Glyphosate – Weedkillers

Glyphosate – Weedkillers

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

Glyphosate is a toxic herbicide used to kill weeds. Glyphosate is used in a large number of weedkillers. It is the most commonly used weedkiller in the world with about two-thirds of herbicide sales. It is sold by the original manufacturer, Monsanto, as “Roundup” although it is found in other brands such as Weedol, Bayer, Rosate and Rodeo. It is also used in a lot of supermarket and garden centre own-brands.

Is it dangerous?

There is no question that weedkillers containing Glyphosate are dangerous. If it gets on the skin it can cause irritation and dermatitis. It can also cause oral and throat discomfort if it is breathed in. Eye exposure may lead to mild conjunctivitis. If swallowed it may cause corrosion of the throat and can lead to kidney or liver failure.

It is also believed that it can cause cancer. In March 2015 the International Agency on research into Carcinogens (IARC) announced that Glyphosate probably caused a type of cancer called Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. This was based on a study of agricultural workers who were exposed to the chemical, although it was backed up by tests on animals. However it is not known whether the cancer is being caused by contact through the skin or through breathing it, or both. It is therefore necessary to try to prevent any workers coming into contact with Glyphosate.

Independent research indicates that Glyphosate is not only possibly carcinogenic, but that it also affects the body’s endocrine system – causing problems in the liver and kidneys. Industry manufacturers and testers dispute this.

Who is at risk?

Glyphosate is commonly used in agriculture and gardening in the UK. Workers that could be exposed will include parks staff, agricultural workers, gardeners, and some forestry workers. It is not only those who are using the chemical who may be at risk, but also those working around them when the herbicide is being applied.

What does the law say?

All substances that could be hazardous to health are covered by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). These state that the employer must try to prevent exposure totally. If that is not possible they should control it so the risk of harm is ‘as low as is reasonably practicable’. That means that they should first see what can be done to avoid using any chemicals by changing how they work. If it has to be used they should look at less dangerous substitutes, and if not possible, make sure that they are protecting the worker through things such as introducing new methods of working such as automation, and if that can’t be done they should provide personal protective equipment free of charge. They also need to provide information and training for all those who use the chemical or who may be exposed.

Whether there is a risk and how it needs to be controlled is decided after a risk assessment. There is also a requirement for the employer to consult with workers, (through the Union health and safety representatives where they exist).

Herbicides are also covered by separate regulations which say that employers must:

Take all reasonable precautions to protect human health and the environment;
Confine the application of the pesticide to the crops or area to be treated;
Ensure when using pesticides in certain specified areas, e.g. those used by the general public, that the amount of pesticide used and the frequency of use are as low as are reasonably practicable.

What does that mean for employers who use Glyphosate?

Given that the risks to the skin, lung and eyes have been known about for many years, employers should already have been taking action to prevent any contact to Glyphosate, even before there was evidence it causes cancer.

Now that there is new evidence that Glyphosate is likely to cause cancer, all employers must review their risk assessments, including their COSHH assessments. Where possible they should consider alternatives to the use of herbicides, but if that is not possible they must investigate whether there are safer alternatives. If there are alternatives then they should be introduced, regardless of whether they are more expensive. However they should not rush into substituting another herbicide for Glyphosate without ensuring that they know the risk from the substitute. All herbicides are likely to have some dangers to humans.

If they are going to continue to use Glyphosate then they should look at whether there are alternatives to how it is used now. Often it is sprayed from backpacks (which often leak) and are filled in an enclosed space. The employer must consider alternative ways of applying it and also look at how containers are filled, cleaned and the chemical stored and disposed of. They also need to provide training and information to the workers about the risk.

If, after that, any workers are still likely to come into contact with Glyphosate, they must provide protective clothing. That may include gloves, masks and protective overalls. This must be done free of charge, and arrangements need to be made for them to be stored and cleaned. The safety representatives should be involved in any discussion on the best protective equipment.

Employers should also be monitoring the health of all those who use Glyphosate (or any pesticide).

Role of Union health and safety representatives

No workers should be put at risk of exposure to any substance that can lead to cancer. Many employers will not know about the risks from Glyphosate, especially as the manufacturers still continue to insist there is no risk, despite the evidence. Health and safety representatives should make sure they bring the information to their attention.

Safety representatives must ensure that their employer reviews their risk assessments and shares the results with them. Safety Reps have the right to this information!

You should try to ensure that what the employer is doing is going to be effective in protecting your members. The measures outlined in the section on what the employer should do will help you in this, but if you need advice then you should contact your union.

Inform your members about what is happening, and why.

More information

Details of the IIRC study can be found at:

http://www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/iarcnews/pdf/MonographVolume112.pdf

The HSE pesticides pages are at:

http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/guidance/industries/pesticides/home

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB561 Glyphosate – Weedkillers

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02/10/2018 0

TUC Biennial Safety Reps Survey Report 2018: “Focus

TUC Biennial Safety Reps Survey Report 2018: “Focus On Health & Safety”

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

The Survey

This is the 12th biennial TUC survey of safety representatives. The report is analysed by senior TUC policy officials and union health and safety specialists in order to understand the changing experience of safety representatives at work and to help provide more support. The TUC also uses the survey report and outputs to inform public policy debates and in work with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The TUC also wants Union Safety Representatives and Safety Committees to discuss and use the report to help with their ongoing work.

A total of 1,073 safety representatives responded to the questionnaire either on paper or online in the period March-July 2018, compared with 1,039 in the 2016 survey. The responses provide much information about the profile of safety representatives, the work they do to improve safety and the help (or otherwise) they get in this from employers and enforcement agencies.

In ‘Transport and Communications’, the industry covering the majority of CWU Safety Reps and members, twice as many Safety Representatives from Transport and Communications, including CWU Safety Reps, responded to the survey in 2018 compared with 2016, but their main concerns are little changed. Stress is still the most widespread concern but concern over long hours has slipped back from second to fifth place. Main concerns expressed by Safety Reps from this sector were; Stress 60% Bullying/harassment, 41% Slips Trips and Falls 39% Back strains 36% Long hours 35%.

Hazards

The five most frequently cited hazards of main concern in 2018, across all Safety Reps in all sectors were stress, bullying/harassment, overwork, back strains and slips, trips and falls on the level. The first four are the same as in 2016 but slips, trips and falls has replaced long hours on the level in fifth place, returning the top five to the same position as in 2014. The most notable change since 2016 in the list of main concerns is the elevation of working alone, which jumped from 10th place to sixth place. One in four safety representatives (25%) cited it this year, compared with one in six (18%) two years ago.

Stress – once again stands out as the main dominant health and safety hazard of concern, identified as a top-five hazard by 69% of safety representatives in the survey.
Bullying/harassment – concern over this hazard has grown more widespread in recent years, with 45% of safety representatives putting it in their top five.
Overwork – still in third place, with 36% of respondents citing it in 2018.
Slips, Trips and Falls – concern has risen slightly, from 28% to 31%.
Violence and threats – 23% citing it in 2018.
Managing health and safety – 8 in 10 safety representatives (80%) say their employer has conducted formal risk assessments but one in five safety reps felt they were inadequate. Fewer than half (47%) of all respondents in the survey felt their employer had conducted adequate risk assessments.
Safety representatives’ rights – There has been a welcome increase in the number of employers who are automatically consulting health and safety representatives on health and safety issues, but it is still only 28% rather than the 100% that it should be. However, one in seven of all safety representatives in the survey say management has at some time refused them time off for training. 21% are never automatically consulted by their employer over health, safety and welfare matters – although that is down from the 28% saying so in 2016. 28% are frequently automatically consulted. This will continue to be a problem until such time as employers start to recognise the value of having union health and safety representatives.
Enforcement – The decline in inspection activity was once more reflected in the responses. The 2018 survey indicates that inspections by health and safety enforcement agencies remain low, and are perhaps worsening. Over half (52%) of safety representatives say their workplace has never, as far as they know, been inspected by a health and safety inspector, compared with 46% in 2016. Just 22% said there had been an inspection within the last 12 months (24% in 2016). Even amongst the workplace that received an inspection from health and safety enforcement, only 30% of the union health and safety representatives were able to speak to an inspector directly, despite all inspectors being expected to contact any health and safety representatives. The continued reduction in regular, proactive inspections by HSE and LAs makes the monitoring and subsequent improvement of workplace health and safety even more difficult to manage and the TUC, CWU and other Unions will continue to call for an increase in the number of inspections and for the HSE and local authorities to ensure that all inspectors automatically insist in meeting health and safety inspectors where they exist.
OH Services – There have been some positive trends in the types of OH services provided, including more widespread access to rehabilitation and more common provision of advice on prevention.

A copy of the final report is attached for your information.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB557 TUC Biennial Safety Reps Survey Report 2018 Focus On Health & Safety

TUC Safety Reps Survey Report 2018

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02/10/2018 0

National and Regional RMG SHE Team/CWU Area Health & Safety Reps Meetings: (“Fixed Focus & Grow” – FFG Meetings)

National and Regional RMG SHE Team/CWU Area Health & Safety Reps Meetings: (“Fixed Focus & Grow” – FFG Meetings):

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

Discussions have taken place between Dr. Shaun Davis, Royal Mail Group Global Director of Safety, Health, Wellbeing and Sustainability and the CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department to review the current structure of National and Regional ‘Fix, Focus and Grow’ (FFG) events/meetings and their effectiveness in the current format.

After considering the options and having given the matter a great deal of thought, we have collectively reached the decision that the time has come to make some changes to these events. The changes take into account feedback from ASRs over the last couple of years and are born out of a need to make the meetings as productive as possible and maximise both ASR input as well as make the best use of everyone’s time.

To this end we have agreed to change the approach to the usual October events. Rather than having one big, national event, inviting all CWU Area Health and Safety Reps in Royal Mail Group from across the UK, held in Central London, we will now hold a number of smaller, geographically-based events – ensuring these meetings are both effective and engaging, allowing ASRs to input and raise any issues they wish for debate with more time available.

The new approach will we think be beneficial for the following reasons:‎-

1 It responds to ASR feedback about “everything always being London based”, the start/finish times being disruptive and too much travel involved for those located in the far reaches of the UK.

2 It allows improved, better quality consultation with both the CWU and Unite CMA Area Health and Safety Reps.

3 The new approach gives ASRs more of a two-way debate opportunity to input, be consulted and to have a voice that can be heard – as opposed to a front led lecture style update/briefing.

4 It makes more productive use of everyone’s time as events are closer to hand with less time spent travelling.

5 The events will cover both national issues but also be regionally focussed and more pertinent so more specific issues can be discussed.

6 Three FFGs will be established, North, Midlands and South with each meeting quarterly. Every ASR from all businesses and business units will be invited to attend their local event.‎

7 The Royal Mail Group Global Director of Safety, Health, Wellbeing and Sustainability, Dr. Shaun Davis and his Senior Leadership Team/direct reports, along with the CWU National Health, Safety and Environment Officer and Policy Assistant are committed to a joint ‘roadshow’ attending one each of these events North, Mids and South.

Dates and venues are currently being considered for the new style joint regional events and Dr. Shaun Davis and his team, plus the CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department and the Unite(CMA) Health and Safety Lead are committed to these very important safety, health, wellbeing and environmental events and Health, Safety and Environment issues collectively.

A decision has also been made by Dr. Shaun Davis, Royal Mail Group Global Director of Safety, Health, Wellbeing and Sustainability that after ten years, the annual Allan St. John Holt OBE Memorial Lecture has come to a natural end. This decision has not been taken lightly and the matter has been discussed at length with both joint sponsors RoSPA and with Allan’s widow. To preserve Allan’s legacy, the business will be introducing a memorial trophy “The Allan St. John Holt Memorial Trophy” that recognises the work of the SHE community. Allan’s widow has confirmed she is very supportive of this approach.

Finally, Dr. Shaun Davis has assured CWU/HQ and would also like to assure all CWU ASRs, WSRs and members of his ongoing commitment to trade union health, safety and environment consultation and engagement.

We jointly believe that we have built a very strong working relationship based on consultation and engagement over recent years. We would like to build on this and continue to take this relationship forward.

To this end, Dr. Shaun Davis is happy to consider invitations to attend and speak at ASR events planned regionally and locally. Shaun stated that he very much supports the great work CWU ASRs perform across all parts of Royal Mail Group.

[The contents of this LTB have been agreed with Dr. Shaun Davis, Royal Mail Group Global Director of Safety, Health, Wellbeing and Sustainability].

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB556 National and Regional RMG SHE TeamCWU Area Health & Safety Reps Meetings (Fixed Focus & Grow – FFG Meetings)

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28/09/2018 0

TSO Safety, Health & Environment Newsletter – September 2018

TSO Safety, Health & Environment Newsletter – September 2018

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

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

• 1000v tool kit –product alert

• Contractors behaving badly

• Working at Height

• World mental health day

• Greater focus on health and safety for BT’s suppliers

• Near miss of the month candidates

• Near Miss Reporting

• No smoke without fire

• New fire alarm panels

• NISM stickers –fire risk

• Steps 1A update

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB555 TSO Safety, Health & Environment Newsletter – September 2018

SHE Newsletter September 18

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28/09/2018 0

CWU/RMG Joint Statement – Shorter Working Week

Please find attached a Joint Statement between the CWU and RMG which sets out how the shorter working week is being implemented and how the revised pay arrangements (i.e. increased hourly rate and subsequent flow through to other pay elements) will take effect.

The Four Pillars Agreement is a progressive response to the challenges of our time in regard to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Gig economy, unfair competition and unprecedented insecurity for working people. Yes it is about protecting our members’ employment, standard of living and retirement security, but it is also about protecting this great public service and it is essential that we keep our eye on the prize and keep moving forward as we modernise and adapt our working time, benefits, product offerings and operations with mutual interest.

The Agreement made clear that we were targeting October 2018 for the first one hour reduction (or equivalent benefit) and CWU Representatives at all levels have been working hard to achieve this. It was a monumental aspiration to get every unit, function and grade in position to deploy the hour reduction given the sheer scale of our operations and taking account of the many differing relationships, unique functional and local problems and start points.

However, you will see from the Joint Statement that there has been an excellent response and a massive effort by all involved and we thank everyone for their hard work. Unfortunately, not everyone has got over the line yet but we are offering as much support as possible to ensure our Agreement is deployed in those units at the earliest opportunity.

Whilst it was anticipated that some units would deploy sooner than others, we did not know how the PSP system would respond. The Statement therefore confirms that:

• The vast majority of units, functions and grade Agreements are now in place to deploy the first hour (or equivalent benefit) from 1st October 2018. This will benefit 119,500 employees.

• Those sites that completed all the necessary paperwork by 12th September will ‘go live’ with the first hour reduction on 1st October, with all pay rate changes reflected in PSP immediately.

• Those units and functions that were able to complete their Agreements by 21st September will also ‘go live’ on 1st October 2018 but payroll changes via PSP will not catch up until 29th October and will therefore be backdated to the implementation date.

• We have also secured protections for those who reach Agreement but cannot deploy for operational reasons.

Although implementation of the first hour reduction is clearly a positive message, we also recognise that there are still many reported problems out in the field around resourcing and culture and we are determined to work just as hard to resolve these issues and fully deploy the spirit and intent of our Agreements.

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

Yours sincerely,

Terry Pullinger

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 553.18 Attachment 1 CWU RMG SWW Joint Statement

28/09/2018 0

Stoptober’ Campaign 2018 – Helping Smokers Quit!

Stoptober’ Campaign 2018 – Helping Smokers Quit!

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

As October is approaching we are reminding Branches of the national ‘Stoptober campaign’ promoted by Public Health England.

Giving up smoking is not easy, but the benefits are huge:

• Save Money – You’ll have much more cash in your pocket. If you smoke a packet a day, you could save around £250 each month!

• Boost your health – No matter how long you’ve smoked for, quitting can help improve your health straight away.

• Quit for your family – You’re more likely to live longer and have more energy for quality time with your children, family and friends.

If you don’t smoke, why not try and support and reassure someone who does, remind them of the benefits of giving up.

If you need support to stop smoking there is lots of guidance on the ‘Stoptober’ Website at: www.nhs.uk/OneYou/Stoptober and the RMG ‘Feeling First Class’ Website at: www.feelingfirstclass.co.uk. The guidance includes advice on how to suppress the triggers that make you want to smoke and handle cravings.

For more information on wellbeing why not take a look at the ‘Feeling First Class’ Website at; www.feelingfirstclass.co.uk (Use the code FFC1 to sign up). The CWU Health Safety and Environment Department are encouraging RMG employee CWU members to ‘Sign-Up’ as a “FFG” Website member in order to utilise all the on-line Health Tools and utilise the full benefits available.

There are also lots of ideas for ways to support giving up smoking on the Stoptober web page. Visit the following Link:- www.nhs.uk/oneyou/stoptober/home.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB554 ‘Stoptober’ Campaign 2018 – Helping Smokers Quit!

Stoptober 2018 Poster

Stoptober Leaflet

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28/09/2018 0

Breast Cancer Awareness Month – October 2018

Breast Cancer Awareness Month – October 2018

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in the UK?

The three main risk factors for breast cancer:

1 Being a woman – over 99% of new cases of breast cancer are in women.

2 Getting older – more than 80% of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50. Most men who get breast cancer are over 60.

3 Significant family history – this isn’t common, around 5% of people diagnosed with breast cancer have inherited a faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.

Breast cancer diagnosis:

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, one person is diagnosed every 10 minutes.

1 in 8 women in the UK will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month around 5,000 people will be diagnosed.

Breast cancer and survivorship:

Breast cancer survival is improving and has doubled in the past 40 years in the UK.

Almost 9 in 10 women survive breast cancer for five years or more.

Every year around 11,400 people die from breast cancer in the UK.

An estimated 691,000 are alive in the UK after a diagnosis of breast cancer. This is predicted to rise to 840,000 in 2020. For many the overwhelming emotional and physical effects of the disease can be long-lasting.

A Breast Cancer Care survey found 1 in 4 women (26%) found the end of treatment the hardest part of breast cancer and only 1 in 10 (10%) said they felt positive and ready to move on when they were discharged from hospital treatment. More than half (53%) struggled with anxiety at the end of treatment and nearly a third (31%) with depression.

Breast cancer signs and symptoms:

Knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer can lead to diagnosing the cancer sooner. This can be crucial in providing more effective treatment and, ultimately, saving lives. A Breast Cancer Care survey found a third (33%) of women aren’t regularly checking. A fifth (20%) say it’s because they don’t know how to check their breasts.

Breast cancer doesn’t always mean a lump. Other less well known symptoms include a nipple becoming inverted or a change in texture of the skin. See attached Signs and Symptoms infographic.

Breast cancer and younger women:

Around 5,600 women aged 45 and under are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK.

A Breast Cancer Care survey found just over half (53%) of younger women diagnosed with breast cancer have no discussion with healthcare professionals about fertility preservation options, which include freezing embryos or eggs.

Breast cancer and men:

Breast cancer in men is very rare with just 370 new cases in the UK each year, compared to nearly 55,000 new cases in women.

More than half (55%) of male breast cancer deaths in the UK are in men aged 75 and over.

A Breast Cancer Care survey found nearly three-quarters (73%) of men don’t check their breasts for signs and symptoms of breast cancer, even though the same number (73%) know that men can get the disease.

Secondary breast cancer:

Secondary breast cancer is when breast cancer cells spread to other parts of the body, most commonly the bones, brain, lungs or liver. It cannot be cured but it can be treated, sometimes for a number of years.

Two thirds (66%) of Hospital Trusts in England do not know how many of their patients have incurable secondary breast cancer, according to Breast Cancer Care findings. It’s estimated there are around 36,000 people in the UK living with the disease, but with such incomplete data collection, we can’t be sure.

Close to half (42%) of NHS Trusts and Health Boards surveyed by Breast Cancer Care do not provide specialist nursing care for people with incurable breast cancer.

Get involved, help raise awareness and fundraise:

12th October is Big Pink Day. Have a Big Pink Party on 12 October. Gather your friends, family or colleagues for a Big Pink party and raise money to help support anyone affected by breast cancer.

Whether you have a pink clothes day at work or a pink night in, your Big Pink can help make a difference. Sign up for your free kit at: https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/get-involved/do-your-own-fundraising/the-big-pink

13 October is Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Most women are still not receiving the ongoing, specialised support they need when they are diagnosed with this disease.

On Wednesday 24 October Breast Cancer Care is hosting a reception in Parliament to mark Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day, as part of their ‘Secondary. Not Second Rate’ campaign.

Invite your MP to the Breast Cancer Care Event so they can find out how they can ensure that people living with secondary breast cancer access the vital support they need.

For care, support and information, call Breast Cancer Care’s free Helpline on 0808 800 6000.

Access further information from the Breast Cancer Care Website: https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/

Contact Details:

Breast Cancer Care

Chester House

1–3 Brixton Road

London SW9 6DE

T: Main switch board: 0345 092 0800

Email: info@breastcancercare.org.uk

Attachments:

• Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms Infographic

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB552 Breast Cancer Awareness Month – October 2018

breast-cancer-symptoms

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27/09/2018 0

Royal Mail Delivery Office Recruits – New Starters Interim Weatherproof Protective Coat/Jacket Trial

Royal Mail Delivery Office Recruits – New Starters Interim Weatherproof Protective Coat/Jacket Trial:

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

Further to LTB No. 445/2018, dated 6 August 2018, this is an update to Branches, Regional Health and Safety Forums and Area Health and Safety Reps.

The new starter jackets are due to arrive towards the end of this week/early next week and they will be dispatched to the trial sites (see list below) once they have been through quality control at Dimensions.

The garment trial is for 12 weeks and will be looking at the waterproof, breathability and longevity qualities of the garment.

An agreed feedback form will be dispatched near the end of the trial and ASRs are requested to monitor the trial and ensure those participating complete and return the feedback forms.

List of final Trial Delivery Offices:-

• Barnstable DO

• Barvas SPDO

• Bognor DO

• Dundee East DO x 3

• Dungannon DO x 3

• Exeter DO x 2

• Forres DO

• Gosport DO x 2

• Newport (IOW) x 2

• Portsmouth MPU x 4

• Isle of Raasay SPDO

• Stornaway DO

• West London DC x 3

The current Stormproof/Weatherproof Coat is part of the RMG PPE Matrix. Should the ‘interim’ coat be retained post trial, it will be included in the PPE Matrix review and update which the Health, Safety and Environment Department will be undertaking with the RMG SHE team at the appropriate time, taking account of the trial outcome in consultation with the Postal Department. LTB720/15, dated 16 November 2015, entitled ‘Royal Mail Group/CWU Joint Statement and New Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Safety Standard’ refers.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB551 Royal Mail Delivery Office Recruits – New Starters Interim Weatherproof Protective Coat Jacket Trial

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26/09/2018 0

TUC/CWU National Health & Safety Inspection Day – Wednesday of European Health and Safety Week – ‪24 October 2018‬ – TUC/CWU Guidance and Royal Mail Support

TUC/CWU National Health & Safety Inspection Day – Wednesday of European Health and Safety Week – 24 October 2018 – TUC/CWU Guidance and Royal Mail Support:

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

The TUC National Inspection Day traditionally falls on the Wednesday of each European Health and Safety Week and the CWU with Royal Mail Group endorsement will be supporting the initiative again in 2018 and the Health, Safety and Environment Department want all CWU Safety Reps carrying out Safety Inspections that day, engaging Safety Managers and Operational Managers and of course CWU Members, in the process. Remember – The law empowers Safety Reps with the legal right to carry out inspections and the law defines a ‘Workplace as any place or places where a worker works or is likely to work or frequent during the course of their duties’ – this can be a building, yard, customer’s premises or out on the street where outdoor workers visit, perform work or go on their delivery/collection rounds.

The Key Dates Are:

• European Health and Safety Week 22-28 October 2018.

• National Inspection Day Wednesday 24 October 2018.

This year, the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department is once again encouraging CWU Safety Reps to specifically consider Health and Safety Inspections at higher risk workplaces, areas or functions or specific jobs and consider whether the workplace is healthy and safe for all.

This year’s European Health and Safety Week theme and focus is ‘Healthy Workplaces Manage Dangerous Substances’.

The TUC/CWU National Inspection Day is also an ideal time to discuss key health and safety issues with members.

Safety Rep workplace health and safety inspections don’t just have to focus on the tangible hard hazards such as slip and trip risks, fire risks, and work stations. They can also focus on intangible hazards and solutions that don’t have a physical presence, including shift work, job rotation, specific tasks, working environment and flexible working.

So during this European Health and Safety Week and National Inspection Day, CWU Headquarters is encouraging branches and their Safety Reps to ask members about their experiences at work and how these might be improved. So please carry out an inspection this forthcoming National Inspection Day!

The TUC designated National Inspection Day aims to encourage Safety Reps to conduct a workplace health and safety inspection. Remember, workplaces with active Safety Reps are twice as safe as those without.

Carrying Out An Inspection Will Enable Safety Reps To:

• Raise awareness of the issues;

• Identify issues that need to be raised with the employer;

• Raise the profile of their role;

• Meet members, hear their concerns, and ask if they would like to get more involved, maybe by becoming a safety rep; and

• Meet non-members, as issues they have or raise may present opportunities for recruitment.

• Offer members the opportunity to speak to a Union Safety Rep in private for a confidential chat.

Some Suggested Focus Points For The Week:

• Check cleaners’ cupboards are being locked, and materials such as oil and anti-freeze are locked away‎ in offices. Fleet and Engineering ASRs will check controls, safe use methods and security of all toxic and flammable substances etc.

• Ask staff if they have received the WTLL/Briefings for the week and check understanding by asking questions around what to do‎ with substances.

• Check the “Stay Calm” folders and Log Books are completed and in place.

• Check to see if the Asbestos and Legionnaires reports are filed correctly and are easily retrievable.

• Check knowledge of “Be Aware” processes.

TUC & CWU Guides Will Be Of Assistance To Safety Reps. See Attached:

• TUC’s Workplace Safety Rep Inspection guide

• CWU Health & Safety Inspections Guide For Safety Reps

• SRSC Regulations 1977 Brown Book TUC 2015 Version

• RMG/CWU Joint Statement

The guides are also useful tools for Safety Reps.

Health And Safety – Why Inspect?

The CWU believes that health and safety in the workplace is an issue for everyone. Every year, thousands of people suffer accidents and ill-health at work – most of which could be avoided. Look at the statistics below. Inspections are a way of identifying dangers, hazards and risks in order to control or eliminate them and so avoid accidents and injuries.

Key Annual Figures 2017/18

137 workers killed at work.

12,000 lung disease deaths estimated to be linked to past work exposures

2,515 Mesothelioma deaths due to past asbestos exposures.

70,116 other injuries to employees were reported under RIDDOR.

621,000 injuries occurred at work according to the Labour Force Survey.

1.3 million working people were suffering from a work-related illness.

0.5 million workers suffering work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

0.5 million workers suffering from work-related stress, depression or anxiety.

30.4 million working days were lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury.

11,403 Prohibition & Improvement Notices issued by all enforcing bodies.

554 cases prosecuted with fines from convictions totalling £69.9 million.

£14.1 billion is the estimated cost to UK society of workplace injuries and ill health (excluding cancer) from current working conditions.

Royal Mail has endorsed the TUC/CWU National Health and Safety Inspection Day on Wednesday 24 October 2017.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB550 TUC CWU National Health & Safety Inspection Day 24 October 2018

TUC Health & Safety Inspection Guide

CWU Health-And-Safety-Inspections-Guide-For-Safety-Representatives

tuc-safety-reps-brown-book-2015-final

National Inspection Day Joint Statement

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26/09/2018 0

CWU Poster – European Health and Safety Week ‪2018 – 22 – 28‬ October and the EU Campaign 2018-19 Theme ‘Healthy Workplaces – Hazardous Substances’

CWU Poster – European Health and Safety Week 2018 – 22 – 28 October and the EU Campaign 2018-19 Theme ‘Healthy Workplaces – Hazardous Substances’

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

Further to LTB503/18 regarding the above, the Health, Safety & Environment Department is circulating copies of the CWU Campaign Poster for the 2018 European Health and Safety Week and European Campaign ‘Healthy Workplaces – Hazardous Substances’.

The Posters along with the previously circulated information will assist Branches and Safety Representatives to promote this important European Campaign and European Health and Safety Week which we trust will receive your full support and participation.

The CWU takes health and safety seriously and European Health and Safety Week is a great opportunity to highlight the fantastic work CWU safety reps do every day. We are asking our Safety Reps and branches to use European Health and Safety Week to shine a spotlight on this vital work to keep members and the public safe, promote better health and safety and highlight the role of the Union and our safety reps in achieving this. That’s why we ask our safety reps to organise events in their workplaces and to time things so that they carry out a safety inspection in their workplace on National Inspection Day, during that week.

The theme for the Healthy Workplaces Campaign 2018-19, organised by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), is ‘Healthy Workplaces Manage Dangerous Substances’. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the risks posed by dangerous substances in the workplace and to promote a culture of risk prevention to eliminate and, where that’s not possible, effectively manage these risks.

Many workers across Europe are affected by exposure to dangerous substances. In recent decades some substances, such as asbestos, have been banned, restricted or subjected to strict regulatory control. However, dangerous substances continue to be a major safety and health issue in some workplaces.

For the purposes of this campaign, a dangerous substance is any substance in gas, liquid or solid form, including aerosols, fumes and vapours, that can pose a risk to workers’ health or safety. This includes manufactured chemicals, process-generated substances such as diesel exhaust or dust, and naturally occurring substances used in work processes.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB549 CWU Poster – European Health and Safety Week 22-28 October 2018

European H&S Week Poster

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