LTB 489-20 Royal Mail Group - Re-Introduction of Shared Vans

[POSTMAN]

https://www.cwu.org/ltb/ltb-489-20-roya ... ared-vans/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
LTB 489-20 Royal Mail Group – Re-Introduction of Shared Vans
No. 489/20

6th October 2020

Dear Colleagues,

Royal Mail Group – Re-Introduction of Shared Vans

Over the last few weeks Royal Mail Group has been pressing the CWU to engage and agree the re-introduction of shared vans into Delivery in a controlled manner as they believed it could be achieved in line with government guidance.

As such discussions have taken place between Royal Mail Group and both the Health & Safety Department and the Postal Department regarding ensuring all the relevant safety and wellbeing risks are addressed and a robust risk assessment process is in place.

However given the changing nature of the pandemic and the significant increases in COVID-19 cases alongside the local restrictions being introduced across the country, the CWU has maintained that in view of the current second wave numbers this should not proceed and we would not support it.

The CWU has made Royal Mail Group aware of the above viewpoint and whilst both parties remain in opposing positions, they have stated and communicated to their respective managers that shared vans will be introduced on a voluntary basis from week commencing 12th October 2020 along with a range of operational constraints and risk controls.

Further discussions are due to take place with Royal Mail Group regarding this development and any further updates will be provided as and when appropriate however in the meantime CWU Representatives are advised that the position is we do not support van sharing being introduced and to ensure our members are not forced or intimidated into sharing a van.

Any enquiries in relation to the content of this LTB should be addressed to the Outdoor Department

Yours sincerely,



Terry Pullinger – Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

Mick Kavanagh – Acting Assistant Secretary

Dave Joyce – National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

Andy Furey – Assistant Secretary

Davie Robertson – Assistant Secretary

Carl Maden – Acting Assistant Secretary

[postslippete]

relevant safety and wellbeing risks are addressed and a robust risk assessment process is in place.

I like that word 'robust'. Its what Gavin Williamson keep saying in support of the algorithm that predicted students exam grades before they made a U-turn.

Also if Royal Mail expect posties to wear facemasks whilst in the van then why aren't they insisting that people wear facemasks in the office?

All part of a "robust" risk assessment I would have thought

[XCHpostie]

Is that “robust” as in the severe weather risk assessment?

[Flashman_]

Do they expect us to wear one mask for the whole 4 hour + delivery , or change mask every 10 or 20 minutes. The risk of using a mask in the wrong way is as bad as not using one at all. The government advise AFAIK is still to maintain your distance whether you have a mask or not. Handling potentially contaminated mail/mags doorbells and such then having to put a mask on and off throughout this is not safe, because of the risk of touching your face. I will not be sharing a van any time soon!

[rambo1]

Do they expect us to wear one mask for the whole 4 hour + delivery , or change mask every 10 or 20 minutes. The risk of using a mask in the wrong way is as bad as not using one at all. The government advise AFAIK is still to maintain your distance whether you have a mask or not. Handling potentially contaminated mail/mags doorbells and such then having to put a mask on and off throughout this is not safe, because of the risk of touching your face. I will not be sharing a van any time soon!

Use hand sinitizer before touching your face and you should be ok. Your office should have some small bottles of it. If not ask why. Use it rugular throughout the day and especially before taking masks on and off.

[PostmanBitesDog]

Do they expect us to wear one mask for the whole 4 hour + delivery , or change mask every 10 or 20 minutes. The risk of using a mask in the wrong way is as bad as not using one at all. The government advise AFAIK is still to maintain your distance whether you have a mask or not. Handling potentially contaminated mail/mags doorbells and such then having to put a mask on and off throughout this is not safe, because of the risk of touching your face. I will not be sharing a van any time soon!

Use hand sanitizer before touching your face and you should be ok. Your office should have some small bottles of it. If not ask why. Use it regular throughout the day and especially before taking masks on and off.

And get tested regularly. There should be an NHS drive-through or walk-through testing center in everybody's town. Our office is only five minutes walk from an NHS testing center, and I've dropped by a couple of times for a test. Results are sent by text message about a day or two later.