LTB:Cat trainers replacement trials

[POSTMAN]

12 December 2012
LTB 920/12


To: All Postal Branches

Dear Colleagues

Royal Mail 'Caterpillar (CAT) Trainers' Footwear - Replacement Trials of "Anvil Blacktail Waterproof Trainer" and the "YDS Hermes (Gore) Trainer":

As Branches will know, the "Caterpillar (CAT) Trainer" has been a popular footwear style in the Royal Mail Official range, amongst members, who generally found them comfortable and easy to wear. However, a number of problems and safety issues have been identified since their introduction, leading to consistent widespread complaints.
Despite the popularity of this particular footwear model, the main problem is the fact that the fabric / textile upper is not waterproof and not suitable for wear in wet weather. Other complaints from wearers were a lack of durability and wearing out quickly.
There were also a smaller number of complaints from members regarding lack of grip/traction on damp and wet surfaces. This may have been connected to the wear condition of the shoes due to the known poor durability of the soles on delivery work. However the Caterpillar (CAT) Trainers, had passed SATRA testing and were EU approved to BS EN ISO 20345 and the 200 Joule standard. Further work is currently being undertaken to establish the scale of concerns over the suitability of the Caterpillar (CAT) Trainer.
However, it was agreed by Royal Mail that the due to the Caterpillar (CAT) Trainer Shoe not offering the water resistance or durability standards required by the business, they would search for a suitable alternative 'Trainer' type shoe to trial as a possible replacement in the Royal Mail Footwear Range.
Royal Mail have now identified two possible Trainer Type Shoe alternatives, similar in style to the Caterpillar (CAT) Trainer. These are the:-
- "Anvil Blacktail Waterproof Trainer"
- "YDS Hermes (Gore) Trainer".
The National Uniform Manager has agreed to organise a National Trial of 10,000 pairs of the two new Trainer types (5000 of each type) with 2000 pairs going to each of the 5 Regions (1000 of each type). CWU/HQ has agreed to support the Trials. The arrangements are being finalised through the Regional Safety Directors who will organise the Trials in the Regions and DSM Sectors, in consultation with CWU Area Safety Reps locally, in respect of identifying Trial Delivery Offices and in obtaining feedback. Regions will receive an allocation of 2000 pairs of the new types in time to commence trials in January/February 2013. The Trial will form part of the Region's Safety Programme plan. Currently not all regions have responded with their trial location and ASRs should be discussing this issue with Regional Safety Directors now. Once all the Trial Offices have been identified, the information will be fed back to the National Uniform Manager and then on to the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department.
Everyone employed in the Delivery Units selected will get a pair the new type Trainers to test and not just those who order trainers. If any employee does not want to be part of the trial they simply return the footwear to supplier "Dimensions" and a 'credit' will be raised and the individual's footwear entitlement will be adjusted in order for them to select alternative (non-trial) footwear of their choice. A communication will be sent out by the National Uniform Manager just before the footwear is dispatched explaining why the new type trainers are being trialled, the benefits expected and individuals to feedback their comments and views. The communication will have returns/feedback forms attached.
200 pairs were sent out last month to employees who did not know they were part of a Trial but had been selected due to the amount of footwear used by them over the last year and they were asked to participate in the Trials.
The manufacturers are also taking a keen interest in feedback from the Trials.
The objective is to identify a fit for purpose Trainer style replacement shoe that matches the comfort of the existing model but offers a waterproof alternative along with greater durability, lasting longer as well as a good standard of grip/traction.

The proposal is to issue the Trial Footwear to all staff in the Trial Offices with the selected DSM sectors selected on the basis of:-
(a) accident numbers in wet weather,
(b) willingness to get involved in the trial and
(c) geographical location.
See Attached:
· "Anvil Blacktail Waterproof Trainer" Image
· "YDS Hermes (Gore) Trainer" Image
· "Anvil Blacktail Waterproof Trainer" Specification
· "YDS Hermes (Gore) Trainer" Specification
Yours Sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

[fishtank]

This may have been connected to the wear condition of the shoes due to the known poor durability of the soles on delivery work.

This is an issue with all of the footwear on a walking delivery.
For someone doing a 4hr+ walking delivery the safe use window is around 3 months.
Royal Mail expect them to last 9-12 months.
Someone knows absolutely nothing about this job and it shows.

[tony2]

magnums about 2 months

[glenfiddich]

my docs lasted 4 months trying the caterpillar boot now

[TrueBlueTerrier]

my docs lasted 4 months trying the caterpillar boot now

I prefer concrete boots - the Cat Boots are heavy, and take ages to wear in - by then the sole has gone. not my favourite footwear choice.

[5plusbonusball]

Good soul , airy and light, waterproof like your skin , we'll order 170,000 for our staff please, we've got lots of dosh to waste! Make the managers sit around in them as well

[macetheace]

Can i have mine in BLACK

[fishtank]

I've found the flaw in the Anvil Blacktail trainer already.

Sole - Outsole-2079 rubber Anvil traction unit RM Spec rubber

[RTP]

I wouldn't mind trialing these trainers. Can anyone put their name forward, and if so who do you contact?

[clashcityrocker]

YDS Herpes (Gore) Trainer" Specification

Sounds like a posh title for a teacher in charge of sex education in Cambuslang.
I'll have a pair.

[General Mannerheim]

We had a guy slip with these crappy trainers on a few weeks ago and because he was off because of his injury he got a nice stage 2 as it was all his own fault apparently this is the way they will be operating from now on.

[uncle pat]

fallen twice using anvil trainers in wet,badly sprained wrist

[mandelsons_toenail]

fallen twice using anvil trainers in wet,badly sprained wrist

What are you saying then ?

[uncle pat]

ok in dry,no good in wet. fine in dubai but not uk

[wabbithunta]

YDS Boots Manufacturing Facility

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qy1wlpfF2oU" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Would be nice if they actually sourced these somewhat closer to home [The UK maybe!?], assuming that they go for this manufacturer, as some people seem to have issues with these, seems it's just the same as the CAT trainers too. People have slipped in these too as the rubber compound used is not really good enough for what we posties put them through.

CAT trainers.. lovely and comfy. Crap soles.. wear out far to quick and not waterproof.

Trouble is it's not the trainers that are at issue, it's their use. ie, not fit for purpose.
These are really for "weekend walkers" taking the dog out, not really for 10+ hours use per day!
I've had 4 pairs so far. All worn out inside 6 months from walking about 10-12 miles a day.
If they [RM] do go for these new ones from YDS I hope that they'll be comfy/lightweight/waterproof.. and last a lot longer than the CAT trainers.