Eastern Labour backs CWU Post Office struggleUnanimous support for the fight to save our Post Office and hundreds of signatures on CWU campaign post cards added up to a “huge success” at this weekend’s Labour East Regional Conference in Southend, reports Paul Moffatt.
A proposition setting out the union’s strategy for overcoming the crisis in the Post Office was formally moved by Paul, CWU Eastern Region secretary, seconded by regional political committee chair Andy Beeby and adopted as a resolution by the conference, which also heard supporting speeches from Kelvin Hopkins MP and Richard Howitt MEP.
In a hard-hitting address to delegates, Paul Moffat highlighted the Government’s privatisation of the Post Office through branch closures and franchising-out of services, the drastic consequences this is having and will continue to have on vulnerable people in society, on rural communities, and the damaging impact on workers’ terms and conditions.
The resolution calls for the immediate halt to franchising and closure programme and for the government to develop a new strategy with the introduction of a national post bank through the Post Office network.
In moving the proposed resolution, the CWU also called for the Regional Labour Party executive to make a submission to the Government’s consultation on the Post Office.
“The conference was a huge success,” Paul said, adding: “As well as the welcome support for our motion, over 250 Post Office in Crisis Post cards were signed and handed back by delegates personally pledging their support for our campaign to save the Post Office from destruction.
“It was pleasing to see how well respected we are amongst trade unions and Labour Party members who spoke and supported our resolution.”
Paul added that he had also been “extremely pleased to welcome back the fire brigades union FBU,” which has recently re-affiliated to the Labour Party.
“Our FBU comrades wholeheartedly supported our resolution and we were proud to second the FBU’s resolution on cuts to fire and rescue services,” he said.

MR PAUL MALONEY BRANCH CHAIR BIRMINGHAM AND DISTRICT BRANCH
Further to LTB 585/15, it is with profound sadness that I have to advise you that Paul Maloney, Branch Chair, Birmingham District Amal Branch passed away on Saturday 19th November 2016.
Paul was 53 years of age and had recently suffered a number of serious health issues, including sepsis and had been hospitalised twice, most recently at the start of November after contracting MRSA. Unfortunately, Paul was unable to survive these serious health issues and passed away peacefully at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. 
Paul leaves a wife, Jackie and three daughters, Laura, Kate and Helen.
Paul will be remembered as an inspirational man who met his life changing challenges with great dignity and humour. I know that he will be sorely missed by all his friends and colleagues in the union.
At this sad time our thoughts are of course with Paul’s wife, daughters and all his close family and friends. I will on behalf of the CWU convey our deepest sympathy and condolences to them.
We would wish to take this opportunity to thank Branches, Reps and members for all of the support given to Paul in so many ways. This support meant so much to Paul, his family and the Birmingham District Amal Branch.
A further LTB will be issued detailing funeral arrangements for Paul in due course.
If you have any enquiries on this LTB, these should be addressed to the General Secretary’s Office at gsoffice@cwu.org quoting the reference GS1.1/LTB 684/16.
 
Yours sincerely
 
Dave Ward

General Secretary
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 684/16 – MR PAUL MALONEY BRANCH CHAIR BIRMINGHAM AND DISTRICT BRANCH

Post Office Crisis – Postcard Campaign
‎As branches will be aware, CWU members in the Post Office are currently in a major industrial dispute over job losses, branch closures and the closure of the defined benefit pension scheme. These are the latest in a series of significant cost-cutting measures and it is difficult to see a long-term future for the company unless the Post Office changes course.
Because the Post Office is still in public ownership, the dispute has an important political angle. The union is therefore running a major public and political campaign to exert pressure on the government, which is ultimately responsible for what is happening. This campaign, and the arguments we have been making, have resulted in widespread criticism of the Post Office and the government in both the media and Parliament.
In response to this the government launched a public consultation on the future of the Post Office earlier this month. It is extremely important that we now use this to get public support for our key demands and ensure that the consultation exercise does not provide the government or the Post Office with an excuse for not changing course.
We are writing to you because we need the whole of the union to get behind the next stage of our campaign and support our Post Office members. We will be sending out postcards, which respond to the consultation, to every branch and we are asking you to collect signatures for these over the next three weeks. The postcards call for an immediate halt to the cuts and a fundamental change in direction from the Post Office to protect our members’ jobs and what is a cherished public service.
We would urge branches to make every effort to get as many postcards as possible completed – by both the public and our members – and return these to CWU Headquarters before 12th December (these should not be sent to the government directly directly).
Our members in the Post Office are facing an extremely serious dispute and an unprecedented attack on their job security and terms and conditions. They need the whole of the union to get behind this campaign, just as we will ask all branches to support T&FS members in their disputes.
Branches are therefore asked to treat this campaign as a priority over the coming weeks and target large workplaces and any public meetings and events to get as many postcards signed as possible. Any queries on the contents of this LTB should be directed to GSoffice@cwu.org and any requests for postcards should be made to mmurray@cwu.org.
 
Yours sincerely
 
Dave Ward Andy Kerr
General Secretary Deputy General Secretary (T&FS)
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 690/16 – Post Office Crisis – Postcard Campaign

RE: CONTACT STRATEGY WITHIN THE ATTENDANCE AGREEMENT
The union has received numerous reports of the attendance agreement contact strategy being abused in many parts of the country.
The main abuse seems to be managers attempting to force members to attend face to face meetings as early as day 1 and threatening to stop pay if members don’t cooperate with the manager’s wishes.
Please find attached a joint statement covering what should happen when members are not able to attend work. The agreement reiterates the key points of the contact arrangements in the attendance agreement.
Key points of the joint statement include:-
Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) commit to adherence to the attendance agreement
The method and frequency of contact will be AGREED between the individual and their manager. No cold calling from managers

Managers will not attempt to make medical diagnosis and give members advice on what they believe they can / cannot do

All contact discussions should be supportive and non-threatening

Stoppage of pay may only take place in line with the agreement – if a member fails to make contact and then fails to respond to letters

All reps and branches are encouraged to use this joint statement to ensure adherence to the agreement. If managers continue to abuse the procedure, please ensure you contact your divisional representative who will then raise it with the divisional head of attendance.
Any enquiries should be addressed to Ray Ellis’s department, quoting reference PTC/CM/dj/415 Email address: djeffery@cwu.org
Yours Sincerely
 
Ray Ellis, 

Assistant Secretary
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 691/16 – CONTACT STRATEGY WITHIN THE ATTENDANCE AGREEMENT

Contact Strategy Joint Statement22November

RMG National Road Safety Week, 21st – 27th November – Focus on Supporting the ‘BRAKE’ Annual Road Safety Week – Updated Activity Plans for CWU ASRs, Operational Front Line Managers and for DSM, Collection & Other Managers:
To: All Branches with Postal Members
Dear Colleagues,
This LTB is being issued further to LTBs 284/16, 532/16, 545/16 and 673/16.
Further discussions have taken place with the Royal Mail Group Safety Health and Environment Team, Road Safety Team and Group Comms Team and subsequently some amendments have been made to the Activity Plans and the amended versions are attached for Branches information. As ASRs will know, the Road Safety Week Activity Plans were amended on 15th November and the amended Version 4 Plans were circulated to all Regions and Areas prior to the Road Safety Week Launch yesterday.
The main theme and aims of the campaign remain the same, however it was agreed that wording lifted by Royal Mail from the ‘Brake’ material could be expressed in better terms and that has been done.
The ‘BRAKE’ (Road Safety Charity) Road Safety Week theme and Pledge is:
SLOW – Don’t Speed.

SOBER – Don’t Drink and Drive and be aware of the ‘Morning After’ risk over Christmas and the New Year!

SILENT – Don’t use a Mobile Phone whilst driving.

SHARP – Take regular Eye Tests.

SUSTAINABLE – Minimise unnecessary driving.One of the Key Safer Driving Awareness Raising Messages‎ this Christmas and New Year is awareness of the ‘Morning After’ as many Drink Drivers are caught the morning after a night out drinking. Studies have shown a worrying jump in the number caught by Police after a night out and arrests between 6am and 8am, especially on Monday’s are rising by 5% a year

Messages to alert members of are:- 
The rise in ‘morning after’ arrests.

Many don’t realise they are still over the limit.

Christmas and New Year is a peak time for Drink Drive Offences and Drink related road accidents.

It takes one hour for the body to break down one unit of alcohol.

Most morning after drink drivers still have up‎ to 5 hours to go before becoming legally sober enough to drive. 

50% of drivers under estimate how long it takes for alcohol to leave the body.

‘Morning After’‎ drink driving is on the increase with drivers putting themselves and others at risk!

Hence the strong messages and awareness raising drive by “BRAKE”,”RoSPA”, “AIRSO”, “Think”, “Dft”, “Transport for London”, “Police”, “Ambulance Service”, “Fire Service” and others which the Health Safety and Environment Department fully supports. 
The campaign is all around improving road and driver safety, supporting, coaching and assisting drivers. This month is the ‘BRAKE’ road safety charity’s annual, UK national roads safety week, so the Royal Mail November Quarterly Road Safety Week (RSW), working with the CWU and Unite/CMA will be focusing on jointly supporting the National ‘Brake’ Road Safety Week. CWU ASRs will be fully involved as set out in detail in each of the Activity Plans via full input participation and support.
National Road Safety week is an initiative created and co-ordinated annually by “BRAKE” the Road Safety Charity, supporting and encouraging organisations, such as Royal Mail and the CWU to raise road safety awareness and prevent needless road deaths and casualties year-round. It also provides a focal point for professionals working in road safety to boost awareness and engagement in their work. 
The CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department has been actively supporting the campaign annually since 2003.
Every 30 seconds someone somewhere in the world is killed in a road crash.

The misery of road death and injuries caused by vehicles is a shameful epidemic that we should all try to reduce.

For any company with staff who drive for work – whether it’s a fleet of commercial vehicles, company cars – ignoring fleet driver and road safety can cost dearly.

Managing road risk is also a fundamental part of an employer’s legal and moral duty of care towards its employees and members of the public.

Driving is the riskiest activity most employees engage in. Road crashes account for 39% of work-related deaths in the European Union. 

The Royal Mail Safety Team and CWU Health and Safety Department have agreed to work together on fleet and driver safety, raising awareness and standards, gaining buy-in, managing and reducing the risk to drivers, vehicles, and journeys; and to continually improve fleet and driver safety. 
As previously stated, the initiative is corrective and supportive not punitive. Participation remains voluntary and is encouraged.
The three RM/CWU/Unite CMA activity plans for Road Safety Week are:-
An Activity Plan for Front Line Managers which focuses on completing 4 key activities throughout the week.

An Activity Plan for all other managers which asks Managers to focus their SMATs or Observations.  

An Activity Plan for CWU Area Safety Reps which asks the ASRs to focus their Safety Inspections on the completion of the front line manager activity plans which support the ‘National Brake Road Safety Week’.

Please see attached the AMENDED/UPDATED Royal Mail road safety week activity plan materials.
The Royal Mail Group Regional Safety Health and Environment (SHE) Teams covering Royal Mail, Parcelforce, RMSS have been asked to liaise with the ASRs from both Unions to discuss participation and support with the road safety week’s activities. 
ASRs were asked to follow the ASR activity guide and schedule for the week. During Road Safety Week ASRs are asked to focus their daily Workplace Safety Inspections on a number of Units, preferably high impacting units and liaise with line managers to agree which high impacting units should be focused on and visited/Inspected during the November National Road Safety Week (RSW).
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1 – LTB689/16 RMG National Road Safety Week, 21st – 27th November – Focus on Supporting the ‘BRAKE’ Annual Road Safety Week

Attachment 2 – LTB 686.16 ROAD SAFETY WEEK NOVEMBER 2016 – Amended Activity Plans

Attachment 3 – RSW November 2016 ASR activity plan Final v4

Attachment 4 – RSW November 2016 Front Line Manager activity plan Finalv4

Attachment 5 – RSW November 2016 Other Managers activity plan Final v3

Formal Notice
 
Please note this LTB contains IMPORTANT information
for immediate distribution and display throughout your branch
 
CWU SENIOR DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY

CWU ASSISTANT SECRETARY – POSTAL

CWU NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

CWU INDUSTRIAL EXECUTIVES

This LTB provides formal notification of the election timetable for the following CWU National Representative positions. The timetable has been approved by the NEC and the details are set out below for your information.
 
CWU SENIOR DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY
The responsibilities of the Senior Deputy General Secretary are:
Deputising for the GS as and when required;

Assisting the GS in financial, administrative and strategic organisational matters.

 
CWU ASSISTANT SECRETARY – POSTAL  
The responsibilities of all CWU Assistant Secretaries shall be to carry out and discharge under the direction of the GS such Union duties as they may be deemed required to perform.
The above position is currently responsible for dealing with the following areas: Post Office Ltd, including Cash Services, Sales and Customer Services, People and Organisation, Development Services, Capita, RM Finance Operations, MDEC Network.
 
CWU NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL & INDUSTRIAL EXECUTIVES
These positions are subject to election in accordance with the CWU national rule that requires election for NEC and Industrial Executive positions every 2 years.  
 
1. CWU NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC)
The CWU NEC consists of 19 biennially elected lay members of which 11 lay members are elected by and from the Postal Constituency and 8 lay members are elected by and from the Telecom and Financial Services Constituency.
The elected lay members of the NEC shall automatically be members of the respective Industrial Executive Committees.
Postal Constituency
11 lay members elected biennially by and from the Postal Constituency. One of whom shall be the Chair of the Postal Constituency and one of whom shall be the Vice Chair of the Postal Constituency.
Separate ballots are conducted for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Postal Constituency. A further ballot is conducted for the remaining 9 NEC Postal Constituency positions.  
Telecom and Financial Services Constituency
8 lay members elected biennially by and from Telecom and Financial Services Constituency. One of whom shall be the Chair of the Telecom and Financial Services Constituency and one of whom shall be the Vice Chair of the Telecom and Financial Services Constituency.
Separate elections are conducted for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Telecom and Financial Services Constituency. A further ballot is conducted for the remaining 6 NEC Telecom and Financial Services Constituency positions.  
 
2. CWU INDUSTRIAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES
Postal Executive (PE)
The Postal Executive shall consist of 17 lay members elected biennially by and taken from the Postal Constituency of whom;
2 shall be elected by and from PTS Grades.

15 shall be elected by and from Postal Grades.

Separate ballots are conducted for the NEC and PE positions however in accordance with the rules of the union the elected Chair, Vice Chair and the 9 NEC members elected by the Postal Constituency will automatically be members of the PE.
In practice this means that the PE Ballot(s) will be for the remaining positions available which will be 6 positions. The precise number of “grade” positions available to 1) Postal Grades and 2) PTS Grades will vary depending on the grade of the successful candidates in the NEC election. Further information regarding the voting entitlement for the PE elections will be published to branches prior to the despatch of ballot papers.  
Telecom and Financial Services Executive (T&FSE) 
The Telecom and Financial Services Executive shall consist of 16 lay members elected biennially by and taken from the Telecom and Financial Services Constituency of whom;
The Chair, Vice Chair and the 6 elected lay members of the TFS NEC will automatically be members of the TFSE and separate ballots will be conducted for the remaining 8 places on the following basis:  
1 member elected by and taken from members in the Santander and related companies (Geoban, Isban, Produban, Swiss Post – Santander).

1 member elected by and taken from members in Telefonica O2 UK, Huawei and ISS Eaton.

1 member elected by and from all members working for Capita in the TFS Sector and Gather & Gather (Capita contract).

5 members elected by and taken from all other members in Telecom & Financial Services Constituency.

Further information regarding the voting entitlement for the T&FSE elections will be published to branches prior to the despatch of ballot papers.  
 
The timetable for all of the above elections, as approved by the NEC, is as follows: 
Nominations open: 7 February 2017

Nominations close: 28 February 2017 (14:00)
Accept nominations (TFSE NEC/IE positions only): 3 March 2017 (14:00)
Despatch of ballot material from*: 16 March 2017

Ballot closes first post: 4 April 2017
*Please note that ballot papers will be sent to all eligible members who are included in the membership register maintained by the union as at 16 February 2017. Therefore any changes of address, etc. will need to have been received at CWU HQ prior to this date.
 
Further information regarding the above elections including copies of the respective election regulations will be published in due course.
Please note that the independent scrutineer appointed by the union to oversee the election arrangements is Electoral Reform Services. 
Any enquiries regarding the above elections should be addressed to Tony Kearns, Senior Deputy General Secretary, CWU HQ.
Yours sincerely,
TONY KEARNS
 
SENIOR DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY
Email Attachments – Click to download
· LTB 688/16 – Election of: CWU Senior Deputy General Secretary, Asstistant Secretary (Postal), NEC & Industrial Execs.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week 21-27 November 2016 & Month – Reduce the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Over The Winter 
To: All Branches 
Dear Colleagues, 
Background information
A number of Organisations are running Awareness Campaigns during November and December, including the County Fire and Rescue Services, Public Health England, HSE and HSE(NI), Gas Safe, British Gas and others, to raise the awareness of the serious effects of carbon monoxide poisoning and the devastating consequences it can have on people’s lives. Following action to highlight the risks from carbon monoxide poisoning by Government, PHE, industry, campaign groups and others, the number of deaths from CO poisoning fell but between 2014 and 2016 there has been a worrying 10% increase in accidental CO deaths in the UK. So the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department is reminding everyone of the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
Death & Injury Toll

Recent analysis revealed the hidden toll, each year, from this dangerous invisible gas:
4,000 people go to A&E

200 people are hospitalised

There are around 60 deaths in the UK

Silent Killer 
CO is produced by the incomplete combustion of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. It is a highly poisonous gas which is impossible to see, taste or smell and is often known as the ‘silent killer’. Under normal circumstances, CO should not be detectable in the typical home or workplace. When appliances are kept in good working condition, they produce little CO. It is difficult to detect because you can’t see, smell or taste it. Many CO poisoning deaths take place between November and February due to faulty heating appliances and boilers leaking this lethal gas. To lower the risk, we recommend that people should ensure that their fossil fuel and wood burning appliances are regularly checked by an appropriately registered engineer. In addition, people should fit an audible CO alarm which meets European Standards EN 50291 in each room containing an appliance and ensure rooms are adequately ventilated. It’s recommends that people have these appliances and their flues checked before the start of winter, which is when most of the accidental deaths occur.
Key Facts 
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can be fatal or cause permanent damage to your health.

CO is produced when carbon fuels don’t burn completely.

It has no smell or taste and, in large quantities, it can kill very quickly.

What’s carbon monoxide?

It’s a poisonous gas that you can’t see, smell or taste – you might not know it’s there. Carbon monoxide is released when faulty appliances start leaking. Low exposure to the gas can cause long-term damage, and high levels of exposure can be fatal. Every year, around 30 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning – and many more fall sick.
How is carbon monoxide produced? 
Carbon monoxide is hard to detect because it has no smell, taste or colour. This also means that it is easy to inhale without realising.

Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, coal and wood do not burn fully.

When a fire burns in an enclosed room, the oxygen in the room is gradually used up and replaced with carbon dioxide. Following a build-up of carbon dioxide in the air, the fuel is prevented from burning fully and it starts to release carbon monoxide.

Causes of carbon monoxide poisoning
Many homes and businesses use appliances that burn fuels such as gas, oil and coal, peat and wood. If these appliances are not installed, maintained, and used properly, carbon monoxide (CO) can build up to dangerous and even deadly levels, particularly in poorly ventilated areas. Using kerosene heaters or charcoal grills indoors, or running a car or van in a garage, can also cause levels high enough to result in CO poisoning. Common sources of CO include the following Gas, oil, coal and wood fuel source appliances, including:
boilers

gas fires

central heating systems

water heaters

cookers

open fires

room heaters

furnaces

charcoal grills

cooking ranges

water heaters

vehicles run in closed garages

fireplaces

portable generators

wood-burning stoves 

Appliances such as electrical heaters, electric water heaters and toasters do not produce CO under any circumstances.
If the fuel in these appliances does not burn fully, carbon monoxide (CO) gas is produced. The build-up of carbon monoxide can also be as a result of any of the following:
Indoor use of a barbecue grill or outdoor heater

Using cooking appliances for heating purposes

Enclosed or unventilated spaces – burning fuel in an enclosed or unventilated space, where there are no air vents, windows or doors left open or ajar

Faulty or damaged appliances – heating or cooking

Heating appliance not maintained or serviced

Badly ventilated rooms – sealed windows, no air bricks

Blocked chimneys or flues – birds’ nests, fallen bricks, growing vegetation, bad DIY

Poor or improper installation or use of appliances – such as cooking and heating devices

Running engines such as cars or lawnmowers in garages

Old appliances that have not been serviced or looked after properly

Paint fumes – Fumes from cleaning fluids and paint removers that contain methylene chloride (dichloromethane) can also cause CO poisoning

Danger signs
Danger signs that CO may be leaking include:
yellow or orange flames where there should normally be blue ones

sooty stains on the walls around fires and water heaters. You could also be poisoned by CO if you share a wall or chimney with a house that has a CO leak, even if your own house does not have one.

Advice 
Get fossil fuel and wood burning appliances like boilers, heaters and cookers checked by an appropriately registered engineer before winter sets in.
The Gas Safe Register
The Gas Safe Register estimates there are around 7,500 illegal gas fitters operating across the UK, and up to 250,000 illegal gas jobs may be carried out each year. All persons employed to work on gas appliances in the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man and Guernsey must be registered with the Gas Safe Register in order to work lawfully. Always check that any engineer undertaking work is ‘Gas Safe registered’. Go to the ‘Gas Safe Register Website’ at: https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/ [1]or alternatively call the freefone helpline on 0800 408 5500.
Best protection
The best way to protect against carbon monoxide is to make sure all fuel-burning appliances are properly installed by recognised and established engineers, and serviced by competent companies or individuals – at least once a year. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for boilers, stoves, gas fires and solid fuel room heaters. Don’t forget that chimneys and flues should also be inspected annually and swept, if required, by a registered technician.
CO alarms
As a back-up measure, you should also install an audible carbon monoxide alarm – these are widely available to buy from supermarkets, DIY stores or online retailers. Some people may have had CO alarms fitted in the home or workplace for a number of years. However, CO alarms have a limited life span, so they should be checked to see if it is working properly. It might be time to be replaced. Remember, while carbon monoxide alarms can help alert people to the dangers if CO gas escapes, they must never be regarded as a substitute for the proper installation, maintenance, servicing and cleaning of appliances that use gas, coal, oil or any other solid fuel.
Away from home
We normally associate CO with domestic fossil-fuel burning appliances and most of us are aware of its dangers in the home. However, incidents and fatalities relating to CO can also occur in holiday homes, caravans and on board boats where faulty gas cookers, appliances or petrol-powered generators have led to carbon monoxide poisoning. So, make sure all appliances are properly installed and are serviced regularly. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can also occur when people bring gas and charcoal BBQs into tents and other small enclosed spaces, sometimes in an attempt to keep warm.
Symptoms
Early symptoms of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning can mimic many common ailments and may easily be confused with food poisoning, viral infections, flu or simple tiredness. Exposure to high concentration levels of CO, even for a short time, can render a person gradually becoming unconscious. Unfortunately many people do not recover from the unconscious phase. Symptoms to look out for include:
headache

nausea

breathlessness

drowsiness

dizziness

chest pains

nausea and vomiting

collapse

unconsciousness

At high levels, CO poisoning can cause sudden collapse, loss of consciousness and death. If you or your family or colleagues experience any of the above symptoms and you believe CO may be involved, you must seek urgent medical advice from either a doctor or go to an accident and emergency department. You should ask for a blood or breath test to confirm the presence of CO. Be aware, CO quickly leaves the blood and tests may be inaccurate if taken more than four hours after exposure has ceased. 
What to do in an emergency
If you suspect carbon monoxide is present, remember to follow the ‘TASK’ checklist:
T- turn off or extinguish the heating source/appliance if safe to do so

A – air – ventilate your home by opening windows and doors, stay outside in the fresh air

S – seek medical help if you feel unwell

K – keep all heating sources/appliances off until serviced (or chimney/flues cleaned) by a qualified professional

Resources, Information leaflets & Posters attached. 
CO Detector Advice (HSENI)

CO Safety Guidance Booklet (HSENI)

CO Poisoning Poster

CO Poisoning Symptoms Poster

CO Awareness Week 2016 Information Sheet 

Contact Numbers
These organisations can help if you think you have a carbon monoxide leak

Gas Emergency Services 0800 111 999 – Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Scottish Gas Emergency Number 0843 557 4307

NI Gas Emergency Service (24 hours) 0800 002 001

Gas Safe Register 0800 408 5500 Lines are open Monday to Thursday, 9am-5.30pm, and Fridays, 9am-5pm. 

NHS 111 for advice.

Public Health England 020 7654 8000

Public Health Scotland (ISD) 0131 275 7777

Public Health Agency (NI) 028 9031 1611

Public Health Wales 029 2022 7744

Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) helpline: 0845 65 85 080

Solid Fuel Association (SFA) helpline: 0845 601 4406

HETAS (for registered solid fuel engineers): 01684 278170
Yours sincerely
 
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 685/16 Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week 21-27 November 2016 & Month – Reduce the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Over The Winter

Carbon Monoxide Posioning Symptoms

Carbon Monoxide Safety Guidance

Carbon Monoxide Poison Poster

Co Awareness Week

CO Detector Advice HSE

MOVEMBER CAMPAIGN – HIGHLIGHTING MEN’S HEALTH ISSUES – SPECIFICALLY PROSTRATE CANCER, TESTICULAR CANCER AND SUICIDE PREVENTION – HELP SAVE MEN’S LIVES “Movember – Stopping Men Dying Too Young”
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues,
About The Movember Foundation and Campaign
The aim of the ‘Movember Foundation’ is simply ‘Stopping men dying too young’. Their mission statement says that “Our fathers, partners, brothers and friends face a health crisis that isn’t being talked about. Men are dying too young. We can’t afford to stay silent and that’s why we’re taking action.” The Movember Foundation claims to be the only charity tackling men’s health on a global scale, year round, addressing some of the biggest health issues faced by men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention. The Charity says that they know what works for men, and how to find and fund the most innovative research to have both a global and local impact. They’re independent of government funding, so they can challenge the status quo and invest quicker in what works. In 13 years the Charity proudly claims to have funded more than 1,200 men’s health projects around the world. The Charity’s aspiration is to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25%, by 2030. They are appealing for anyone interested to help stop men dying too young by joining the movement. The Movember Foundation’s strategy is all about going where men need them most. They say they know what works for men and they aim to transform the way research into men’s health is done, and the way health services reach and support men.
The Movember Foundation is now concentrating on three key men’s health issues:-
Prostate Cancer:
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, and rates are on the rise. By 2030 there’ll be 1.7 million men living with prostate cancer. It’s already killing hundreds of thousands of men each year, and those who survive face serious side effects. We can’t afford to let this continue. So the Movember Foundation is taking action. The Movember Foundation says “We’ve spent years learning how to tackle the toughest cancer challenges in innovative ways. Now it’s time to draw a line in the sand. By 2030 they aim to halve the number of men dying from prostate cancer.”
Testicular Cancer:
In most cases, the outcome for men with testicular cancer is positive, but a 95% chance of survival is no comfort to the 1 man in 20 who won’t make it. When testicular cancer strikes, it strikes young. Most of those men are between 15 and 40 years old. We have to help them, and stop men from dying too young. The Movember Foundations says “We’ve spent years learning how to tackle the toughest cancer challenges in innovative ways. Now it’s time to draw a line in the sand. By 2030 we’ll halve the number of men dying from testicular cancer.”
Suicide Prevention:
Depression doesn’t discriminate. And it’s not something that just goes away once you’ve been told to ‘toughen up’ and get on with life. Globally, the rate of suicide is alarmingly high, particularly in men. Around the world, on average we lose a man to suicide every minute of every day. Three out of four suicides are men. Too many are toughing it out and struggling alone. We have to take action to improve mental health and reduce the rate of male suicide. The Movember Foundations says “We’re working toward a world where men and boys take action to be mentally healthy and well, and are supported by their friends, family and community during tough times. We’re working to immediately stop the increase in male suicide rates. By 2030 we’ll reduce the rate of male suicides by 25%.”
Read about the Movember Foundation’s Work:
Prostate Cancer: https://uk.movember.com/programs/prostate-cancer

Testicular Cancer: https://uk.movember.com/programs/testicular-cancer

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention: https://uk.movember.com/programs/mental-health

Movember is an annual campaign, highlighting men’s health issues. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health. The Movember Foundation works with men’s health partners, the Prostate Cancer Charity and The Institute of Cancer Research, prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health. Movember has continued to grow each year, both in terms of participation numbers and funds raised. Since 2003, the Movember Foundation has been committed to helping men live happier, healthier, longer lives. Millions have joined in.
In its first year 30 volunteer fund-raisers known as “Mo-Bros” took part in Movember and since then thanks to the support of ‘Mo Bros’ and ‘Mo Sistas’ the Charity has funded more than 1,200 projects saving and improving the lives of men all around the world.
From humble beginnings back in 2003 the Movember movement has grown to be a global one, inspiring support from over 5 million ‘Mo Bros’ and ‘Mo Sistas’. The Movember Foundation wouldn’t be where it is without the enthusiasm of all of those men and women around the globe and the organisation is committed to keeping things fresh, keeping the community informed, and always being transparent and accountable in their practices.
To date, Movember has raised over £443 million globally for the fight against prostate cancer, testicular cancer and depression in men. Going forward, Movember will continue to work towards helping to change established habits and attitudes and make men aware of the risks they face, thereby increasing early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment
Spreading the Word – How it Works
Movember’s tag line is ‘changing the face of men’s health’ which articulately describes the challenge – volunteers change their appearance by growing a moustache during November and the outcome – changing the understanding and attitudes men have towards their health. The moustache is Movember’s ribbon, it is the catalyst by which Movember intends to bring about real change through the awareness generated by the simple act of growing a Mo. The appearance of a moustache on a usually clean shaven man prompts questions from those around them. Throughout the month of Movember they are constantly asked the question – why the moustache? Each volunteer (Mo-Bro) then needs to justify his new look with an explanation about the unique challenges men face with their health, and key messages about prostate and testicular cancer and male depression and suicide. The result is a highly effective and authentic word-of-mouth campaign. 
The ‘Mens Health’ Awareness and Education Issue
On average men die five to six years younger than women. The suicide rate is four times higher for men than women and more than five men die prematurely each hour from potentially preventable illnesses. These are hard hitting facts; especially when you consider that there is no biological disadvantage that puts men at greater risk than women and according to recent research up to half of male cancer cases could be prevented by making healthy diet and lifestyle choices. The reasons for the current state of men’s health are numerous and complex but it appears that the biggest issue is the way in which men think about their health; preventative health being something many men just don’t compute. It is this issue that Movember’s Awareness and Education program is working hard to change. Awareness and education alters behaviour and mind-sets, it gradually breaks down barriers, removes stigmas and brings about real change. Movember wants men to take responsibility for their health, prevent illness by leading a healthy lifestyle and understand the symptoms and signs in both themselves and others so they can appreciate when and how to seek help if needed.
Prostate Cancer Facts
One man dies every hour of prostate cancer in the UK.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK.

In the UK 41,000 men are diagnosed every year, over 100 a day.

1 in 9 men will get prostate cancer in the UK.

250,000 men are living with prostate cancer.

10,000 men die every year from prostate cancer in the UK.

Ethnicity: African Caribbean men are three times more likely to develop prostate cancer.

Family: you are 2.5 times more likely to develop prostate cancer if your father or brother has had it.

Diet: if you have a diet rich in fat, dairy products and red meat, this may increase your risk of developing prostate cancer (and other health conditions).

It is important that men of all ages are aware of their prostate and prostate cancer.

Testicular Cancer Facts
There are around 2,300 new cases of testicular cancer in the UK every year, that’s around 6 cases diagnosed every day.

Testicular cancer accounts for less than 1% of all new cases in the UK.

In males in the UK, testicular cancer is the 16th most common cancer, with around 2,300 cases diagnosed.

Almost half (47%) of testicular cancer cases in the UK each year are diagnosed in males aged under 35.

Since the late 1970s, testicular cancer incidence rates in males have increased by 90% in Great Britain.

Over the last decade, testicular cancer incidence rates in males have increased by around a tenth (11%) in the UK.

Most testicular cancers occur in descended testicles.

Incidence rates for testicular cancer are projected to rise by 12% in the UK between 2014 and 2035, to 10 cases per 100,000 males by 2035.

1 in 195 men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer during their lifetime.

Testicular cancer in England is less common in males living in the most deprived areas.

Testicular cancer is more common in White males than in Asian or Black males.

In the UK around 18,600 people were still alive up to ten years after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

In Europe, around 21,500 new cases of testicular cancer were estimated to have been diagnosed. The UK incidence rate is 19th highest in Europe.

Worldwide, around 55,300 new cases of testicular cancer were estimated to have been diagnosed, with incidence rates varying across the world.

Suicide Facts
There are around 6,600 suicides in the UK and Republic of Ireland each year.

This corresponds to a suicide rate of 10.8 per 100,000 people (16.8 per 100,000 for men and 5.2 per 100,000 for women).

The highest annual suicide rate in the UK is for men aged 45-49 at 26.5 per 100,000.

The male suicide rate decreased in the UK (by 5.6%), England (by less than 1%), Wales (by 37.6%), Scotland (by 17.6%), Northern Ireland (by 10.2%) and Republic of Ireland (by 6.4%) the last full year of available statistics.

Female suicide rates increased in the UK (by 8.3%), England (by 14%), Scotland (by 7.8%) and Republic of Ireland (by 14.7%) between 2013 and 2014. Female suicide rates decreased in Wales (by 38.2%) and Northern Ireland (by 17.7%).

The female suicide rate in England is at its highest since 2005.

The female suicide rate in the UK is at its highest since 2011.

Is Movember Making a Difference?
The answer is yes. Recent research carried out by Movember highlighted that the campaign is working successfully in terms of raising awareness whilst having a positive impact on making men think about their health. Movember participants were shown to spend more time thinking about health issues or reflecting on them than non-participants (the general population). To be specific, in the UK, the research revealed:
89% of participants spent time thinking about improving their general health
57% of participants have had a general check-up
70% discussed men’s health with their family, friends or colleagues during Movember
58% carried out personal research on men’s health issues during Movember
51% worried about their general health
77% understood that their health depends on how well they take care of themselves
The research encouragingly shows that participation in Movember does encourage men to proactively engage in the management of their health. However, findings also highlighted that 50% of men had ignored an issue rather than go to a doctor. This is proof that there is still work to be done and Movember has a responsibility to keep raising awareness, thereby motivating and engaging men around the world to change the face of men’s health.
“MOVEMBER” Website:- http://uk.movember.com/
A significant number of CWU National, Regional and Branch Officers have participated in the ‘Movember’ fund raising efforts since the movement started and our congratulations goes out to them all – please give them your full support.
Thanks for your support.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1 – LTB687/16 MOVEMBER CAMPAIGN – HIGHLIGHTING MEN’S HEALTH ISSUES – SPECIFICALLY PROSTRATE CANCER, TESTICULAR CANCER AND SUICIDE PREVENTION

MR PAUL MALONEY BRANCH CHAIR BIRMINGHAM AND DISTRICT BRANCH

Further to LTB 585/15, it is with profound sadness that I have to advise you that Paul Maloney, Branch Chair, Birmingham District Amal Branch passed away on Saturday 19th November 2016.

Paul was 53 years of age and had recently suffered a number of serious health issues, including sepsis and had been hospitalised twice, most recently at the start of November after contracting MRSA. Unfortunately, Paul was unable to survive these serious health issues and passed away peacefully at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. 

Paul leaves a wife, Jackie and three daughters, Laura, Kate and Helen.

Paul will be remembered as an inspirational man who met his life changing challenges with great dignity and humour. I know that he will be sorely missed by all his friends and colleagues in the union.

At this sad time our thoughts are of course with Paul’s wife, daughters and all his close family and friends. I will on behalf of the CWU convey our deepest sympathy and condolences to them.

We would wish to take this opportunity to thank Branches, Reps and members for all of the support given to Paul in so many ways. This support meant so much to Paul, his family and the Birmingham District Amal Branch.

A further LTB will be issued detailing funeral arrangements for Paul in due course.

If you have any enquiries on this LTB, these should be addressed to the General Secretary’s Office at gsoffice@cwu.org quoting the reference GS1.1/LTB 684/16.

 

 

Yours sincerely
Dave Ward

General Secretary