Keeping the UK posted - working safely through the winter
20th December 2011
A jointly agreed plan, setting out in detail how the CWU and
Royal Mail will work together to ensure safety and service are not
compromised by severe weather has been hailed as "a huge step
forward" by the union's national health, safety and
environment officer Dave Joyce.
"Valuable lessons have been learned from last winter
and this year there's far more equipment available,"
explained Dave, "this includes more of the 'spikys' -
anti-slip over-shoe devices - that were introduced last year, along
with 'snow tyre socks' and special winter weather tyres
(pictured) to keep the Royal Mail vehicle fleet on the road
safely."
The winter working plan has been sent out to all Royal Mail
operational managers and union safety reps across the UK and
regular joint assessments - daily inspections if necessary - will
be taking place at local level to ensure that the industry works
safely through the winter.
"Key to success will be all of us keeping safety as our top
priority - and that will mean managers supporting staff in making
the right decisions and making sure that everyone is prepared and
knows how to minimise the risk of having accidents through good
communication, risk controls and adjustments, strictly adhering to
safety standards, working methods, equipment and personal
protective equipment use," Dave said, adding: "And of
course, if there's any uncertainty, get in touch with your
safety rep for advice and guidance."
Decisions to suspend deliveries, given Royal Mail's Universal
Service Obligations under law, are never taken lightly, but, there
still may be occasions where this is the only option, he pointed
out.
"However, there's no doubt in my mind that
this year's winter working plan is the best we've achieved
and, if we all play our part, we can all work safely through the
winter."
*For full details of the winter working plan, members can access
the joint statement and agreement click on the link below:
LTB 1064/11 Royal Mail Letters/CWU - Severe Weather Conditions -
Joint Statement & Communication on Safe Working Arrangements
and New On Line Severe Weather Risk Assessment Tool:
If in any doubt please contact your regional health and
safety forum secretary.
