BT Openreach Fined £1.34 Million For Health and Safety Offence Following the Death of An Engineer

BT Openreach Limited has been fined £1.34 million after an engineer died whilst trying to repair a telephone line.

Alun Owen, from Bethesda, died after he slipped and fell into the River Aber in Abergwyngregyn and was swept away on 6 October 2020.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and North Wales Police, found that a number of BT Openreach engineers had been attempting to repair the telephone lines, which ran across the river, over a period of two months. They had been working both near and in the river.  At the time of the incident, there had been flooding in the area which meant the river was much higher and faster flowing than usual.

Alun Owen entered the water and made his way to an island in the middle of the river in order to try and throw a new telephone cable across to the other side by taping it to a hammer and then throwing the hammer.  Whilst attempting to cross the remaining section of the river, he slipped in a deep water and the force of the river swept him away to his death.

The HSE investigation found that there was no safe system of work in place for work on or near water, nor had Alun Owen and others working by the river – received training, information or instruction on safe working on or near water, as is required by law.

BT Openreach Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £1.34 million and ordered to pay costs of £15,858.35 at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court on 5 June 2024.

A HSE Spokesperson said in a statement after the Court hearing that this was a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a popular and much loved young man. The victim’s family, friends and colleagues have always remained in our thoughts. His death would have been preventable had an effective safe system of work for working on or near water been in place. The victim Mr Owen should not have been put in the unsafe working situation. Companies should learn the lessons from this incident if they have staff who may work on or near water and be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those employers and companies that fall below the required standards.

A North Wales Police statement said that the Police worked closely with HSE and whilst it was a protracted and lengthy investigation, it was critical that any failings were identified and acted upon.

The prosecution was brought by HSE.

The HSE is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. The HSE aim to prevent work-related deaths, injuries and ill health through regulatory actions that range from influencing behaviours across industry sectors through to targeted interventions and enforcement action on companies and employers.

Section 2.1 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 outlines the general duties of employers toward their workforce.  Under this section of the law employers must ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees while at work.

This duty extends to both physical and mental well-being. The employer must provide, amongst other things, and maintain safe plant and equipment, must provide safe systems of work along with necessary health and safety information, instruction, training, and supervision for worker safety.

Attachment:

HSE Press Release 05.06.24 – Openreach fined following death of engineer.

Yours Sincerely,

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety and Environment Officer

LTB 196-24 – BT Openreach Fined £1.34 Million For Health and Safety Offence Following the Death of An Engineer

HSE Press Release – Openreach fined following death of engineer 05.06.24

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Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No. 61 – June 2024: Introduction & History – The GJA

 The Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) came into existence as a result of funding from Battersea and Wandsworth TUC. The GJA was launched to promote skills training and job creation to meet the needs of Britain’s rapidly growing low carbon sectors and to green the whole economy. The transition to a low carbon and resource efficient economy can drive sustainable economic recovery and job creation in every part of the country as well as making existing jobs more secure. But this requires a more strategic national and local approach to deliver the workforce skills needed and to stimulate demand for clean energy and energy efficiency services.

The Greener Jobs Alliance liaises at a national and local level to build the broadest possible support for the policies, investment, partnerships and commitments needed to drive the transition to a low carbon economy.

The Greener Jobs Alliance liaises with training bodies, colleges, universities, employers, local and national Government, trade unions, housing associations, campaign and community groups – to build the policies, investment and partnerships needed to drive the transition to a low carbon economy.

GJA Founder Graham Petersen: 

The founder GJA Secretary and Newsletter editor was Graham Petersen who is well known to the CWU and has a long-standing working relationship with the Union. He is a former TUC tutor and course designer who created safety reps training courses and the successful TUC Occupational Health & Safety Diploma Course. He was the head of the Trade Union Studies Centre at South Thames College before retirement from the post and has been a visitor and guest speaker at CWU events and meetings. After 30 editions, Graham stood down at the GJA AGM and handed over to Paul Atkin as newsletter editor and Tahir Latif as GJA Secretary. Graham remains a GJA Steering Group member and is now working part time for the Wales TUC is the author of a publication for them entitled ‘Greener workplaces for a just transition – a Wales TUC toolkit for trade unionists’ which was circulated by the CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department.

GJA ‘Free’ Courses:

The GJA runs a number of ‘free’ courses on the environment for Trade Union Reps in different parts of the UK which have been attended by a number of CWU Reps with details published in the newsletter.

The GJA now offers three ‘on-line’ courses as follows:

1. Climate Change Awareness

This short introductory course is aimed at trade unionists and anyone wishing to develop their understanding of the issues around climate change.  The course is divided into 4 modules.  The modules contain background information, short videos, graphs and illustrations.

• Module 1: Climate Change Explained
• Module 2: International Responses
• Module 3: Trade Union Responses
• Module 4: Getting Involved

At the end of each section, there are references and links to additional materials if you want to go further. There are no formal tests and you can work through the materials at your own pace but there are optional quizzes to check your understanding at the end of modules 1, 2 and 3.

2. A Trade Union Guide to Just Transition

Social justice must be at the heart of the development of a net-zero carbon economy. The course covers:

• The meaning and history of the term just transition
• Why it should be a priority issue
• UK and international policies and case studies
• Ideas for developing an action plan

It is aimed at trade unionists and anyone wishing to improve their understanding of why just transition should be central to climate change policy.

3. Air Quality – a trade union issue

The following issues will be explored in this free online course. It is made up of 3 modules,

• Module 1: The Causes and Health Impacts of Air Pollution
• Module 2: The Law and Government Policy
• Module 3:  Trade Union Responses and Campaigns

Link to GJA on-line Courses: https://greenerjobsalliance.co.uk/courses/

• TUC green rep courses:

The TUC announced, earlier this year, a series of new ‘free’ to attend “green rep training courses for 2024 and these have been taking place in various locations since February as informed in previous LTBs.

All union reps and officers are welcome, new or experienced, and whether in any Union role. All trade unionists can benefit from understanding what the TU movement can do to protect and empower Union members during the climate crisis. Forthcoming face to face classroom courses are listed in the programme across the TUC Regions at:- www.tuc.org.uk/training/TUCcourses

 Paul Atkin Editorial GJA Newsletter Issue 61: “The Stakes on July 4” (General Election Day)

Paul concentrates his Editorial on the crucial outcome of next month’s General Election where the nation’s future direction on climate change and environmental policies rests heavily. In a recent survey by IZA, 83% of people in the UK said they wanted more action from the next government to stop climate breakdown. The climate vote survey shows that not a single Conservative MP has a good voting record on climate and the current Tory government has gone out of its way to try to mobilise people against action on it. Paul concludes that the fewer of these Tory politicians that are returned as MPs the better! He adds that the next government will be facing an acceleration of the degeneration of our environment, a divergence between current plans and targets that are both necessary and imperative. Paul quotes Mike Childs, head of science, policy and research at Friends of the Earth who recently stated that “If Labour forms the next government, they will have to produce a comprehensive and lawful climate plan that meets our domestic carbon budgets and our international commitment to reduce emissions by two-thirds by 2030 – or face possible legal action if it falls short. Warm words on how to tackle an overheating planet are not enough. We need urgent action now.” Paul concludes that massive pressure is needed through the labour movement and throughout society to back that up.

Read the full Editorial & GJA Newsletter Edition 61 attached.

PM Rishi Sunak’s Lies on TV

The GJA has put this up in the debate blog to puncture the lies Sunak told on the election TV debate on Tuesday night 4 June about the costs of Electric Vehicles and Heat Pumps. The GJA wants to put the record straight and pass the information on to anyone who might have to argue with Sunak’s misleading claims on the doorstep or elsewhere during General Election campaigning for Labour.  https://greenerjobsalliance.co.uk/mythbusters-3-its-gonna-cost-you/

PM Sunak’s riches rise again

The personal wealth of Tory Prime Minister Rishi Sunak rose by £122 Million last year to £651 Million according to the Sunday Times Rich List. What does he know or care about working class people in the UK?

Tories ‘coin it’ – pocketing million from fossil fuel companies who oppose radical climate change policies 

The hard cash received by UK main political parties from ‘Fossil Fuel Companies since the last General Election is:-

• Conservatives £8.4 million, 
• Lib Dems, £142,000, 

Labour £41,000. 

Contents GJA Newsletter 61:

• Editorial: The Stakes on July 4th
• Vote Climate
• Info Hub for General Election 2024
• Environmental Nakba in Gaza
• Why China’s CO2 emissions may have peaked in 2023
• OECD Shift in Energy Generation from Fossils to Renewables
• Lowestoft and the Existential Threat of Inadequate Flood Defences
• Health and safety enforcement under the spotlight
• New Deal and Just Transition in this year’s Higher Education (HE) union claim.
• Union conference round up: UNISON. BFAWU 
• Events. Heat Strike Online Rally. TUC Webinar, Health and Safety in a Changing 

Climate. UCU Green Bargaining Course.

• Mums for Lungs election poster
• New Rules: EU Ecodesign regulation
• Green Bites

Green Bites – Stats of The Month:

• $7 Trillion – Total global fossil fuel subsidies in 2022. From the IMF. It is estimated that to be on course for Net Zero by 2050 the world would have to invest $4 Trillion a year in energy transition. Transferring the subsidy looks like a “win, win”.
• £20 Billion – How much more fossil fuels were subsidised over renewables by the UK government between 2015 and 2023. From LFF Stats of the Month
• 71% – Higher sales of used EVs in the UK in the first quarter of 2024 over the first quarter of 2023. Fossil fuel cars still account for 92% of all sales but these only grew by 2%. Overall, sales of all cars are 2.6% below pre covid levels.
• 80% – of people in Africa have to cook on open fires or on basic stoves, with severe impacts on health, gender equality and the environment. Inhaling hazardous smoke from wood, charcoal, animal dung and agricultural waste is the second leading cause of premature deaths on the continent among women and children, who also miss out on opportunities for education and employment because of the time they spend gathering cooking fuel. See IEA Summit on clean cooking in Africa.
• 5,000 – The number of local bus services cut under the Conservatives since 2010. Manchester, Liverpool and West Yorkshire are now taking control back from private companies.
• £530 million – How much the government is committing to decarbonise public buildings. It is estimated that getting schools alone to net zero by 2030 would cost £16.3 billion. To reach the target of a 78% reduction by 2035 would cost £2 billion a year. At present the DFE is spending £221 million (just over a tenth of the way there). This is described by the government as “part of the government’s plan to reach its world-leading net zero targets in a sustainable, pragmatic way” proving, once again, how far from “sustainable” their “pragmatism” is.
• £795 billion – Combined wealth of the richest 350 individuals and families in the UK according to the Sunday Times. An orchard of magic money trees if anyone cares to harvest it

 What is a just transition?

A just transition seeks to ensure that the substantial benefits of a green economy transition are shared widely, while also supporting those who stand to lose economically – be they countries, regions, industries, communities, workers or consumers.

A rapid increase in the speed and scale of actions required to reduce the risks of climate change will create new economic opportunities.

Whilst a just transition is mainly based on environmental considerations, it is also shaped by other structural changes affecting labour markets, such as globalisation, labour-saving technologies and the shift to services.

A just transition is an integral part of many of the global commitments adopted by countries. The Paris Agreement acknowledges “the imperatives of a just transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs in accordance with nationally defined development priorities” and highlights the importance of workers in responding to climate change.

Furthermore, the just transition concept links to 14 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, explicitly drawing together SDGs No 12 – climate action, No 10 – reduced inequalities, No 8 – decent work and economic growth, and No 7 – affordable and clean energy.

Many countries have recognised the challenge that this transformation entails and are taking measures to protect those that are most vulnerable and affected by the changes, including across the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) regions.

• The European Union’s Just Transition Mechanism is integral to the EU’s Green Deal, targeted at ensuring “a fair transition to a climate-neutral economy, leaving no one behind” and aims to mobilise at least €150 billion over the period 2021-2027;
• The Solidarity and Just Transition Silesia Declaration signed by 50 countries at COP24, which states that: “a just transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs are crucial to ensure an effective and inclusive transition”;
• Climate Action for Jobs Initiative, co-led by the International Labour Organisation, Spain and Peru, with 46 countries committing to develop “national plans for a just transition and create decent green jobs”.
• The UNFCCC Gender Action plan, whereby parties to the UNFCCC have recognized the importance of involving women and men equally in the development and implementation of national climate policies that are gender-responsive.

Quote of the Month

““Climate change will not suddenly become dangerous at 1.5C – it already is –

and it will not be ‘game over’ if we pass 2C, which we might well do.

Every tenth of a degree matters.”

Professor Peter Cox – University of Exeter.

 Much more in the GJA Newsletter No 61, June 2024 attached.

 Attachment: 

• GJA Newsletter No.61 for June 2024.

Yours Sincerely,

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety and Environment Officer

LTB 195-24 – Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No. 61 – June 2024 Introduction & History – The GJA

GJA-Newsletter-61-June-2024

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National Hazards Conference 30 August – 1 September 2024 – Theme ‘The Climate Crisis and Workers Health and Safety – A Deadly Combination:’

For the special attention of all CWU Safety Reps, this is to inform you that the 35^th National Hazards Campaign’s annual, National Hazards Conference will be held this year at the Keele University venue and additionally there will be an online option with a streamed Conference with online workshops and fringe meetings.

The Hazards Conference has always been one of the biggest conferences for trade union safety reps and activists. It consists of a mixture of plenary sessions, meetings and a comprehensive workshop programme. Delegates have an opportunity to exchange experience and information with and learn from safety reps from other unions, sectors and jobs across the UK.

The feedback Hazards has received over the last three years has been encouraging and to this end the organisation has decided to continue the Hazards Conference as a ‘hybrid’ event this year, where delegates can attend in person or participate online.  Hazards want to encourage as many attendees and participants to join in and have an equal opportunity to attend and participate in the conference and therefore, Hazards are providing an opportunity for everyone to attend, either in person or online.

The Hazards Conference needs to recruit as many delegates to attend as possible to maintain the viability of the event as Hazards have to commit to a substantial outlay to deliver the Conference, as a non-profit making organisation. The CWU/HQ Health, Safety & Environment Department encourages CWU Safety Reps to attend the Conference. In support of the Hazards Campaign and Conference which the CWU is a part sponsor of, please can Regions and Branches support the Conference and can CWU Safety Reps give consideration to attending.

This year’s Hazards conference will include sessions on: –

• The Health and Safety at Work Act at 50 years old – What is the future?
• Climate and workers’ health and safety – the challenges of extreme weather events and the impact of work activity on the climate;
• Making the case for mentally healthy work – workers are being exposed to increasing workloads, health impacting work related stress, violence and bullying and

the need to resist, not be more resilient;

• Bad work injuries and deaths – collective pressure and ‘safety reps save lives’ – but the majority of workers are not in trade union organised workplaces, how are

we fighting for these workers?

• Note: Again, this year, Hazards will be awarding certificates to great health and safety campaigns and calling out the bad employers on health and safety

 Full details of the Conference plenary sessions, workshops, fringe meetings, subjects etc., are contained in the attached booking form and the outline agenda is as follows:

 Agenda:

Conference timings and registration

Friday 30 August

1.00-19.30 Delegate registration

17.00 – 19.30 Evening meal

20.00 – 21.00 Opening Plenary Session – HASW Act 74 at 50 years old – what’s the future?

21.00 – 22.00 Networking in Sectors

Saturday 31 August

7.30 – 9.00 – Registration for later arrivals/non-residential delegates

7.00 – 8.45    Breakfast

9.00-10.30 – First Meeting: Westminster Theatre: Climate and workers’ health and safety – the

challenges of extreme weather events and the impact of work activity on the climate

10.30-11.00 Break

11.00 – 12.30 – Workshop 1 – in person and online – see options

12.30 – 14.00 – lunch

14.00 – 15.30 – Second Meeting: Westminster Theatre: Making the case for mentally healthy work –

workers being exposed to increasing workloads, health impacting work, Work related stress, violence and bullying and the need to resist and not just be more resilient.

15.30 – 16.00 – Break

16.00 – 17.30 – Workshop 2 – in person and online – see options

17.45 – 18.45 – Fringe meetings – in person and online – see options

19.00 – 20.30 Dinner

21.00 – 22.00 Quiz

22.00 – Networking

 Sunday 1 September

7.30-9.15 – Breakfast (Clear rooms – bring cases to secure room in registration area)

10.00-12.00 – Closing plenary: Bad work injures and kills; Collective pressure and safety reps save

lives; How can TU Safety Reps fight for the majority of workers are not

in trade unionised workplaces? how can we fight for these workers?

12.30-13.30 – Packed Lunch – eat on site or take away and depart

Note: All plenary sessions are in-person or online

Some of the Subject Matter Covered in the Workshops:

• Safety Reps Functions and Workplace Inspections
• Mental Health awareness
• The role of Safety Reps in dealing with Work Stress and Mental Health issues
• Organising, campaigning and resources for Safety Reps
• Tackling Work-related Violence
• Working in extreme weather conditions and controlling the risks
• What’s lurking beneath the surface in Workplace Buildings (RAAC, Asbestos etc) What do Safety Reps need to do
• The Climate Emergency and Employers Climate Policies – what do Safety Reps need to do
• Engaging and supporting young workers

Note: Some sessions are in-person, some hybrid and some on-line – see registration form for details.

Booking Form for the 2024 Hazards Conference:

• Copy Attached
• The link to download a copy of the Booking Form is:

Booking-Form-The-35th-National-Hazards-Conference-2024.pdf (gmhazards.org.uk)

• Alternatively people can apply online using this ink:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/845819989357?aff=oddtdtcreator

Sponsorship Form:

If Reps, Branches, Regions would like to sponsor this year’s event see attached sponsorship form. Every small donation helps this great safety campaigning, non-profit making organisation.

The CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department will again be sponsoring the Hazards Conference.

For More Information or any questions about the Conference:

If you have a question, concerns, or require more information or clarification, please email or call Janet Newsham on behalf of the Hazards 2024 Conference organising committee:-

Contact: Janet Newsham

Email: janet@gmhazards.org.uk or hazconf@gmhazards.org.uk

Telephone: 07734317158

Post: Hazards Campaign

Windrush Millennium Centre

70 Alexandra Road

Manchester
Greater Manchester M16 7WD

 Attachments:

• Hazards 2024 Conference Booking Form

Hazards Magazine

• Please support and subscribe to Hazards Magazine here: –

https://www.hazards.org/subscribe/

Yours Sincerely,

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety and Environment Officer

LTB 194-24 – National Hazards Conference 30 August – 1 September 2024 – Theme The Climate Crisis and Workers Health and Safety – A Deadly Combination

National-Hazards-Conference-2024-Registration-Form

Hazards-Conference-2024-Sponsorship-Form

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TUC – Recruiting Black Safety Reps – Free Online Courses: ‘An introduction to the Role of Union Health and Safety Rep’

The TUC has announced a number of Health and Safety Reps introductory courses for Black union members.

The TUC are aiming the courses at encouraging more people to consider the role of a Union health and safety representative, but especially those from underrepresented groups and backgrounds. The TUC know from previous surveys that, across the movement, Union safety rep demographic is not as diverse as the wider workforce.

There has been positive feedback so far for the courses that have been run in the past, and so the TUC are running them again.

The CWU would wish to support this initiative and would encourage Union Branches and existing safety reps to encourage members of their branch, who might potentially be interested in considering taking up the Safety Rep role but want to know more about what it involves, have concerns addressed or questions answered, hear about the issues and campaigns that safety reps work on, and action they can take? If so, then these courses are designed to support, raise awareness and encourage those members, so please share the course details with the appropriate candidates.

These are ‘free’ online introductory courses, with the option to proceed to full Health and Safety Rep training.

The courses are for Black union members only because the TUC has identified that Black workers are under-represented in the role of health and safety reps.

This course is not designed for members who are *already* a health and safety rep.

Those attending must be a member of a union affiliated to the Trades Union Congress.

The courses are free, online and open to any member who defines as Black (so long as they are not already a safety rep!)

There next course is as follows:-

• 13:30 – 17:30 – Tuesday 25^thJune

Registration: – https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0od-murTsoE9HmEzTtAmC-lCcLnr3DR0n0#/registration

More Courses at a later date are under consideration and will be advertised in due course.

Yours Sincerely,

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety and Environment Officer

LTB 193-24 – TUC – Recruiting Black Safety Reps – Free Online Courses An introduction to the Role of Union Health and Safety Rep

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TUC Webinar – Health and Safety in a Changing Climate: Wednesday 3 July 2024, 2pm – 3pm

The TUC have announced a Webinar on Health and Safety in a changing climate which will take place on Wednesday, 3 July 2024, 2pm to 3pm.

This webinar is designed to help equip health and safety reps with the skills to protect Union members from climate change-related hazards.

This is an open invitation to affiliated Trade Union members, aimed at health and Safety Reps but all Reps can Join the panel of experts who will raise awareness of the impacts of climate change on occupational health and safety, encourage organising around climate change, towards

a ‘just transition’ and introduce union initiatives which are making an impact.

Speakers/Presenters:-

• Rory O’Neill, Editor of Hazards Magazine and OSH advisor to the International Trades Union Congress.
• Sarah Lyons, Lead Officer for Health, Safety and Environment, NEU, who will introduce the Joint Union Heatwave Protocol
• Graham Petersen, who will talk through some of the impact being made by the Trade Union Clean Air Network.

Registration Here:-https://www.tuc.org.uk/events/webinar-health-and-safety-changing-climate

Yours Sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety and Environment Officer

LTB 191-24 – TUC Webinar – Health and Safety in a Changing Climate Wednesday 3 July 2024 2pm – 3pm

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Men’s Health Week 2024 – Monday 10 – Sunday 16 June – Theme – ‘Let’s Talk Prostate’ & ‘Mens Health Counts:’

Men’s Health Week 2024 in the UK will run from Monday 10 June until Sunday 16 June. The event is organised in the UK by the ‘Men’s Health Forum’ (MHF). It aims to raise awareness of health issues that affect men disproportionately and encourages men to become more aware of potential health problems they may have or could develop and to gain the courage to take action and do something about it.

The key aims for Men’s Health Week (MHW) each year is to let as many people as possible know when it is happening.  To do this, there needs to be a common set of promotional tools.

International Men’s Health Week (MHW) always begins on the Monday before Father’s Day and ends on Father’s Day itself.  During 2024, it will run from Monday 10^th until Sunday 16^th June.

MHW is celebrated in many European countries, as well as in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and a number of other places worldwide.

The overall aims of the week are to:

• Heighten awareness of preventable health problems for males of all ages.
• Support men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices / activities.
• Encourage the early detection and treatment of health difficulties in males.

Each year, there is also a specific theme.  During 2024, the theme for the UK will be ‘Lets Talk Prostate’ and the key message to everyone is ‘men’s health counts’.

This is a population-wide attempt to increase awareness of the key numbers that policy makers / service providers / men / important people in men’s lives need to know.  Sometimes, these will relate to individual medical issues (e.g. blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol level), but they also include key statistics on the state of men’s health in Ireland, as well as the contact numbers for helpline and support services.

MHW gives everyone (health professionals, service providers, sporting bodies, community groups, employers, policy makers, the media, churches, individuals …) an opportunity to encourage men and boys to take better care of their health and to seek help or treatment at an early stage.

The Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) coordinates activity on the island of Ireland and cooperates with other Men’s Health Fora across Europe, and further afield, to mark this week.

Why is there a need to hold a Men’s Health Week? …  Males constitute almost 50% of the population and therefore, deserve to have a gender lens focused upon their specific health needs. Research clearly how that men experience a disproportionate burden of ill-health and die too young …

• Men die younger than women do.
• Males have higher death rates than females for almost all of the leading causes of death and at all ages.
• Men’s poorer lifestyles are responsible for a high proportion of chronic diseases.
• Late presentation to health services can lead to a large number of problems becoming untreatable …

Indeed, while many of these conditions are preventable, their prevalence amongst men may, in fact, rise in the future.

This is a population-wide attempt to increase awareness amongst Men and amongst key numbers of policy makers / service providers / important people in men’s lives that need to know.  Sometimes, these relate to medical issues (e.g. blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol level), but they also need to include key statistics on the state of men’s health (or ill health), as well as the contact numbers for helpline and support services that can maintain men’s health.

Common cancers in UK men:

 1 Prostate cancer 

55,000 new cases a year Possible symptoms: weak or reduced urine flow, need to urinate frequently, difficulty or pain passing urine, blood in urine or semen. Lifestyle risk factors: there is strong evidence that being overweight or obese is a cause of advanced prostate cancer. It’s the more aggressive type and can be fatal. Early detection: men aged 50 and over may be advised to have a PSA test by their doctor, usually if they have some of the symptoms above. It is an initial test for helping diagnosis but as raised levels of PSA can also be caused by other conditions, it can’t on its own confirm if someone has the disease. For more information, visit: cancerscreening.nhs.uk/prostate.

2 Bowel cancer 

25,000 new cases a year. Possible symptoms: bleeding from the back passage, abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, a lump in the abdomen. Lifestyle risk factors: a diet high in red and processed meat, being overweight or obese, a diet low in fibre (found in foods such as vegetables, fruit, wholegrains (like wholewheat pasta) and pulses (beans, peas and lentils), not doing enough physical activity, smoking, and drinking alcohol. Early detection: the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme provides screening for all men (and women) aged 60 and over, and from 50 in Scotland. For more information, visit: cancerscreening.nhs.uk/bowel.

3 Lung cancer About 

25,000 new cases a year.  Possible symptoms: a cough that lasts for more than two or three weeks, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and stubborn chest infections. Lifestyle risk factors: smoking causes over 90 per cent of lung cancers in men, so the most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to not smoke or give up smoking. Taking high-dose Vitamin A supplements can also increase the risk of lung cancer in current and ex-smokers. Early detection: if you’re concerned, get checked out by your doctor.

4 Skin cancer (melanoma) 

9,000 new cases a year.  Possible symptoms: the development of a new mole or an existing one that has increased in size, changed shape (especially with an irregular edge), become darker in colour, has become itchy, inflamed or started bleeding; or a change to the skins appearance. Lifestyle risk factors: ultraviolet light from sun exposure or sunbed use. Early detection: get any changes to your skin or moles checked by your doctor.

5 Kidney cancer

About 7,600 new cases a year Possible symptoms: no obvious symptoms in the early stages. Blood in the urine may be detected. Lifestyle risk factors: being overweight or obese, and smoking.

Having any of the symptoms described doesn’t mean that you have cancer, but it’s best to visit your doctor and get checked out. It’s also a good idea to find out if any types of cancer run in your family, and to speak to your doctor if you are concerned.

General advice to me to reduce the Cancer risks and other key health risks:-

•  Be a healthy weight

Keep your weight within the healthy range and avoid weight gain in adult life

• Be physically active

Be physically active as part of everyday life – walk more and sit less

• Eat a diet rich in wholegrains, vegetables, fruit and beans

Make wholegrains, vegetables, fruit, and pulses (legumes) such as beans and lentils a major part of your usual daily diet

• Limit consumption of ‘fast foods’ and other processed foods high in fat, starches or sugars

Limiting these foods helps control calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight

• Limit consumption of red and processed meat

Eat no more than moderate amounts of red meat, such as beef, pork and lamb. Eat little, if any, processed meat

• Limit consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks

Drink mostly water and unsweetened drinks

• Limit alcohol consumption

For cancer prevention, it’s best not to drink alcohol

• Do not use supplements for cancer prevention

Aim to meet nutritional needs through diet alone

• For mothers: breastfeed your baby, if you can

Breastfeeding is good for both mother and baby

• After a cancer diagnosis: follow our Recommendations, if you can

Check with your health professional what is right for you

• Not smoking and avoiding other exposure to tobacco and excess sun are also important in reducing cancer risk.
• Following these Recommendations is likely to reduce intakes of salt, saturated and trans fats, which together will help prevent other non-communicable diseases. C

P For Prostate – New Mens Health Forum ‘Man Mini-Manual’ Booklet Guide

Mens Health Forum are launching a new ‘Man Mini Manual’ Booklet “P For Prostate” (see attached cover image). This booklet and guide looks at all aspects of the prostate – from where it is and what it does through to various problems it can cause for men. The manual launches during Men’s Health Week.

Whatever your age, ‘P FOR PROSTATE’ aims to explain everything you need to know in one easy-to-read booklet.

• Where it is and how it works
• What can go wrong
• Signs and symptoms
• Tests and examinations
• All aspects of prostate health
• Living with prostate issues

“Don’t procrastinate. Know your prostate.”

Written by Jim Pollard (with big thanks to our partners Prostate Cancer UK and Cancer Black Care) with cartoons by John Byrne, the 36 page full colour booklet is the perfect introduction to the prostate: a sex organ men need to know more about. ‘Men’s Health Forum man manuals: men’s health made easy.’

The Men’s Health Forum was a member of the now-defunct NHS England Information Standard but MHF continues to try to follow the guidelines the Standard set down. This means the manual is fully-referenced, has been peer-reviewed by our team of medics led by Dr John Chisholm, the Men’s Health Forum’s chair of trustees, and also road-tested with men of all ages. You can have confidence that this is a reliable source of quality evidence-based health information.

Advisory Board of health professionals for P For Prostate: Dr John Chisholm (Men’s Health Forum chair) Dr Su Wang (Men’s Health Forum trustee) Sara Richards (Men’s Health Forum trustee) Dr Annette Fenner (Chief Editor, Nature Reviews Urology and Men’s Health Forum trustee) Prof. Alan White (Men’s Health Forum patron) Prof. Roger Kirby (President, Royal Society of Medicine) Jonathan Kay (Prostate Cancer UK) Paul Campbell (Cancer Black Care)

Pre-Orders

• Branches, Regions and Reps can pre-order the new Guide Booklet before Men’s Health Week 2024 at £3.95 or £149 for a box of 100. After Men’s Health Week, prices revert to £4,95 and £179.

The manual is currently available at a PRE-ORDER price (£149.99 for 100, £49.99 for 20 or £3.95 for a single copy). By ordering now you’ll help us to assess our print run. Publication is scheduled for Men’s Health Week (10th-16th June 2024) and we will fulfil your orders then. Prices will then revert to our new Man Manual pricing based on £4.95 per copy.

All orders include free delivery.

Men’s Health Forum

7-14 Great Dover Street

London

SE1 4YR

0330 097 0654

Email: shop@menshealthforum.org.uk

Website: https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk

Charity reg. number 1087375 (England & Wales).

Mens Health Forum Website:

Packed with information, advice, training, events etc:- https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk

World Cancer Research Fund – Men’s Health Guide

Attached is a copy of the above downloadable guide booklet which can be reproduced and printed for distribution locally in Branches and Regions. Cancer. It’s a word we often avoid saying, let alone thinking about. And as men are known to less likely do things for the good of their health than women (according to the research). But by taking action now, members can make cancer less likely in the future. Professor Martin Wiseman Medical Doctor and Medical and Scientific Adviser of the World Cancer Research Fun is the author of the booklet/guide and he states that he finds it disheartening that so many people don’t know that their lifestyle has an impact on their risk of getting cancer – instead, cancer is seen as either down to luck or something that ‘won’t happen to me’. But it is worth thinking about. We are not powerless against cancer. If we all lived a healthier lifestyle, which includes not smoking, avoiding excess sun exposure, eating a healthy diet, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight, around 40 per cent of cancer cases could be prevented. If you want to take control of your health says Professor Wiseman then his attached easy to read and understand guide is a great place to start. Written with ordinary people in mind, it looks at the cancers of which men are most at risk of and gives tips on how we can protect yourself. The advice in the booklet has been developed in a way that means men can fit in with their daily lives and how they like to spend their time. Use this guide to start taking steps to improve the odds of a healthier, cancer-free future. (Written by Professor Martin Wiseman Medical Doctor and Medical and Scientific Adviser, World Cancer Research Fun).

Yours Sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety and Environment Officer

LTB 190-24 – Men’s Health Week 2024

P For Prostate – Cover Image

Mens-Health-Guide-WCRF

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Royal Mail Delivery of Election Material 2024 

Following the announcement by the Government on 22^nd May to hold a ‘snap’ General Election on Thursday 4^th  July, the purpose of this LTB (Letter To Branches) is to provide Branches, Representatives and members alike with the relevant and key details of our National Agreement covering the delivery of election material, which follows recent discussions with Royal Mail.

In line with the National Agreement, the unit payment will cover all addressed and unaddressed election material marked or confirmed as “Election Communication” and Poll Cards (excluding Proxy Poll Cards).

To assist with any questions in terms of what ‘does and does not’ attract the unit payment, please see the following summary, which also outlines the delivery ‘time’ specifications against each election material product type listed:Election ProductElection Material Product TypeDelivery ‘Time’ SpecificationUnit PaymentPoll CardsPoll Card Mailing OptionUp to 3 DaysYesEnveloped Poll CardAs per the Product PurchasedYesPoll SortUp to 3 DaysYesMail MarkNext Delivery DayYesPostal Vote ReturnsStandard TariffAs per the Product PurchasedNoDSAAs per the Product PurchasedNoCandidate MailAddressed3 Days (Mon to Friday only)YesUnaddressed7 Days (Mon to Friday only)Yes

Election material that attracts the unit payment should be delivered in line with the normal delivery product specification standards, although where this is not possible due to local circumstances, sensible conversations should take place between the individual and their manager (with a CWU Local Rep, if required) to agree alternative solutions inclusive of other means of delivery or carrying over to the next day etc.

Claiming of pressure overtime is not permitted for delivery of election material. This does not detract from claiming overtime for normal excess mail on delivery.

In setting out the above, it can also be confirmed that the unit payment will be paid to all members within deliveries, who deliver election material, including new starters and those employed from December 2023. Whilst this should not be in question, it nonetheless felt necessary to clarify this point upfront given the level of enquiries received concerning this in May of this year and during several local Council and Mayoral Elections.

It is also relevant to point out that there may well be additional postings, including D2D items, issued locally by Parliamentary Candidates or political parties, which are over and above this election material, which is free for the candidate and funded by the Cabinet Office.

Such postings do not attract the unit payment and therefore should be delivered in line with the relevant delivery product specification standards. They would need to be viewed as normal bulk postings and handled as excess mails on delivery, if necessary.

Finally, Royal Mail have confirmed that Poll Cards for the General Election will now start to arrive in local Delivery units, if not already, and that Parliamentary Candidate’s election material will start to arrive for delivery from 10^th June.

It is hoped that this information and confirmation in terms of our agreement covering the delivery of Election Material will be timely and of assistance.

Any enquiries to the content of this LTB should be directed to the Outdoor Department reference 535.09, email address: Pharacz@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Mark Baulch
CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 189-24 – Royal Mail Delivery of Election Material 2024

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ROYAL MAIL GROUP: MOTION 11, ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2024 – PENSIONS TRAINING

Following the carriage of Motion 11 at Annual Conference, we have held discussions with various key people in respect of delivering this policy for our Representatives across Royal Mail Group.  In this regard, please be advised that a very successful “pilot” Pensions Training event was held on Wednesday 5^th June for the Postal Executive, together with Policy Advisors and some members of the Pensions Working Group.  This activity, which was broadly five hours in total, was designed and delivered by Paul Kennedy, Divisional Representative and RMPP Trustee.

The plan going forward is to hold a series of one-day (approximately 10.30am – 4pm) seminars across the UK based upon the Divisional structures.  Ideally, these seminars will be completed by the end of September 2024 and will be open to all delegates that ordinarily attend Divisional Committees, Parcelforce Regions, and Engineering & Fleet structures.  Essentially, as the subject of pensions is a generic matter, we will be bringing Reps together from across the union and this includes Branch Secretaries.

In respect of next steps, Paul Kennedy will be liaising with the Divisional Reps as a priority to organise suitable dates for the training, along with venues.  We anticipate that by the end of next week, most of the dates will have been agreed and the timetable will be the subject of a further communication once complete.  We are of course conscious that we will be entering the peak summer leave period and that some Reps may be on leave when their session is held.  We are therefore already considering the concept of potentially one or two mop-up sessions in order that every Rep is able to receive this important training.

Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh
Deputy General Secretary (P)

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

Attachment 1: 24LTB188 -Royal Mail Group -Motion 11, Annual Conference 2024 – Pensions Training

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CWU LGBT+ and Allies Networking Event  

The Equality, Education and Development department are pleased to announce that a CWU LGBT+ and Allies Networking Event will be taking place on Friday 16^th August 2024 in conjunction with Chester Pride on the 17^thAugust. The day will be an opportunity to connect and network with other LGBT+ activists and Allies from across the union.

Day 1: The session on Friday 16^th August 2024 will run from 13:00 – 17:00and take place at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Chester, Warrington Road, Chester, CH2 3PD. The afternoon will include interactive and informative sessions with group discussions. (The hotel has free parking and is a 7-minute taxi ride from the station).

Day 2: Will include attending Chester Pride, taking place at Box 7, Unity Centre, Cuppin Street, Chester CH1 2BN on Saturday 17^th August 2024. Further information will follow regarding a CWU meeting point and times.

Booking Accommodation

If Branches wish to stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa, Chester, you must book early as they will be holding a number of discounted rooms on a ‘first come, first served’ basis until 5^th July 2024.

Bookings can be made via the hotel website using this link: BOOK NOW

Please note that a credit card is required to reserve the room – no charge will be made to your account until you arrive at the hotel, unless you choose to make payment in full at the time of booking.

Accommodation rates: (preferential CWU rates for nights of Friday 16^thAugust  

**The rate is per room per night and is inclusive of breakfast**

Friday 16th August

Standard King rooms start from £125.00
Superior King rooms start from £145.00

Suggested Alternative Hotels

Premier Inn Chester (Railway Station)
Travelodge Chester Central

Please note it is important that Branches reserve a place for Friday’s networking event as there are limited spaces, to reserve your place, please email equality&education@cwu.org

We look forward to seeing you in Chester!

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

24LTB 187 – CWU LGBT+ and Allies Networking Event

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MEETING WITH EP GROUP REPRESENTATIVES

Today we have met with representatives of EP Group. The meeting was useful and constructive and further meetings will take place including the direct involvement of Daniel Kretinsky.

We made it very clear that the current commitments from EP Group are neither strong enough or long enough. Daniel Kretinsky has openly stated he wants to own Royal Mail for the rest of his life – we need commitments for the workforce that match that level of ambition.

The CWU put forward our wide ranging concerns and also our view that we need to see a completely new ownership / business model for Royal Mail and one that gives all employees a real stake in the future of the business. Both parties have agreed to explore this further.

Royal Mail have led a prolonged and deliberate attack on its own workforce which continues to this day in many workplaces. Representatives of EP Group understood the reality that unless the workforce are on board the company will never succeed.

Alongside this meeting we are increasing our plans to engage the government and Labour Party on the takeover bid. This bid needs to be heavily scrutinised and debated, particularly in the run in to a general election.

The CWU position is clear. We do not support a foreign equity company taking over Royal Mail. At the same time we have absolutely no confidence in the current Board of the company. Royal Mail should be renationalised but the political climate makes that very difficult at the moment. Our job now is to make sure our members voice is heard at every opportunity as this takeover bid unfolds.

We will keep you updated with any developments.

Dave Ward
General Secretary

Martin Walsh Deputy General Secretary Postal

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