Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 001 – De-Icer Use Safety & Eye Contact:

Background and Description: 

Royal Mail Group’s Safety Team have issued RMG SHE Safety Flash FY23 001 following an incident where by a postman driver/OPG accidently splashed de-icer fluid into his eyes.

An aerosol spray can of de-icer had been left loose in the rear load space of a van which subsequently leaked out. The driver picking up the van saw the leakage and leaned into the van to clean up the spillage with a cloth. In doing so the fluid was accidently splashed into his eye causing intense stinging, irritation, discomfort and inflammation.

Impact/Injuries: 

• Intense stinging, irritation, discomfort and inflammation of the eye.
• Driver taken to hospital A&E for emergency treatment.
• Full recovery was made but the incident could have led to eye damage.

Key Messages and Learning Points: 

• Scrapers are the best product to clear windscreens of ice.
• De-icer should be stored onsite at the office in a cool and contained cupboard/area and taken to the van to help clear a windscreen when required. After use it should be returned to the storage area before the vehicle leaves the unit.
• De-icer containers should not be stored inside vehicles. As well as having the potential to leak and present an eye and skin injury risk, de-icer aerosol cans can be flammable. In the event of a vehicle fire, aerosols can become an explosive projectile.

Actions/PiCs:

• PiCs to brief all drivers on this SHE Flash.
• PiCs to ensure drivers do not store de-icer in vehicles.
• PiCs to supply scrapers which can be stored in vehicles.
• Care to be taken when cleaning up unknown liquid spillages. Avoid eye and skin contact. Wear gloves and other protective equipment where required. If in doubt request the assistance of a cleaner.
• In the event of Eye contact,  manufacturers advise the removal of any contact lenses and to open eyelids wide apart. Continue to rinse eyes for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if discomfort continues.

CWU ASR/WSR Action:

• Please ensure that this Safety Flash is communicated and brought to the attention of all appropriate members and that the actions above are deployed.

Attachment: 

• Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 001 – De-Icer Use Safety & Eye Contact.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB005 Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 001 – De-Icer Use Safety & Eye Contact

SHE Flash FY23 001 – De-icer in eye

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ROYAL MAIL PROPERTY & FACILITIES SERVICES LIMITED (RMPFSL) – PAY AND ASSOCIATED ISSUES DISPUTE UPDATE

The purpose of this LTB is to update Royal Mail Property & Facilities Services Limited (RMPFSL) Members, Reps and Branches on the Pay and Associated Issues dispute.  We can report we have had a couple of meetings with the company prior to Christmas  At the meetings we put forward to RMPFSL what we felt would go a long way to bringing this dispute to a satisfactory conclusion.

We requested a formal written response to our proposals, however the letter we received did not match our expectation and also stated due to annual leave, RMPFSL were not available for further negotiations until week commencing 9^thJanuary 2023.

We have written to RMPFSL about the lack of a formal response to our proposal and our availability to meet.  We expect to be meeting soon and will provide further updates in due course.

Any queries regarding the content of this LTB should be addressed to the PTCS Department quoting reference number 312 – email khay@cwu.org or the Outdoor Department, quoting reference 120.12 email address: njones@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Carl Maden –   Assistant Secretary                                          

Mark Baulch – Assistant Secretary                        

Attachment 1: 23LTB003 – RMPFSL Pay and Associated Issues Dispute Update

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Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY22 023 – RMG Double Deck Trailer, Upper Deck ‘Bridging Plate’ Not Secured and Locked in Place Causing Near Miss Potential Serious Head Injury When Opening Trailer Rear Shutter Door:

Background and Description 

Royal Mail Group’s Safety Team have issued RMG SHE Safety Flash FY22 023 following a dangerous, near miss incident which occurred at the RM North West Parcel Hub when an employee opened the rear shutter door of a docked double deck trailer. As the shutter door was raised the yellow ‘bridging plate’ or ‘footplate’ on the top deck fell forward, heavily, unrestrained into the down position, narrowly missing striking the employee on their head.

On investigation it was found that there were no defects with the ‘bridging plate’ and the conclusion was that the ‘bridging plate’ had not been safely secured and locked into position prior to closing the double deck trailer door and departure.

Impact/Injuries 

• A dangerous near miss incident in which an employee loading/unloading the trailer could have sustained a serious head injury.
• Fortunately, no injuries were sustained.

Key Messages and Learning Points 

• During trailer loading/unloading once the ‘bridging plate’ has been placed in the vertical ‘up position’ for storage, it must then be manually tested to ensure it is securely ‘locked’ in place before closing the trailer door. (See attached SHE Flash images).

Actions/PiCs/Managers

• Issue the Safety flash FY22 023 to all HGV Class 1 license holders and employees who are trained and authorised to load and unload double deck trailers.
• Brief specific elements of the RMG Operating Double Deck Trailers (DDT) SSOW.
• Display the Safety Flash on the SHE Notice Board.
• Deploy first class safety conversations targeting compliance to the required safe system of work.

CWU ASR/WSR Action:

• Please ensure that this Safety Flash is communicated and brought to the attention of all appropriate members and that the actions above are deployed.

Audience:

• All drivers in Logistics/PFW and those who are trained to load and unload trailers.

Attachment: 

• Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY22 023 – RMG Double Deck Trailer, Upper Deck ‘Bridging Plate’ Not Secured and Locked in Place Causing Near Miss Potential Serious Head Injury When Opening Trailer Rear Shutter Door:

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB002 Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY22 023 – RMG Double Deck Trailer, Upper Deck ‘Bridging Plate’ Not Secured and Locked in Place

SHE Flash FY22 023 – Trailer Plate

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Health, Safety & Environment Department LTB Digest for 2022:

As in previous years the Health, Safety & Environment Department is circulating, for the particular attention of Safety Representatives, a digest list of LTBs issued by the Health, Safety & Environment Department during 2022.

Copies of all back-number LTBs are available for downloading via the CWU Website or on request directly from the Health, Safety & Environment Department.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB001 Health, Safety & Environment Department LTB Digest for 2022

LTBs Jan – Dec 2022

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Royal Mail Group Disputes – 12 Week Protected Period

The purpose of this LTB is to provide clarity around the complex law following the first 12 weeks of Industrial Action.  As Branches will be aware, the strike action linked to the Change ballot was first activated on 30^th September 2022.  Consequently, the 12 week protected period expires on 23^rd December 2022.  We appreciate there has been a degree of speculation around this situation in respect of what RMG may do after this date.

As explained by Dave Ward, General Secretary in yesterday’s Facebook Live session, for an employer to legally dismiss, no single employee can be targeted through this clause.  Therefore, it would mean RMG would have to dismiss all employees taking strike action and in this case this would equate to in excess of 100,000 members.

To be clear, no individual CWU member can be selectively targeted by RMG for taking legal strike action on Saturday 24^thDecember 2022 and likewise any future action under the Change ballot.

We would strongly point to the fact that our Post Office members continued taking strike action throughout the 6 months of their ballot including the last day of the life of the ballot.

We have also spoken to senior RMG management who have confirmed they have no intention to use this legislation as they acknowledge it would be impossible to replace their entire workforce.  Furthermore, we have raised this matter with the Chief Conciliator at Acas who has advised there are no precedents in this area.  We are therefore certain that selective dismissal would be challengeable through an Employment Tribunal with a very strong prospect of success.

In closing, the speculation around this issue has been deliberately pedalled by local managers who are attempting to de-stabilise the support for the dispute.  These managers are simply mischief-making and their actions have no substance.

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward                                             Andy Furey
General Secretary                               Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 516.22

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Disputes with Royal Mail Group – Centrally Driven Suspensions and Conduct Cases against CWU Representatives and Members

During the course of the disputes there has been an unprecedented and vicious attack on a number of CWU Representatives and members (including picket line supervisors) who have been suspended or are being taken through the conduct code.

The suspensions and conduct proceedings in the main relate to allegations regarding picket line activity and conversations with either agency workers crossing picket lines or in the workplace.  To date, in excess of 120 individuals from both Royal Mail and Parcelforce have been suspended, five of whom have since been dismissed.

Following the Joint Statement to establish talks at ACAS and particularly the de-escalating of tensions in the workplace, there were limited examples where a common sense approach resulted in suspensions being lifted and conduct being withdrawn although this proved to be the exception.

Clearly there is a national pattern to these suspensions and conduct cases as most Divisions and Parcelforce Regions feature.  There is robust evidence to suggest there is a coordinated drive by RMG on a national basis to target representatives and members for merely partaking in their legal right to strike and speak to agency workers.  This is yet another aspect of the Union busting activity aimed at promoting intimidation where those on strike are being scrutinised constantly.

There may be a small minority of cases where suspension and the use of the conduct code could be applicable however in the vast majority of instances we are certain the allegations are scurrilous and fabricated.  We have reports of standard letters and question sets being used in cases and the continued breach of procedures taking place in the conduct process for CWU representatives.  Local managers are openly referring to the central conduct team as either the ‘Gold Room’ or ‘Gold Command Centre’.

There are cases being reported where local managers are being instructed to instigate conduct cases despite them being reluctant due to a lack of evidence.  There are other cases of representatives and members being reinstated following suspension and the conduct then being reopened as a consequence of an intervention via a higher manager arising from a central directive.

The Postal Executive has endorsed the creation of a working group designed to provide a solid support structure for those representatives and members being targeted.  Postal Executive members as follows will provide full backing and assistance to all of those going through this appalling experience:

• Katrina Quirke will be responsible for compiling the information for all PFW cases.
• Tony Bouch and Rob Wotherspoon will be responsible for the South Wales/South West, Midlands and South Central Divisions.
• Steve Halliwell and Bobby Weatherall will be responsible for the North Wales/North West, Scotland, Northern Ireland and North East Divisions.
• Shelley Banbury and Luke Elgar will be responsible for the South East, Anglia and London Division.
• Mick Kavanagh, Vice Chair of the Postal Executive will Chair the meetings of the working group.

Additionally, the attached correspondence has been sent to Zareena Brown, Chief People Officer to express our deep concern in regard to the continued suspensions and conduct code cases.  We have also urged RMG to seriously consider our proposal for all cases involving the criteria of gross misconduct to be the subject of an immediate joint review undertaken by the appropriate regional managers and CWU Senior Field Officials.

Any enquiries in relation to the content of this LTB should be addressed to the DGS(P) Department.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Furey

Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)     

LTB 515/22

Attachment to LTB 515/22

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Royal Mail Group – Workforce Health and Wellbeing Support:

Fiona McAslan the newly appointed Royal Mail Group Head of Health and Wellbeing has informed the CWU/HQ Health, Safety and Environment Department of the launch of their ‘Health and Wellbeing Campaign’ with the aim of the campaign being to support employees by ‘dialling up’ the Health and Wellbeing resources RMG already have available, as well as launching a new ‘Health Hub’ and ‘Help@Hand.’ Each element of the campaign will be promoted in more detail through RMG Comms channels.

The RMG ‘Employee Assistance Programme’ offers 24/7, 365 days a year free, independent and confidential support for the workforce, for employees in need of support.  This includes the launch of ‘Help@hand’ which gives everyone (and subject to criteria, family members too) access to Remote GP, Digital Physiotherapy and Mental Health Support Sessions.

All managers have been briefed on the support package available, and all individual employees will receive further information early in the New Year 2023.

The Head of Health and Wellbeing wishes to make sure that the workforce is aware of the Occupational Health Support Programme and that employees know where to go for wellbeing support during this difficult time which is of the utmost importance. All employees can access support through the ‘My Royal Mail/Health and Wellbeing tab’ or the ‘People App (Health and Wellbeing tile).’

These are summarised as follows:

Health Hub – Your Health and Wellbeing ‘one stop shop’ 

RMG state that accessing support early is really important – many people who do seek support often say they wish they had done so sooner. Whether it’s for your mind, body or something going on in your life, the Health Hub directs employees straight to information, guidance and support services that can start to help right away. Employees can access the Health Hub via the ‘RM People App’ using the ‘My Health & Wellbeing’ tile, or by visiting “myroyalmail.com/yourhealthhub”.

Help@Hand  

RMG are also launching ‘Help@Hand’, giving employees direct and immediate access to health and wellbeing support. Employees can get started by downloading the ‘Help@Hand App’.  Select ‘Register via PIN’ and enter the Royal Mail code 164003.  Employees can then easily access:

• Remote GP – unlimited 24/7 access to a digital private GP service for employees, their partner and family (*Children are eligible up to their 18th birthday or 24th birthday if in full-time education)
• Physiotherapy – up to 8 consultations per year shared between you and your partner
• Mental Health Support – up to 8 consultation sessions per year shared between you and your partner
• Life, money and wellbeing support
• Second medical opinion service
• A wellbeing calendar which includes access to webinars and support

Note: registration will take around 10 minutes.  Due to the nature of the medical service, certain personal information will be required.

Under the Remote GP service, if employees require medication, a referral letter or a private fit note, they will need to pay for these. Employees will also need to pay a delivery charge if they opt to have the medication sent to them. The remote GP will go through the options and next steps with individuals during the consultation.  These charges apply to everyone, regardless of any NHS exemption status i.e., due to age, medical condition, pre-payment, country of residence etc.

First Class Support – RMG Employee Assistance Programme 

‘First Class Support’, the RMG Employee Assistance Programme, is available 24/7 (0345 266 5060 or ‘live chat’ on the website/app). This support service is free, confidential and completely independent.  Whether employees need to speak to someone in the moment, access counselling support, or something else, instant support across all areas of wellbeing including physical health, mental health, financial wellbeing as well as practical home and work issues are available.  *registration is RMG-pay number i.e., RMG-12345678.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB513 Royal Mail Group – Workforce Health and Wellbeing Support

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