LTB 327/23 - RMG/CWU Joint Statement On Xmas Outhouses Health & Safety
No. 327/2023
Our Ref: C1/23
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues,
RMG/CWU Joint Statement On Xmas Outhouses Health & Safety:
This LTB is being issued further to LTB 321/23.
Royal Mail Group Operations (in Royal Mail, Parcelforce Worldwide and Royal Mail International) have again this year set up a dedicated network of temporary outhouses, overflow, relief sites, some on temporary sites and some on in-house sites as part of the 2023 Christmas operations, to deal with and handle the increased Christmas traffic volumes.
Our apologies for the late issue of this LTB due to the late return and response of Royal Mail. We have been informed that SHE Team members including the Director of Health and Safety are all working in the operation, in Delivery Offices, instead of on health and safety!
Discussions have taken place with Royal Mail Group in relation to Health and Safety at the Temporary Outhouse Christmas Sort Centres and Satellite Offices to ensure the full access and involvement of CWU ASRs in order that they are fully engaged to undertake Health and Safety inspections, pre-start and to continue with ongoing safety inspections and spot-checks now that the Outhouses are operational.
This will enable ASRs to be fully involved, working with the RMG SHE Team, Property Team and Operational Management, to deal with any health, safety, welfare and working environment issues during occupation.
Operational Management supported by the RMG SHE Team will take responsibility for health and safety procedures in temporary outhouses, working with CWU Area Safety Representatives.
An ASR’s guide covering all the basics that ASRs need to be inspecting and checking has been issued under cover of the previous LTB 321/23.
See attached ‘Joint Statement’ which has been signed by the Royal Mail Group Director of Health and Safety (who reports directly to the new RMG CEO). This confirms commitments to; staff safety training and information including site induction training, statutory Health and Safety Notices are in place, manual handling training, new/temp employees and visitors, safe systems of work, environmental controls, adequate heating and lighting safe place of work, risk assessment, housekeeping, safe machines, plant and equipment, fault reporting, noise and dust control, fire safety and evacuation plan, first aid, ensuring all accidents and near misses are reported and investigated, emergency procedures, joint workplace safety inspections and monitoring, workplace transport and yard risk controls, continued effective vehicle and pedestrian segregation on site, PPE, emergency procedures and workplace monitoring.
RMG safety documentation has been issued with the previous LTB 321/23.
Site access and involvement of CWU Area Safety Representatives is important with these temporary outhouse sites during Xmas peak operations.
This set of clear arrangements will help overcome problems experienced in the past with Christmas ‘Outhouses’, ensuring better health and safety standards, joint working and problem solving.
The full list of Christmas Outhouses and additional in-house, on-site temporary buildings and Marquee Accommodation being used for the Christmas period are contained in LTB 321/23.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer