LTB 218/26 – Royal Mail Group – Sun Safety Communications 2026
No. 218/26
4 August 2026
Royal Mail Group – Sun Safety Communications 2026
Dear Colleagues,
This week, Royal Mail Group have made available two new workplace-based posters on Sun Safety for issuing across Royal Mail and Parcelforce as we continue to face hotter and more extreme heat conditions during this summer period.
These posters are designed to offer short and practical advice in terms of ‘things you can do to cool someone down’ and also highlight symptoms and early warning signs linked to possible Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.
Additionally, RMG will be seeking to further highlight the ‘staying hydrated’ Sun Safety message by promoting the ‘Refill Return App’ via PDAs. This Refill Return App connects users to places like cafes, restaurants and shops, etc., that offer free refills of water.
A copy of these two new workplace-based posters, alongside a screenshot of the Refill Return App are attached.
In setting out the above, it is useful to repeat the core Sun Safety messages of:
- Cover Up– The most effective barrier.
- Protect your head– Wear a wide brimmed hat.
- Use sunscreen– Factor 30 or higher and reapply.
- Seek shade– Take breaks in the shade.
- Stay hydrated– Drink regularly and avoid caffeine.
- Skin safe– Check for any changes.
The final attachments are the CWU posters ‘Heat Guidance – Medication’, which highlights that individual members who take medication can be at increased risk of heat-related illness, and the ‘Heat Illness Guide’, which explains how heat illness can happen.
Area Safety Reps (ASRs) and Workplace Safety Reps Actions:
Area and Workplace Safety Representatives are reminded to:
- Work with Operational Managers and SHE Team Management to raise awareness about Sun Safety amongst all members who work outdoors across Royal Mail Group.
- Ensure that Sun Safety posters are displayed in the workplace.
- Ensure that the RMG Severe Weather Guidance is followed and that SWMAs (Severe Weather Managers Assessments) are carried out as necessary and against MET Office Warnings and UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency) Alerts.
- Ensure that individuals who may be at increased risk in extreme heat due to age, underlying health conditions, who take certain medications, and new or expectant mothers are aware that new or further duty adjustments may be needed to support them in the event of a UKHSA ‘Yellow Heat Alert’ (and/or higher Alerts and MET Office Heat Warnings). These duty adjustments need to be made with the individual’s agreement and recorded on the Health Passport and relevant Risk Assessment Form.
Where Branches and Safety Reps require any additional information on the above, or for any other enquiries in relation to this LTB, these should be referred to the DGS(P) Department, email: ACorbett@cwu.org or HFord@cwu.org.
Yours sincerely,
Martin Walsh
Deputy General Secretary (Postal)
LTB 218-26 – Royal Mail Group Sun Safety Communications 2026
RMG-Heat-Exhaustion-Stroke-Poster-A4
08740 – cwu heat guidance – medications a4 v1
8352 CWU Heat illness guide – v2 2025
