.

Gives directions for carrying out a Stress Risk Assessment using the HSE principles.

Provides guidance on when each of the risk assessments should be used:

The Guided Conversation for Stress – for individual acute cases of stress.

The Online HSE Stress Tool – proactive, engagement, assessment tool to support the business in understanding group/workplace wide stressors. Questions are set by the HSE.

The Law:

All employers have legal responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to ensure the health safety and welfare at work of their employees. This includes minimising the risk of stress-related illness or injury to employees. Employees also have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and of others who may be affected by their actions. There are lots of ways of doing this but can include having a structured safety programme, a workplace wellbeing programme and by carrying out Stress Risk Assessments.
HSE Guidance On Stress – Stress Risk Assessment:

To help workplaces work together to address stress the HSE has identified six key areas (or ‘risk factors’) that can be causes of work related stress. These are:
the demands of your job;

your control over your work;

the support you receive from managers and colleagues;

your relationships at work;

your role in the organisation;

change and how it’s managed.

The Stress Risk Assessment looks at these areas and the detail.
Support: 

For Managers not sure how to use the Risk Assessment Toolkit or have a conversation on stress?
A number of Presentation sessions were delivered by the RMG Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing.

4 Stress Guidance bite-size eLearning modules can be watched.

Managers can attend the Mental Health Awareness course (can be booked on RM Success Factors).

Film 3 entitled ‘Supporting Someone’ can be viewed on Feeling First Class website, H&W intranet, Success Factors or Content on Demand.

Advice on body language and supportive listening.

Call First Class Support on 0800 6888 777. The counselling team have been briefed on the new Stress Guidance.

Call HR Services Advice and Support. The advisors have all been briefed on the new process and can advise on any specific HR issues that may arise in the course of the Guided Conversation for Stress.

Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1 – LTB595/2016 New Royal Mail Group Stress Risk Assessment Process and Guidance

Attachment 2 – Guided Conversation for Stress

Attachment 3 – HSE Stress Risk Assessment

Attachment 4 – Preventing and Managing Stress Flowchart

Attachment 5 – Preventing and Managing Workplace Stress

Attachment 6 – Stress Guidance Coaching

Stand Up To Cancer’ – 21 October 2016 
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues, 
‘Stand Up To Cancer’ is a charitable program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF). It aims to raise significant funds for translational cancer research through online and televised efforts. Central to the program is a telethon that was televised by three major broadcast networks. On Friday 21 October, live on Channel 4 will be the special ‘Stand Up To Cancer’ telethon 2016. 
1 in 2 people will be affected by cancer in their lifetime meaning everyone is affected in some way, or will be. But we can do something about it. 100% of the money raised for and donated to ‘Stand Up To Cancer’ will fund research into new tests and treatments for cancer patients right here in the UK. The Stand Up To Cancer initiative aims to raise awareness and bring about an understanding that everyone is connected by cancer. 
It’s time to overthrow cancer by any means necessary say the organisers who are calling on everyone to Join them and tune in on 21 October, pledge their support, indulge your rebellious side and fundraise ‘however-the-hell-you-want’. As long as it’s raising money. 
The money raised for ‘Stand Up To Cancer’ funds clinical trials and projects that are finding new ways to take on cancer. Like that of Dr Colin Watts, who’s trialling a method that makes brain cancer cells glow bright pink – helping surgeons like him to remove them. You can watch an animation to see how this new science works, and how it could help us treat brain cancer in the future. 
Stand Up To Cancer’ has announced that BT are now Lead Sponsor for Stand Up To Cancer. That means they’ll be doing whatever they can to help raise money and kick cancer off its perch, from exclusive TV shows to staff fundraising across the country. 
This isn’t the first time that BT has stood up to cancer, they’ve been part of our fight since the launch of Stand Up To Cancer in the UK, in 2012, but this year, they are supersizing their support. They’ll be calling on BT staff and customers to join them in raising money to help fund ground breaking translational research, sending staff across the country out to collect donations in local towns and rail stations on the 21st October, amongst other things. 
There’ll be the return of the Crystal Maze – sponsored by BT and featuring some of BT Sport’s own presenters and ambassadors! Then following the ‘Stand Up To Cancer’ live show, on October 21st, BT Sport on Saturday 22nd October will follow on by hosting some of favourite Stand Up To Cancer stars across TV football shows on the day! 
For more information go to the Stand Up To Cancer Website at:- http://www.standuptocancer.org.uk 
Yours sincerely
 
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
· LTB 583/16 ‘Stand Up to Cancer’ – 21st October 2016

Royal Mail Group – Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 – Non-Compliant Priority Sites – Joint RMG/CWU Appeal For More First Aider Volunteers:
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues, Can I remind ASRs, WSRs, Regional H&S Forums and Branches of the above and draw your attention to LTB 572/16.
I would request your support and ask that you examine the list of ‘non-compliant’ Units, that is, those Units in breach of the Regulations. (LTB572/16 and the List are attached).
Could ASRs then discuss the matter with Local SHE Team Advisors and Managers and run a local campaign to recruit more First Aid volunteers.
Please give copies of LTB 572/16 to all Operational Managers in your Branch area where non-compliance is an issue and pass on a copy to the SHE Advisor. Then discuss a local campaign jointly with the SHE Advisor if possible to encourage members to volunteer and get a list of volunteers together yourself. You should check that all your offices have completed their FARA (First Aid Risk Assessment) and check the results as to whether the office is compliant or has a shortfall. If the office is compliant and has enough First Aiders as per the FARA outcome then that’s fine as the picture is constantly changing as volunteers get trained.
Those offices on the list attached to LTB 572/16 were non-compliant at the time of the last FARA. If you have offices on the list, then please give those your concerted attention.
SPDOs were excluded from the list attached to LTB 572/16 as the first priority is the larger offices, mainly Delivery Offices but not all of them. The next phase will be SPDOs. Any Operational Managers obstructing the release of First Aid Volunteers for Training or refusing to co-operate by submitting a training request or not releasing people or as in several cases Managers withdrawing the release at the last minute due to staff resourcing issues, should be handed a copy of LTB 572/16 and reminded that they are aiding and abetting the business to break the law which is not supported by Royal Mail HQ.
Any continued problems with un-cooperative Operational Managers should be escalated using the RMG/CWU ASRs ‘disputes resolution escalation process’.
Thanks for your support.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
· Attachment 1 – LTB581/16 LTB581/16 Royal Mail Group – Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981

· Attachment 2 – LTB572/16

· Attachment 3 – First Aid Priority Sites