Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning 2018

Branches will be aware of the policy adopted at General Conference 2010 to present the “Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning” which is presented to a Union Learning Representative (ULR) or group of ULRs who have made a significant contribution to lifelong learning within the CWU. The award is presented each year at our CWU ULR National Networking Event. This year will follow tradition and be part of the agenda at this year’s event scheduled to be held in Bournemouth over two days on the 21st and 22nd November 2018.

Last year the accolade was awarded jointly to Christine Carruthers (Tyne & Wear Clerical), Geoff Hodge (Somerset, Devon & Cornwall), and Scott Taylor (Glasgow & District Amal) and as usual we received a good number of nominations of a very high quality.

I am now inviting applications for the 2018 Annual Ken McKenzie award for lifelong learning. The award will be made in recognition of exceptional achievements and contributions to lifelong learning and training by a CWU ULR or a group of CWU ULRs.

Nominations can be made by Branches, Regional Learning Committees or Regional Committees via letter or email to my Departmemt .

Nominations should include a précis of the nominated ULR or group of ULRs endeavours and achievements and be sent to:

Michelle Simpson, Education and Training Department, CWU, 150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1RX or email learn@cwu.org

The closing date for nominations will be FRIDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2018.

Any queries relating to this LTB should be addressed to me via the Education and Training Department at learn@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Trish Lavelle

HEAD OF EDUCATION & TRAINING

18LTB 416 – Ken McKenzie Award 2018

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Royal Mail Group Message To Managers – ‘Stay Safe in the Sun’ ‎& Severe Weather Risk Assessment For Sun

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

With temperatures rising, it’s important that all members working outdoors stay safe in the Sun and avoid Sun Burn, Heat Stress and Dehydration.

Given that the hot weather is forecasted to continue with temperatures as high as 35c/95F the Royal Mail Safety Health and Environment Management team have been briefed to make sure that Operational Managers and Royal Mail and Parcelforce Delivery/Collection workers are focussed on the Sun Safety messages and also that Unit Managers complete a Severe Weather Risk Assessment for “Sun” to avoid unnecessary staff sun burn/sun stress/dehydration conditions which could lead to injury or illness.

Managers and staff have been reminded of the key messages in WTLL this week and the “Stay Safe in the Sun” guidance has been reissued. WhatsApp users have also been sent a video message from Dr Shaun Davis.

Managers must carry out a Severe Risk Assessment in consultation with the CWU ASR ‎where the temperature and the periods of sun exposure increase significantly as at present.

To complete a severe weather risk assessment managers need to visit the Royal Mail Intranet, SHE Management System Standard 2A:1 entitled ‘Severe Weather Risk Assessment’, download a copy of the risk assessment and complete the details for their office, they then need to click on the Heat & Sun Symbol and work through the questions. The risk assessment will then prompt a list of controls which the manager should consider implementing depending on the local conditions.‎ The Manager must consult the CWU ASR on the assessment and controls as set out in the assessment process and take account of the ASR’s input.

‎The CWU HQ Health Safety and Environment Dept has raised concerns with RMG HQ Directors, SHE, HR, as well as the Chief Operating Officer requesting that Unit managers be reminded of their risk assessment obligations.

Managers have been asked to brief their outdoor staff on Sun Safety as follows – to take the five simple steps in Sunny, Hot weather in order to not put their health at risk:

2 Cover up – To keep the sun off your skin, wear long, loose clothing. Your uniform is made from a special fabric to protect against ultraviolet radiation.

3 Protect your head– Ensure you protect your head, face, ears and neck. Wear the wide brim hat that’s part of your uniform – it’s specially treated to protect against the sun. Remember to use sunglasses with UV protection.

4 Seek shade– Seek shade away from the sun when you have the chance, especially during the most powerful ultraviolet periods between 11am and 3pm in the summer months.

5 Use sunscreen– Use SPF 30 or higher on any exposed skin – apply it half an hour before going outside, put plenty of sunscreen on and reapply it frequently.

6 Be skin safe– Report mole changes (size, shape, colour, itching or bleeding) or any other concerns about your skin to your doctor as soon as possible – don’t put it off, early treatment is important.

7 Drink plenty of water on warmer days to prevent dehydration.

ANY NON-COMPLIANCE BY OPERATIONAL MANAGERS SHOULD BE PROGRESSED VIA THE NATIONALLY AGREED RMG SHE STANDARD 5.1 ‘DISPUTES ESCALATION PROCESS’.

Attachment:

• Managers’ Update – Severe Weather Warning

‎Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB421 Royal Mail Group Message To Managers – ‘Stay Safe in the Sun’ ‎& Severe Weather Risk Assessment For Sun

Managers’ Update Severe Weather Warning

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Skin Cancer – “Be Sun Smart & Skin Safe”

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

Temperatures have now risen to the highest of the year and record levels bring dangers with sunlight exposure and dehydration. We want Reps and members to be aware of those risks!

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, and rates continue to rise.

At least 100,000 new cases are now diagnosed each year, and the disease kills over 2,500 people each year in the UK – that’s seven people every day.

Whilst we are getting better at understanding how skin cancer works, we still have a long way to go. On average, someone who dies from skin cancer typically loses 20 years of their life, and rates of malignant melanoma are rising faster than any other type of common cancer.

There are three types of skin cancer: malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

You can read more about the types of skin cancer below:

• Malignant Melanoma

Cutaneous malignant melanoma is a cancer of the pigment cells of the skin. If it is treated early, the outlook is usually good. It is not contagious.

Melanomas can come up in or near to a mole, but can also appear on skin that looks quite normal. They develop when the skin pigment cells (melanocytes) become cancerous and multiply in an uncontrolled way.

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the non-melanoma skin cancers. It is the second most common type of skin cancer in the UK.

Squamous cell carcinomas can occur on any part of your body, but are most common on areas that are exposed to the sun, such as your head and neck (including the lips and ears) and the backs of your hands. Squamous cell carcinomas can also crop up where the skin has been damaged by X-rays, and also on old scars, ulcers, burns and persistent chronic wounds. Squamous cell carcinomas are not contagious.

• Basal Cell Carcinoma

A basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer. There are two main types of skin cancer: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. BCC is a non-melanoma skin cancer, and is the most common type (> 80%) of all skin cancer (skin cancer incidence is < 1%) in the UK. BCC are sometimes referred to as ‘rodent ulcers’.

Basal cell carcinomas mainly affect fair skinned adults and are more common in men than women. Apart from a rare familial condition called Gorlin’s syndrome, basal cell carcinomas are not hereditary. However some of the things that increase the risk of getting one (e.g. a fair skin, a tendency to burn rather than tan, and freckling) do run in families.

UV exposure is the main preventable cause of skin cancer, so here are a few tips on how to stay safe in the sun:

Clothing 

Clothing should always be your first line of defense against damage from the sun, with sunscreen being used in addition to clothes, including a hat, t-shirt and UV protective sunglasses. Clothing provided by RM and BT has a high UV ray protective rating.

Find the right sunscreen

Use a sunscreen of SPF30 (SPF stands for ‘Sun Protection Factor’) and refers to the level of protection against UVB radiation, linked to skin cancer. Look for a four or ideally five star UVA rating on the bottle which will help protect from UVA radiation, associated with skin ageing. You may also find that the UVA rating is represented by the letters ‘UVA’ inside a circle. (BT provides Sunscreen free – Royal Mail does not – The Union has a long standing claim for Royal Mail to provide it to all outdoor staff free).

Get your timing right

Skin needs time to absorb sunscreen, so apply generously about 20 to 30 minutes before going out. Reapply frequently at least every two hours, as it can come off when sweating or through rubbing.

Seek shelter!

The sun tends to be strongest in the middle of the day, so find some shade typically between 11am and 3pm, especially if you are very fair skinned. Just 10 minutes of strong sunshine is all it takes to burn pale skin. Take breaks in the shade.

Water
Drink plenty of water and avoid dehydration.

See attached CWU Leaflet and Poster and the Royal Mail Leaflet giving advice.

Branches and Regional Health and Safety Forums can purchase additional posters and pocket fact cards from CWU HQ Communications. Contact details for orders: Debby Akerman Post and Repro Department at CWU HQ dakerman@cwu.org T: 0208 971 7218.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB420 Skin Cancer – Be Sun Smart & Skin Safe

04131 Sun Smart leaflet 3up

04724 Sun Smart poster

SunSafeNew

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Sun Poisoning or Severe Sunburn Warning:

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

This LTB and information is being issued further to advice issued annually to assist Branches and Safety Reps in conveying important Sun Safety information to outdoor workers.

2018 is set to be the hottest year on record, according to a global forecast by the Met Office. The Met Office long-range prediction forecast suggests that by the end of 2018 we will have seen five record years in a row for temperatures with this month hitting 35C (95F).

Don’t Underestimate The Dangers Of Sun Poisoning

Everybody loves to make the most of it when the sun comes out, which is great as sunlight is good for the bones and for our overall health. However, overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause inflammation of the skin, otherwise known as sunburn. Extended overexposure can lead to sun poisoning, which is a more severe form of sunburn. Unfortunately, most people underestimate the potential danger of sun poisoning. If you’ve spent too much time in the sun and are feeling sun poisoning symptoms, don’t just dismiss them. You need immediate care to alleviate these symptoms and prevent potential long term effects.

Why is Sun Poisoning Dangerous?

Sunburn or sun poisoning early in life puts you at a higher risk for developing skin cancer later on. However, frequent overexposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun causes untold damage to the skin and eyes. It increases the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness and also causes the skin to dry out leading to premature wrinkling and scarring.

Recognizing Sun Poisoning Symptoms

If you’ve stayed out in the sun too long, some of the immediate symptoms of sunburn that you will see are that you feel dehydrated and your skin is red, flushed and tender and even the slightest touch causes pain. A few days after the exposure, your skin may begin to blister or swell or peel or in severe cases, it may develop rashes or welts. Limited exposure to the sun may have milder symptoms that could range from skin redness to skin irritation or mild pain.

Prolonged overexposure to the sun could cause sun poisoning, which has more severe symptoms.

Severe sunburn or sun poisoning can cause symptoms such as the following:

• Fever and chills

• • Headache

• • Dizziness or disorientation

• • Dehydration

• • Nausea

• • Facial Swelling

• • Rapid breathing and rapid pulse

• • Pain and tingling

• • Skin redness, severe blistering and soreness

• • Shock with loss of consciousness

• • Heat stroke (Heat stroke is a severe form of hyperthermia and is considered a medical emergency)

Risk Factors for Sun Poisoning

The intensity of your sun poisoning symptoms depends upon several factors including:-

• Your skin type: Lighter coloured skin is more susceptible to sun burn.

• The time, duration and season of the exposure: UV rays are strongest at noon and immediately before and after noon (between 10 am and 3 pm) and especially so in summer and spring.

• Medications you may be taking: Some drugs are sun-sensitizing and have been proven to increase a person’s susceptibility to sun poisoning.

Measures for Preventing Sun Poisoning

The best way to prevent sun poisoning is to avoid spending too much time in the sun, especially in direct sunlight in the middle of a hot summer’s day. When you do go out in the sun, wear protective clothing – a large brimmed hat, loose long-sleeved shirt and long trousers and wear protective sunscreen over all exposed parts of the skin. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated while spending time in the sun. While mild sunburn can be easily managed by drinking a lot of water and applying a dampened cloth over the affected areas followed by application of a soothing cream, if you have the symptoms of sun poisoning, it is best to seek medical care as soon as possible.

Skin Cancer – Facts, Prevention & Detection

• Almost all skin cancers are caused by over-exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) from the sun and/or sunbeds.

• All skin types can be damaged by exposure to UVR. Damage is permanent, irreversible and increases with each exposure.

• Skin cancer is the UK’s most common and fastest rising cancer.

• Malignant melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young adults (aged 15-34) in the UK.

• More people die from skin cancer in the UK than Australia.

• Over 80% of all Skin Cancers are caused by over-exposure to the Sun and/or Sunbeds making the majority of all skin cancers preventable with sun safety measures.

The UV Index

The UV Index provides a daily forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to the sun. The index provides UK intensity levels on a scale of 0 to 10+, where 0 is minimal risk and 10+ means very high risk. The aim of the index is to warn people of increased risk and encourage them to change their behaviour in order to protect themselves against risks of skin cancer and skin damage. The UV Index does not exceed 8 in the UK (8 is rare; 7 may occur on exceptional days, mostly in the two weeks towards the end of June). Indices of 9 and 10 are common in the Mediterranean area. However even the moderate exposure category level requires people to take precautions.

The UV index can be checked on the TV Weather Forecasts, at the BBC or at the Met Office Website at:-

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/health/public/uvindex#?tab=map&map=MaxUVIndex&zoom=5&lon=-4.00&lat=55.71&fcTime=1464566400

UV index

Index

Exposure & Met Office Advice1-2

Low – Safe to be outside3-5

Moderate – Wear a wide-brimmed Hat, Sunglasses and use Sunscreen – Cover up, Seek Shade – Drink Plenty of Water6-7

High – Wear a wide-brimmed Hat, Sunglasses and use Sunscreen – Cover up, Seek Shade – Drink Plenty of Water8-10

Very high – Wear a wide-brimmed Hat, Sunglasses and use Sunscreen – Cover up, Seek Shade – Drink Plenty of Water11

Extreme – Wear a wide-brimmed Hat, Sunglasses and use Sunscreen – Cover up, Seek Shade – Drink Plenty of Water
CWU “Sun Smart & Skin Safe” Campaign Pocket Fact Cards and Posters

These cards and posters have been produced for CWU Branches, for distribution to all our outdoor workers and workplaces as part of our Union’s annual campaign to lift the awareness of our members to the now very serious growing risk of sun burn and skin cancer as well as heat stress, stroke and dehydration.

Branches and Regional Health and Safety Forums can purchase additional posters and pocket fact cards from CWU HQ:

A batch of 10 posters = £1.40; and 50 posters = £7.00

A batch of 10 pocket fact cards = 68p; and 50 pocket fact cards = £2.89

Contact details for orders: Debby Akerman Post and Repro Department at CWU HQ dakerman@cwu.org T: 0208 971 7218

Attachments:

Sun Smart Leaflet/Pocket Card

Sun Smart Poster

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB419 Sun Poisoning or Severe Sunburn Warning

Sun Smart Poster

Sun Smart Skin Safe Fact Cards

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CWU “Sun Smart-Skin Safe” Campaign – Look after your skin and stay safe in the sun:

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

As the UK heatwave continues with temperatures hitting records of 35C (95F), the Health, Safety & Environment Department is taking the opportunity to warn members about the risks associated with hot weather, dehydration, sun stroke and Skin Cancer through sunlight/UV ray exposure.

Dangers of UV rays

The short-term risks of sun exposure are sunburn and sunstroke.

The longer-term risks (over decades) include:

• actinic (solar) keratoses – rough and scaly pre-cancerous spots on the skin

• skin cancer – including both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer

• eye problems – such as photokeratitis (snow blindness) and cataracts

• premature ageing of the skin and wrinkling

Here is some important advice regarding firstly, following the 5 S’s and secondly, the message “early detection saves lives so act quickly and seek advice”.

The FIVE S’s of Sun Safety

The main cause of skin cancer is exposure to sunlight or sunbeds. Remember, it is not just sunbathing that puts people at risk, but just being in the sun without adequate protection. If you’re an outdoor worker and/or take part in outdoor hobbies, activities or sport you will be at greater risk.

Sunburn increases the risk of Skin Cancer and a Sun Tan isn’t healthy! It indicates that the skin has been damaged! And that damage stays there increasing the person’s risk of skin cancer.

To keep safe and make sure you NEVER BURN you should follow the 5 S’s of Sun Safety:-

1 SHOULDERS – COVER UP – The Royal Mail Clothing Fabrics are ‘UV protective’ so always try and keep your shoulders and body covered up.

2 SUN HAT – Always wear a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck and ears – Royal Mail provide these as part of the Uniform so order one and use it.

3 SUNSCREEN – Apply a good quality SPF 30+/ min 3 star rating sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA protection, to exposed areas of skin – making sure you use enough and reapply every 2 hours.

4 SUNGLASSES – Wear wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection to give your eyes adequate protection from the sun’s rays.

5 SHADE – Always seek shade whenever you can, particularly during the hottest time of the day between 11am-3pm and when you have breaks if your job keeps you out in it.

Avoid Dehydration

Be wary of dehydration – the lack of sufficient water in the body. The best way to beat dehydration is to drink before you get thirsty. If you wait until after you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Water is important to the body at all times, but especially in warm weather. It keeps the body from overheating. When you exercise or work, your muscles generate heat. To keep from burning up, your body needs to get rid of that heat. The main way the body discards heat in warm weather is through sweat. As sweat evaporates, it cools the tissues beneath. Lots of sweating reduces the body’s water level, and this loss of fluid affects normal bodily functions so you need to replace the fluid. Take Water with you when working outside and drink plenty.

Early Detection

Detecting skin cancers early save lives – FACT! Particularly in the case of Melanoma, the deadliest form of the disease. It is important to check your skin regularly for signs of change, and consult your doctor immediately if you detect any changes particularly with moles, or if you’re unsure of any unusual marks, patches, sores or spots, no matter how small they are – get the GP to check it out.

Look after your skin, stay safe in the sun! – Don’t become a statistic and enjoy the sun SAFELY.

For further information about the prevention and early detection of skin cancer and to find out more see attached pdf’s.

CWU “Sun Smart – Skin Safe” Safety Code Campaign Material

See attached posters and pocket fact cards.

Branches and Regional Health and Safety Forums can purchase additional posters and pocket fact cards from CWU HQ:

A batch of 10 posters = £1.40; and 50 posters = £7.00

A batch of 10 pocket fact cards = 68p; and 50 pocket fact cards = £2.89

Contact details for orders: Debby Akerman Post and Repro Department at CWU HQ dakerman@cwu.org T: 0208 971 7218

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB417 CWU Sun Smart-Skin Safe Campaign – Look after your skin and stay safe in the sun

Sun Smart Poster

Sun Smart Skin Safe Fact Cards

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Stay Safe in the Sun – Get To Know Your Skin

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

Attached is a pdf copy of the award winning Joint Royal Mail/CWU/IOSH “Stay Safe In The Sun” Leaflet/Poster, first issued as a pocket z-card in 2015 and 2016.

The attached pdf version can be reproduced and used as a handout to members in Delivery Offices and other Offices and can also be downloaded and printed in a poster version.

It’s important that Branch Officials and Health and Safety Reps raise awareness of the messages in the leaflet during the current heatwave.

The first part of the leaflet centres on the 6-point ‘Sun Safe’ message which ‎is:-

• Cover Up

• Protect your Head

• ‎Take your break in the shade

• Use Sunscreen on exposed skin

• Be Skin Smart

• Drink Plenty of Water

The leaflet also explains how to understand the ‘UV Index’ and the Low, Moderate, High, Very High and Extreme Levels with advice in each level.

The second part‎ of the leaflet is about getting to know your skin, how to check for signs of Skin Cancer and the risk levels with different skin types.

‎The message is a serious one with skin cancer levels in the UK at their highest ever. 100,000 new cases annually, 2,500 deaths annually.

Prompt medical attention is crucial should skin changes indicate the start of Cancer.

A sun tan isn’t a sign of good health! It’s a sign of deep skin damage‎ and with it an increased risk of developing skin cancer!

Cover up, use sunscreen and drink plenty of water to avoid the dangers of dehydration. Take regular breaks in the shade are the key messages to members.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB418 Stay Safe in the Sun – Get To Know Your Skin

SunSafeNew

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BiTC Mental Health at Work Survey 2018

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

The Health, Safety & Environment Department has been belatedly informed that Business in the Community (BiTC) has launched its Mental Health at Work 2018 survey and has requested our support.

Now in its third year, the Mental Health at Work survey is once again looking to find out how employers are supporting their people’s mental health to help develop recommendations for businesses.

It’s widely accepted that mental ill health is one of the biggest public health challenges facing society. Research shows that one in six workers experience stress, depression or anxiety at any one time meaning that the workplace is a key area to manage and tackle mental ill health.

BiTC’s research is therefore a key part of tracking progress around workplace mental health and providing the insights businesses need to improve their approaches.

BiTC are calling on anyone in the UK who is employed or self-employed and over the age of 16 to take part in the survey, which closes for submissions on the 27th of July.

As the biggest survey of its kind, the research is also supported by national partners including Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England, Mind, Mental Health at Work, CIPD, ILM and The Work Foundation.

Share your experiences via the BiTC survey here:-

https://g4-emea.yougov.com/vd3ylY8DLpzT8k

The aim of this important survey is to help end the silence around mental health.

The research is managed independently by ‘YouGov’ on behalf of Business in the Community, the Prince’s Responsible Business Network. Business in the Community’s members work together to tackle a wide range of issues that are essential to building a fairer society and a more sustainable future.

All work is carried out in accordance with the Market Research Society Code of Conduct and in compliance with UK data protection legislation.

All responses will be kept strictly confidential.

The survey is easy to complete and will take around 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

Please encourage as many members to complete it as possible in the time available.

The survey will close on Friday 27th July.

BiTC have stated that contributors’ views make a difference.

Yours sincerely

 

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB412 BiTC Mental Health at Work Survey 2018

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Health & Safety Scotland Exhibition and Conference 12-13 September 2018

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

The Health, Safety and Environment Department has received notification of the above event from the organisers. This will be held at the SEC Centre, Exhibition Way, Glasgow, Scotland, G3 8YW on 12th and 13th September 2018.

Health & Safety Scotland provides a combined health and safety exhibition and educational opportunity through a range of exhibition stands, conference and seminar sessions on a range of health and safety subjects with a range of expert speakers and safety professional speakers. Health & Safety Scotland inform us that the event will feature an excellent speaker line-up.

All sessions are free-to-attend and with all seminars being CPD accredited.

The Health & Safety Scotland exhibition will feature over 300 of the UK’s leading manufacturers, suppliers and service providers all under one roof.

Further information on the event can be accessed and registration to attend is via the organiser’s website at: http: www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk/scotland.

The Fire Safety Scotland event is co-located, running alongside this event and that can be visited at the same time in an adjacent hall at the SEC.

Upcoming Events From The Same Organisers:-

• HEALTH & SAFETY NORTH – 9 – 10 October 2018 – Event City, Manchester

• THE HEALTH & SAFETY EVENT – 9 – 11 April 2019 – NEC, Birmingham

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB414 Health & Safety Scotland Exhibition and Conference 12-13 September 2018

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HSE Publish Workplace Fatal Injuries Statics Report 2017/18 – Showing an Increase in Workplace Fatalities:

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its annual figures for work-related fatal injuries for 2017/18, as well as the number of people known to have died from the asbestos-related cancer, Mesothelioma, in 2016.

The provisional annual data for work-related fatal injuries revealed that 144 workers were fatally injured between April 2017 and March 2018 (a rate of 0.45 per 100,000 workers). This represents an increase of nine fatalities from 2016/17. The increase in the number of workers fatally injured is clearly a source of concern and the figures serve as a reminder of why health and safety is so important and why the HSE must not become complacent and must step up efforts to prevent all forms of injury, death and ill health at work.

The new HSE figures show how fatal injuries are spread across the different industrial sectors:

• 38 fatal injuries to construction workers were recorded, accounting for the largest share of any industry. The annual average rate over the last five years in construction is around four times as high as the all industry rate.

• 29 fatal injuries to agricultural workers were recorded. This sector continues to account for a large share of the annual fatality count. It has the highest rate of fatal injury of all the main industry sectors, around 18 times as high as the all industry rate.

• 12 fatal injuries to waste and recycling workers were recorded. Despite being a relatively small sector in terms of employment, the annual average fatal injury rate over the last five years is around 16 times as high as the all industry rate.

• 15 fatal injuries were recorded in both the manufacturing and the transport and storage sectors. Both industries have an annual average rate of fatal injury around 1.5 – 2 times the rate across all industries over the last five years.

The three most common causes of fatal injuries continue to be due to:

• Workers falling from height (35)

• Workers being struck by a moving vehicle (26)

• Workers being struck by a moving object (23)

These account for 60 per cent of fatal injuries in 2017/18.

The new figures also highlight the risks to older workers; 40 per cent of fatal injuries in 2017/18 were to workers aged 60 or over, even though such workers made up only around 10 per cent of the workforce.

In addition, there were also 100 members of the public fatally injured in incidents connected to work in 2017/18 with just over half of these fatalities occurring on railways.

Mesothelioma, contracted through past exposure to asbestos and one of the few work-related diseases where deaths can be counted directly, killed 2,595 in Great Britain in 2016. The current figures are largely a consequence of occupational asbestos exposures that occurred before 1980. Annual Mesothelioma deaths are expected to remain broadly at current levels for the rest of the decade before beginning to decline.

A fuller assessment of work related ill-health and injuries, drawing on the HSE’s full range of data sources, will be provided as part of the annual Health and Safety Statistics release on 31 October 2018.

Workers deaths recorded by the HSE over the last 10 years show:-

• 2017/18 – 144

• 2016/17 – 137

• 2015/16 – 147

• 2014/15 – 142

• 2013/14 – 136

• 2012/13 – 150

• 2011/12 – 173

• 2010/11 – 175

• 2009/10 – 152

• 2008/09 – 180

A deeper analysis of statistics by the ‘Hazards Campaign’ report that a more accurate and inclusive set of figures would show:-

• 144 Workers Killed – reported to HSE via RIDDOR

• 50 Workers killed at sea and in the air

• 600 Workers killed in road traffic accidents whilst working

• 300 Members of the public killed by work activities

• 103 deaths caused by work related cancers

• 18,000 Work related Heart Disease deaths

• 20,000 Work related respiratory illness deaths

• 6,000 Other work related disease deaths

Government Health & Safety Cuts and Political Turmoil

Heavy cuts to Government funding of the HSE has undoubtedly, in the Trade Unions view, made workplaces less safe and influenced the rise in deaths at work reported for the year. The increase in workplace deaths may be the first sign of the effect of years of budget cuts and reductions in inspections, Enforcement Notices issued and prosecutions, filtering through. The Government cuts to health and safety funding will gradually, increasingly impact on workers. The latest increase in reported workplace deaths reported by the HSE undermines the complacent and ever-repeated statement rolled out ‘parrot-fashion’ by Government Ministers and HSE ‘top brass’ that “The UK has the best safety record in the world and one that is the envy of the world.’ The reductions in the HSE’s and Local Authorities’ ability to inspect workplaces is now being widely brought into question. In every aspect of life, you get what you pay for and the UK Government is paying less money and therefore there’s less attention being paid to workplace safety year on year.

The current political turmoil is an added challenge to protecting workers today in the UK. The Government is in a state of “Brexit Paralysis” and is bogged down by in-fighting and lack of cohesion and direction as the country is like a rudderless ship, adrift in a sea of confusion with no way of knowing where it will land up. It’s essential that the Trade Unions remain focused on protecting health and safety and join forces with other organisations to achieve our vision of work that doesn’t kill, injure or harm anyone but instead enhances their health and wellbeing.

The fatal accident statistics indicate that things are on the slide and against that backdrop, the indication from central Government is that more funding cuts are on the way in the next spending and budget review. We need to continue to campaign in line with CWU and TUC policy, even more vigorously, to make workplaces more healthy and safe. That’s the least we should do as a memorial to the workers made ill, injured and killed at work every year.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB413 HSE Publish Workplace Fatal Injuries Statics Report 2017-18 – Showing an Increase in Workplace Fatalities HSE – Workplace Fatal Injuries Annual Statistics 2018

HSE – Workplace Fatal Injuries Annual Statistics 2018

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House of Commons – EFRA Parliamentary Select Committee Dangerous Dogs Law & Enforcement Inquiry – CWU Supplementary Written Evidence July 2018

To: All Royal Mail Group Based CWU ASRs

Dear Colleagues,

LTB 405/18 reported on Dave Joyce’s Televised Oral Evidence Session to the EFRA Parliamentary Select Committee Dangerous Dogs Law & Enforcement Inquiry, held in the House of Commons on 27 June 2018, televised on BBC Parliament TV and provided a link to those wishing to take the opportunity to watch a Parliament TV recording of Dave Joyce giving evidence on behalf of CWU members and dog attack victims, calling for changes to further strengthen the law (the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 as amended by the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime & Policing Act 2014) and toughen up enforcement and sentences handed down by the courts.

• Once again, it can be watched on the following link: https://youtu.be/QWI_UiggYNU

Following the oral evidence session on 27th June, CWU National Health, Safety & Environment Officer Dave Joyce was invited by the Chair of the Inquiry, Neil Parrish MP, to submit further supplementary written evidence to The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Parliamentary Select Committee’s Inquiry into Dangerous Dogs Legislation to assist the Inquiry Committee further.

• A Copy of the Supplementary Written Evidence Submission is attached for the information of Branches, Health and Safety Reps, Regional Health and Safety Forums and Regional Committees.

For your information, the Terms of Reference for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Parliamentary Select Committee Inquiry into the legislation on dangerous dogs is as follows:-

• How effective is the Government’s current approach to protecting the public from dangerous dog attacks?

• What changes, if any, should be made to the current approach and legislation?

• How can local authorities and Police forces be best supported in reducing the number of dangerous dog-related incidents?

• What lessons could the UK learn from other countries dealing with similar issues?

There has been substantial debate about the effectiveness of the UK’s Dangerous Dogs legislation and the impact on dog welfare. 40 people died between 1989 and 2016 in dog-related incidents. The number of attacks has also risen, with the NHS reporting that yearly hospital admissions for dog bites have increased by 76% between 2006-2016 to around 7,500 a year.

Attachments:

• CWU Supplementary Written Evidence dated 11 July 2018 to the EFRA House Of Commons Dangerous Dogs Legislation Inquiry 2018.

• Dog Attacks on Postal Workers Example Cases Booklet Version 8a dated April 2018.

• Dave Joyce giving evidence to the EFRA Enquiry

Yours sincerely

 

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer 

(Note: Our thanks to Chris Ingram ‘Union Safety’ for their coverage of this issue and for setting up the edited video link above)

18LTB409 House of Commons – EFRA – CWU Supplementary Written Evidence July 2018

EFRA – CWU Supplementary Written Evidence July 2018

Dog Attacks on Postal Workers Example Cases (V8a) April 2018

Dave Joyce CWU National HS Officer giving evidence at the HoC EFRA Dangerous Dogs Legislation Inquiry