Union issues flood safety warning and guidance

December 9 2015

Following the devastating floods across the North, CWU members are valiantly maintaining a service to the public in the run up to Christmas under difficult and arduous conditions.

Two delivery offices were flooded in Northumberland and another was abandoned due to safe access difficulties as operations were switched to other offices through agreements jointly arranged by CWU reps and Royal Mail.

With the Environment Agency continuing to issue warnings of severe flood and gales, national health and safety officerDave Joycesaid: “The safety of our members is paramount and there should be no risk taken or heroics whilst dangerous flood waters are around us.

“We have stated that the physical and mental health of the staff, some of whom will find themselves in a stressful situation or working in flood hit areas whilst suffering the anxiety of their homes being flooded at the same time. They must be supported through this period, looking after the welfare and wellbeing.”

The CWU health, safety and environment department has issued advice and guidance in letters to branches and has urged all members to follow the basic flood safety guidance. We are asking branches and safety reps to ensure the guidance and advice is widely circulated among members.

Employers have been urged to do likewise as was done during previous floods. Royal Mail has issued detailed communications and briefings, and has triggered the severe weather risk assessment process, putting “safety first under all circumstances.”

Basic flood safety guidance:

• Turn around, don’t risk drowning!
  Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
• Don’t walk in floodwater. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down and water above knee level will easily knock you off your feet.
• Flood water can cover open manholes, open drains. potholes, road works or objects and you won’t be able to see them.
• Don’t drive through floodwater. Two feet of flowing water is enough to sweep your van or car away.
• If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground. Flash floods can kill.
• If floodwaters rise around your vehicle but the water is not moving, abandon the vehicle and move to higher ground. However, do not leave the vehicle and enter moving, fast flowing water as there’s a high risk of being washed away and drowning.
• Avoid driving and parking alongside streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.
• Don’t touch items that have been in contact with the flood water. Flood water is likely to be contaminated and could contain sewage. Disinfect and thoroughly clean everything that’s got wet.

Our guidance to members has been communicated to Royal Mail, who have now issued similar advice and manager briefings.

For more information please read:
LTB 781/15 – Flooding – Advice to Safety Representatives, Branches & Members – What to do and How to Stay Safe Before, During and After a Flood