LTB 562/20 TUC - Face Coverings in the Workplace Guide

[POSTMAN]

https://www.cwu.org/ltb/ltb-562-20-tuc- ... ace-guide/

LTB 562/20 TUC – Face Coverings in the Workplace Guide
No. 562/2020

23 November 2020

Our Ref: EX10/20

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

TUC – Face Coverings in the Workplace Guide:

This new updated TUC guide explains why face coverings are used, the difference between face coverings and masks, what the recommended standards are and what union reps can do to support members.

The guide covers the different types of face coverings, reusable, single-use, styles and materials.

The guide points out the purpose and value of face coverings/masks designed to protect those around us, and protect the wearer.

Face coverings are a legal requirement to wear while travelling on public transport and in most indoor public spaces.

The guide covers the mandatory face covering requirements for some workers, exemptions and regulatory differences in Scotland, where face coverings are also mandatory in specific other work settings.

Police enforcement is included in the guide.

Importantly the guide stresses the important fact that face coverings help reduce the spread of coronavirus, but are not a replacement for other measures such as 2-metre social distancing, regular hand-washing, effective ventilation systems, cleaning and self-isolation when necessary which are still considered as more effective control measures.

Face coverings and face masks differences are explained in the guide as are the different filtering levels and standards.

Many people are choosing to wear a face covering at work, whether or not one is required.

In August 2020, the government U-turned to allow for schools to require staff to wear a face covering if they felt it necessary. More and more employers are now requiring workers to use face coverings at work.

The guide states that if an employer requires workers to wear face coverings at work, these should be provided to the workforce free of charge and workers should be given an adequate supply.

With regard to standards, the guide points out the government’s advice that face coverings should “ideally include at least two layers of fabric”. The World Health Organisation Standards recommends a face covering has three layers and explains the materials and fabrics used.

There is advice for union reps on the minimum specification face covering that employers should provide.

The guide covers situations where workers are required to use face coverings for long periods and that working hours should reflect the discomfort and fatigue issues associated with this and that employers should build in breaks to allow workers the option of time away from the workplace without a face covering.

Disposing of face coverings is referred to in the guide.

Exemptions are referred to in the guide covering people who are exempt from the wearing of face coverings, including workers who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability and people speaking to or assisting someone who relies on lip-reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate.

Government advice states that nobody should be made to obtain a medical note as evidence for their exemption. Employers should approach this based on trust, and not force anyone with an exemption to wear a face covering.

It concludes that union reps will wish to seek assurances from management that no member is penalised or otherwise discriminated against based on exemption.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

http://www.cwu.org/wp-content/uploads/2 ... ument1.pdf

[clashcityrocker]

I think "mandatory" face mask compliance has fallen to about 30% now.
I do wonder how people with such serious underlying health conditions that they can't put piece of cloth over their mouths for a couple of hours have managed to do a delivery for the past 20 years?
People who did wear masks when it wasn't mandatory have stopped to prove how rebel they are.

It is good to know that my rep's time is being used to defend the right of the agenda 21 conspiracy theorists over the rights of others to have a safe working environment.

During "lockdown" the local infection rate has tripled. I wonder why?

Dave Joyce should resign.

[rosmor]

Baaaa

[POSTMAN]

If Dave Joyce resigned then the word count on RMC would be decimated!

People who don't/wont wear a mask are funny as feck
People who say they can't are just funny as feck for putting their own lives....and their loved ones at risk.
Tis a funny old world that a little piece of cloth has started a revolution.

[k979aaa]

I believe in respect for others ie social distancing cleaning ones hands but to be forced to ware a mask or have a vaccine is a step to far and the masks are left strewn around the workplace on indicator stalks and handbrakes! sorry this is only contributing to the problem I don't want this virus so why the complete disrespect of the guide lines on disposal of masks? This is just another box ticking exercise next it will be why is my postman/woman not vaccinated like a dog with a chip so I can verify it even though the person never has contact with the person it is a way of saying I am better than you even though they are not. The only way out of this is dispose of your masks properly once worn it is absolutely disgusting having to remove them to get the job done. I always dispose of them in a bin not a van or an RM2000 frame or sink toilet door handle, I bet some of these people have a dump on their sofa because they cannot be arsed getting up to do one!

[geoffr54]

Same old Royal Mail management in our office:
Manager: why are you not wearing a mask - Postman why you picking on me? Manager walks away. Postman goes on fag break.
Manager ignores another postwoman not wearing a mask who is then spotted after work shopping in Tesco with mask talking to same manager!

.