Safety first as adverse weather hits

[POSTMAN]

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Many of our members have already been exposed to the severe weather conditions that the entire UK is bracing itself for this weekend. It is important to take extra care when working outdoors whether you're a postal worker on your round or in your vehicle, an engineer travelling to a call out or simply travelling to or from work.

CWU health and safety officer, Dave Joyce, stresses the importance of working safely and make use of the right equipment and kit available to you to do so. "We've spent a lot of time working with both Royal Mail and BT to ensure the safety of our members, which is the number one priority. As the UK is set for adverse weather conditions we urge our members not to put themselves in unnecessary danger, to follow the guidelines and tips set out below or get in touch with their local Area Safety Rep or Union Safety Rep, if they have a problem or need advice" said Dave.


Guidelines for Royal Mail are summarised for your information below.

Royal Mail's adverse weather policy
Safety hazards during the winter period can increase and change quickly due to severe weather conditions and longer hours of darkness. Before setting out, assessments must be carried to take account of changes in severe weather conditions.
Guidelines for both BT and Royal Mail are summarised for your information below.

On foot: Ensure you are wearing appropriate clothing and layers for the conditions. You may be outside for a number of hours and need to plan accordingly.
Ensure your footwear has sufficient grip.
If you need replacement uniform or footwear, talk to your manager.
Take extra care on steps, stairways and footpaths to reduce the risk of slipping on snow, ice or leaves. On steps and stairways always hold handrails, where available, to give three points of contact.
If it becomes too cold to work seek shelter and let your manager know.
In high winds watch out for flying debris.
When it is icy or snowy test your footing and do not take shortcuts as the snow may be covering hidden dangers underneath.


Driving in adverse weather
Before setting out, assess weather and road conditions to ensure it is safe to drive.
Wear a seatbelt at all times when driving, even for short journeys.
Check the vehicle has appropriate anti-freeze and screen wash.
Ensure mirrors and seats are properly adjusted before moving off.
Clear the windscreen, mirrors, and other windows of snow, ice or condensation before setting off.
Be careful leaving and entering the vehicle as you could slip. Look at the ground surface before you leave the vehicle.
Tyre grip is even more important in wintry weather, so check tread depth (3mm recommended minimum) and tyre pressures (these are displayed on a sticker on your vehicle wheel arch).
Report all defects promptly to your local workshop via a PMT1 defect report.
Drive according to the conditions. Black ice, rain, fog, snow and ice all require extra concentration. Allow more time if needed.
Avoid sharp acceleration, braking and steering in slippery conditions. If you start to skid, take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid.


Cycling in adverse weather
Before going out, as part of the new risk assessment process, assess whether it is safe to use a bicycle in the weather and road conditions. If not, alternative arrangements must be made.
Cycle safety helmets and high visibility clothing are mandatory and must be worn whenever using a bike.
Ensure tyres, torches and cycle lamps are working correctly before leaving the yard.
If weather conditions change and become too difficult to cycle push rather than ride cycles.


Use of High Capacity Trolleys (HCTs) and Lightweight Trolleys (LWTs) in adverse weather
Before going out, as part of the new risk assessment process assess whether it is safe to use HCTs and LWTs in adverse weather, assessing footpaths and underfoot conditions, taking account of terrain, weight and increased manual handling risks.
If weather conditions deteriorate and become too difficult to push with reduced weight and without increasing the risk of injury then alternative arrangements must be made.

[Lounge Lizard]

I'm sure Dave means well with his several hundred words that I've neither the time nor inclination to read in full but I couldn't help but notice "Before setting out, assess weather and road conditions to ensure it is safe to drive". How ?

[dave7634]

I love this one, "If it becomes too cold to work seek shelter and let your manager know."

Oh I can hear them now :-D