Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY22 03 – Overheating Laptop Computers Lithium Ion Batteries – Fire Risk:

Overview, Background, Description, Issue and Effect:

Royal Mail Group’s Safety Team report that there have been a number of incidents reported where lap top batteries have overheated causing the potential for fire. Laptops can overheat, due to prolonged use, poor ventilation, faulty batteries etc. Batteries can overheat, warp and become damaged.  Faulty laptop computers should be turned off and not used again if an issue is identified. To raise the profile of this problem, RMG SHE Safety Flash FY22 003 ‘Overheating Laptop Batteries’ has been issued.  See a copy of the SHE Flash attached.

To help prevent a laptop battery from overheating, always make sure that there’s adequate airflow for the laptop.

• Keep laptop vents uncovered and remove objects that are too close to the laptop.
• Always position the laptop on a sturdy, flat surface like a desk or table. Not on soft surfaces where the vents can be obstructed, preventing air circulation.
• Clean the vents of any dust, dirt, or hair.
• Work in a cooler room.
• Don’t continue using a laptop with a faulty battery.

London Fire Brigade attends on average 24 fires each week that have been started by batteries, chargers or cables. The LFB also warn against the purchase and use of cheap counterfeit electrical chargers which can be deadly – many fail to meet UK safety regulations leading to fires and injury. What may seem like a bargain at the market isn’t worth the risk when you consider that it could lead to a fire and potential damage, destruction and at worst loss of life.

Key Message:

Each day before use, laptop computer users should check their laptop for any signs of the keyboard or casing becoming warped or domed, the seams starting to split apart, or the laptop no longer sitting flat on a surface. Check the vents are clear.

Learning Points

• Do not attempt to remove the battery or force the casing back together if it has parted.
• Ensure that the device and its AC adapter/plug are PAT tested.
• Ensure that the vents on the case of the laptop are clean and are not obstructed during use and do not use the laptop on cushions or similar soft surfaces. Keep the laptop well ventilated.
• Where possible use a laptop riser stand which can improve comfort and help avoid overheating.
• Be mindful to the laptop or AC adapter becoming excessively hot beyond its usual temperature.
• If there is any smell of burning or ‘hot electrics’ then turn the device off immediately and arrange for a replacement.
• Frequent ‘blue screen’ events would require investigation in any case however these can be a symptom of battery failure and as such should be reported promptly.

Key Activities.

If your machine is damaged, overheating or showing signs of the casing becoming warped or domed, cease using it. Unplug it from the power source. Leave the laptop switched on in a safe place, monitoring it until the battery runs flat and allowing it to cool down safely. Report to IT helpdesk, do not use the machine again until inspected and do not plug it into the mains power supply.

Attachment:

• RMG SHE Safety Flash FY22 03 – Overheating Laptop Batteries

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB056 Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY22 03 – Overheating Laptop Computers Lithium Ion Batteries – Fire Risk

SHE Flash FY22 003 – Overheating Laptop Batteries

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Road Safety Warning! – Highway Code Changes – Staggering Number of Drivers Unaware of New Driving Rules – CWU Poster:

This important LTB is being issued further to LTB No. 017/2022 issued on 13 January 2022.

Recent surveys by motoring and road safety organisations have worryingly revealed that millions of drivers are unaware of the sweeping changes to The Highway Code road laws which came into force on 29^th January 2022. One survey found two in three drivers were unaware!

The revamped code establishes a hierarchy of road users, which means those who pose the greatest risk to others have a higher level of responsibility, with drivers having a greater responsibility to look out for and give way to pedestrians and cyclists.

Many of the rule changes in the code are legal requirements, and to disobey these rules is to commit a criminal offence leading to prosecution and huge fines.

Other changes introduce new advisory measures that are not legal requirements but could be drawn upon in court proceedings against drivers.

Many drivers, including CWU members won’t have read the Highway Code for years, so it’s essential that the key changes are clearly explained, with simple memorable messages – hence we’ve produced a simple but clear poster.

The Health, Safety and Environment Department at CWU HQ is concerned that there has been insufficient public education and as a result a lack of awareness, that could potentially lead to an increase in road accidents, road prosecutions and fines – involving some of our members.

In an effort to raise awareness a CWU Poster has been produced to catch the eye of our driver members and to sign post them to the Gov.UK website where the changes are fully explained.

We are sending a thousand posters to each Region and request that these are distributed to Branches and further copies are produced from the attached pdf.

Your help and assistance in spreading the word and raising awareness would be much appreciated.

Attachment:

• CWU 2022 Highway Code Changes poster

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB050 Road Safety Warning! – Highway Code Changes – Staggering Number of Drivers Unaware of New Driving Rules – CWU Poster

06649 HS highway code change

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Royal Mail & CWU National Joint Statement – Capture Photo On Delivery- Phase 2 Deployment

Further to LTB 444/21 regarding Phase 1, we have been involved in discussions with Royal Mail, both in terms of reviewing volumes in the phase 1 rollout and the expansion of the service to further deployment.

As Branches and Representatives are aware, Royal Mail faces an increasingly competitive landscape both in the letters and parcels market and their future success is dependent upon the ability to keep up with current trends, whilst providing value for money, excellent customer and quality of service. We also have firm joint commitments within our National agreements of maintaining job security, whilst also improving pay, terms and conditions for our members.

Royal Mail’s large Account Customers are asking carriers to capture a photographic image as proof of delivery; their rationale for wanting this capability is that it helps to reduce denial of receipts. Competitors such as DPD and Hermes already offer this capability, including Parcelforce. To retain and grow market share RM and the CWU are committed to ‘speed up this process’ to enable this capability within the Royal Mail Core Network.

Phase 1 was deployed before peak 2021 enabling the Capture Photo on Delivery service for Boohoo Tracked items, initially and subsequently extended to M&S and we have been advised just this week also, the Very Group. This has proven to be a success with both Boohoo and M&S and since the launch 3.5 million photographs/images have been taken.  The Joint statement will now be extended from October 2021 and will be implemented with the next Phase as follows:

Phase 2: Capture Photo on Delivery Extended to All Tracked Non Signature Customers

Phase 2 is an extension of the capability that Boohoo, and M&S enjoy to all Tracked 24/48 non signature customers, excluding the majority of UKHSA Test Kits.  In addition, following identification of an improvement opportunity by CWU, representatives and Delivery OPGs, there will be an enhancement to the visibility on the PDA that the item requires a photo.  Royal Mail will ensure that all delivery units are fully briefed on the changes, including training that will be given by Workplace Coaches.  Phase 2 is expected to go live 1^st March.

Phase 3: Capture Photo Extended to Tracked Signature 

The ability to capture a photo will be extended to signature tracked customers, in various configurations as follows:Photo OnlyNo PhotoPhoto & nameName onlyPhoto, Signature, & NameSignature, & NamePhoto & signatureSignature only

Phase 3 is expected to go live during April 2022, subject to technology changes.

A new outdoor Observed Time Values (OTV) along with the frequency of the task for Capture Photo on Delivery activity will be established and incorporated into Delivery Systems and the WIPWH productivity measures. This additional workload and activity will be built into OWM (Outdoor Workload Model which feeds into the WIPWH productivity measure) and the revision planning tools/systems. This will be completed by the start of the financial year 2022/23 (April 2022). These reviews and resultant uplift to the observed time values and planning values will be subject to further National discussions and agreement between RM Delivery Director and CWU Assistant Outdoor Secretary, ahead of the changes being included in OWM & GeoRoute systems. Further program and milestones are also set out in the Joint Statement attached.

Whilst both parties are jointly committed to ensure that the new OTVs and resultant changes to any current PVs, alongside the frequency uplifts are in place for the Phase 3 national rollout, (which would also enable this workload to be included into weekly resource meetings), units will need to review any ongoing and additional local factors which will need to be considered and put in place to support the full deployment of Capture Photo on Delivery.  In relation to the above both parties have agreed that further communications and clarification explaining all agreed outputs will be required which will be shared as and when further developments take place.

Further phase 2 & 3 expansion of Photo on Delivery

Royal Mail will ensure that all delivery units are fully briefed on any changes, including the necessary training given by Workplace Coaches; confirmation of these processes are also reference in the Joint Statement. 

On occasions OPG’s may get challenged by customers on taking a photo. If this is the case, OPG’s should politely advise the customer that they are requested to take a photo as proof of delivery, but if the customer refuses, items will be returned to sender. However, a customer may object strongly and not allow the OPG to take a photo (whether or not social distancing is applicable at the time) then the OPG may not be able to retain the parcel.  Should this arise, then under no circumstances should the OPG become involved in a confrontation and should report the incident to their DOM/Manager on return to the office; the OPG will not be held responsible for the customer behavior in such circumstances.

Health & Safety and Safe Systems of Work 

It is reaffirmed that Health & Safety and SSOW are of paramount importance to both Royal Mail and the CWU, and the Delivery SAC will be updated and will be in place.  Any issues arising in this respect will be proper to the relevant RM safety experts and the CWU National Health Safety, and Environment Department.

Summary

We have been involved in quite intense discussions with Royal Mail over recent weeks on the expansion of this offering and in particular the issue of ensuring that the increased workload values along with the frequencies for the task with the expansion of the service is adequately built into the productivity, planning tools and systems. We have been very firm with Royal Mail that whilst we fully support the expansion and growth of this service in order to reduce denial of receipt and not lose out on volumes to Royal Mail’s competitors. It is absolutely critical that we also ensure that the increased associated workload is fully taken into account; we believe that the National Joint Statement contains the necessary safeguards in this regard.

Any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department reference 540, email address: njones@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Mark Baulch

CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 054-22 – Capture Photo On Delivery- Phase 2 Deployment

JS – Capture Photo on Delivery Phase 2MB FINAL – Feb. 2022

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POST OFFICE: PAY 2021/22 – LEGAL TRADE DISPUTE – BALLOT FOR STRIKE ACTION

Further to LTB 046/22 dated 3^rdFebruary.

Ballot Timetable: Branches are advised the Postal Executive is meeting on Wednesday 9^thFebruary where it is anticipated a decision will be made in respect of the ballot timetable.  It should be noted the timetable is being drawn up in conjunction with the SDGS Department and the exact details will be provided in due course following the consideration of the PE.

Membership Verification Exercise: Branches are also advised a membership verification exercise will be required following the PE decision in respect of the ballot timetable and therefore Branch Secretaries with Post Office members are alerted to this necessary activity.  Our full-time Reps are already prepared to provide support and assistance to Branch Secretaries in this regard.  Branches will be encouraged to treat this as a priority. 

Membership Communication:Please see the attached home mailing which should be received by our members imminently.  This communication has focussed on the myths pedalled by Post Office in a vain attempt to justify the pay freeze. 

Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

22LTB053 Post Office – Pay 2021-22 – Legal Trade Dispute – Ballot For Strike Action

Attachment 1 to 22LTB053 – Home Mailing

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RMG Driver/Road Safety Briefing/Communication W/C 07.02.22 – ‘Drink and Drugs’

Introduction

The Royal Mail Group Road Safety Manager‎ has informed the CWU/HQ Health, Safety and Environment Department that the RMG Safety Health and Environment Team will be issuing a national driver/road safety briefing/communication huddle week commencing Monday 7 Februaryabout ‘Drink and Drugs’ and this will be based on the attached SHE Huddle FY22 007 ‘Drink and Drugs’ which will be supported by a slide on the RMTV screens throughout the business to support the road safety message to drivers.

Background

Regrettably and quite shockingly, recent evidence suggests that drink/drug driving is on the increase, despite decades of public road safety campaigns highlighting the dangers and consequences – hence this campaign.

Roadside drink testing, backed up by severe court penalties and driving bans, plus campaigns highlighting accidents and injuries collectively built up the social unacceptability of drink driving. Roadside testing for drug driving was subsequently introduced to identify drivers impaired by drugs. Drink and Drugs sadly continues to be a problem on the roads with recent evidence suggesting an increase with the UK Police finding a sharp increase last year.  Some facts:

• 8,000 killed or seriously injured by drivers impaired by drink or drugs.
• 24% of people killed were impaired by drink or drugs.
• 1 in 10 people driving for work, fail random drink and drug tests.

Drugs and Alcohol Effects on Driving 

Slows reaction times, impairs judgement, affects concentration, causes fatigue, leads to risk taking and erratic behaviour, causes confusion, muscle paralysis, hallucinations, agitation, panic attacks, memory impairment, blurred vision and drowsiness, slows reaction times, reduces coordination and the ability to think clearly – Impairs ability to drive safely! 

Impairment through drink or drugs means a driver and passengers are more likely to die or be seriously injured in a collision. 

Prosecution and Penalties

Minimum 12 months’ driving ban, unlimited fine, up to 6 months in prison, licence endorsed for 11 years and causing death by dangerous driving whilst under influence of drink or drugs results in up to 14 years in prison.

Other impacts:  

• May affect employment and employability.
• Increased car insurance costs.
• Difficulty obtaining Visa e.g., for travel to USA.

Morning After Effect 

Watch out for the morning after effect. Many drivers get caught out because alcohol stays in the system longer than most people think. Driving to work after a night’s sleep thinking the alcohol has cleared when it hasn’t!

Prescription and Over The Counter Drugs 

Drivers should take care with prescription or ‘over the counter’ drugs – check for any warnings that they may affect driving by causing drowsiness. If in any doubt, check with a doctor or pharmacist.

Supporting Information 

See supporting information on the Royal Mail screens and intranet.  Royal Mail Group support is available to help anyone with a problem with alcohol or drug dependency. All support is treated in strict confidence. Employees themselves or their managers can make a referral to the occupational health service by calling 0345 266 5060 or visiting www.rmgfirstclasssupport.co.uk or downloading the ‘Lifeworks’ App. New users of the website/App can sign up using a unique invitation code which is ‘RMG-‘ and their pay number, e.g., RMG-12345678. Full guidance and signposting to external support services is available in the Alcohol and Drugs Guide via the health policy and information pages on PSP.

Managers Actions

• Managers to brief drivers on the SHE Huddle FY22 007 content attached.
• Drivers to ensure that they drive in accordance with the Royal Mail Driving SSoW and the law.

ASR Action

Would ASRs support the briefing and ensure it is delivered in all Units and cascade information.

Attachments:

• RMG SHE Huddle FY22 007 Driver Distraction
• Road Safety Drinking & Driving Fact Sheet from RoSPA
• RMG Driving SSoW

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB048 RMG Driver Road Safety Briefing Communication WC 07.02.22 – ‘Drink and Drugs’

SHE Huddle FY22 007 Drink and Drug Driving

ROSPA Road Safety Drinking and Driving Factsheet

Driving (Royal Mail Operations) SSOW v1.3

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Royal Mail Group – Coronavirus Unit Risk Assessment Update Version 10:

See attached copy of the Royal Mail Group – Coronavirus Unit Risk Assessment Update Version 10. This updates LTB 021/2022 issued on 18 January 2022 and RMG Coronavirus Unit Risk Assessments Update V9.

In line with the ongoing commitment from Royal Mail Group to keep the CWU informed of any changes or updates made to the Coronavirus Unit Risk Assessments, CWU/HQ has been advised of the RMG Unit Risk Assessment approach which amalgamates the previously issued Functional Risk Assessments into one Risk Assessment that applies to all RMG sites.

This Risk Assessment incorporates the changes communicated in October 2021, December 2021 and January 2022.

The Unit Risk Assessment Version 10 attached, is based on the current key Government Covid-Secure controls (hand hygiene, ventilation, face coverings – mandatory or strongly recommended in England, and cleaning – touch points, vehicles, shared equipment etc.).

The updated Unit Risk Assessment V10 reflects the following:

• Face covering requirement – strongly recommended in England (communicated 20/01/2022).
• Devolved administration guidance in relation to physical distancing (where reasonable).

The Risk Assessment also refers to other controls such as testing and revised operational procedures which have been introduced e.g., contactless delivery.

Subjects Covered:

• Touch Points
• Contacts
• Handling Test Kits
• First Aid
• Mental Health, Stress and Anxiety
• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Cleaning & Waste Disposal
• Hand Hygiene
• Signage
• Face Coverings
• Operational Procedures
• Ventilation
• Self-Isolation
• Testing
• Monitoring

The Unit Risk Assessment V10 has been circulated to all Royal Mail Group Unit Managers/PiCs this month.

An example copy is attached for ASR information and reference. The full working version is accessible on the RMG Intranet/Share Point site.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB047 Royal Mail Group – Coronavirus Unit Risk Assessment Update Version 10

Copy of Coronavirus Unit Risk Assessment v10.0

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PAUL MOORE – FORMER NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, CHAIR OF THE STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF GREATER LONDON COMBINED BRANCH

It is with deep sadness that I write to advise you that Paul Moore, Former National Executive Council member, Chair of the Standing Orders Committee and Assistant Secretary of Greater London Combined Branch, passed away on Tuesday 1^stFebruary after a period of serious illness.

Throughout the course of his long career Paul had made a great contribution in representing our members, the union and the wider Labour movement.

Paul played a major role in key national issues in our predecessor unions the POEU and NCU, as well as within the CWU.  He was a highly influential speaker at our conferences and played a crucial role in successful strikes that took place in Girobank and the BT engineers’ London contract dispute in 1997.

Paul was also very active in the wider Labour movement and was an elected Councillor in the GLC and a delegate to the Labour Conference for many years.  He will always be remembered as somebody who through his knowledge, experience and intellect, had a positive influence on many of today’s CWU representatives and leaders.

I know I speak on behalf of everybody who knew Paul, in saying he will be sorely missed and we offer our sincere condolences to his partner Susan, his sons Max and Felix and all his friends and colleagues.

Details of Paul’s funeral will be circulated in due course.

Any enquiries on the above LTB should be addressed to the General Secretary at jdunn@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary 

22LTB045 – Paul Moore

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POST OFFICE: PAY DISPUTE 2021/22

After ten months of complete silence from Post Office, they have now come clean and told their employees there will be a pay freeze for 2021/22.  This communication from Angela Williams, Group Chief People Officer, is attached for information.

In essence, the excuses proffered for a pay freeze are:

• The Government’s pay freeze policy for public sector workers
• The retail trading environment of Post Office

Neither of these claims hold up to scrutiny and as such are spurious.  By Post Office’s own admission, they are just “mindful” of the shareholders’ position “when we make our ownpay decisions”.  This proves the pay freeze is not a Government requirement and Post Office is attempting to hide behind Government’s flawed policies.  They have defeated their own arguments by admitting Post Office is not obliged to follow Government policy.

Despite the pandemic, we understand Post Office will declare a reasonably healthy profit once it finally publishes its 2020/21 Annual Report & Accounts.  Indeed, our members are acutely aware Post Offices remained open throughout the lockdowns when most other high street retailers were closed.  Basically, Post Office can afford to provide our members with a good pay rise and their excuses are absolutely hollow.  In fact, Post Office has consistently failed, including during the Acas talks, to provide any financial evidence to warrant the pay freeze policy and their communication fails to legitimise their stance and therefore in the absence of any real justification, the corporate jargon is utterly meaningless.

Evidently, the above proves there is no case for a pay freeze policy and that is why it is necessary for our members to deliver a Yes vote in the forthcoming strike ballot.

A CWU web article on Post Office’s pay freeze position can be accessed via:

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

Attachment 1: 22LTB044 – Post Office – Pay Dispute 2021-22

Attachment 2: A message from Angela Williams – Update on Pay Awards

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