Work Equipment Change Safety Assessment Process Presentation

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Letter to Branches




No. 058/13
Ref C12
Date: 31 January 2013
To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

RM Work Equipment Change Safety Assessment Process Presentation/Training Events

As previously advised in LTB 771/12 dated 12/10/12 Branches were advised of presentations/training events taking place in different RM Geographies/Regions, and ASRs were encouraged to attend. Further events are scheduled to take place in the next few weeks.

The "Work Equipment Change Safety Assessment Process" is in relation to modifications, alterations and changes to plant, equipment and sorting machinery under the "WCM" banner which we raised after WCM initiatives were leading to uncontrolled and in some cases dangerous tampering and changes to Machinery which in itself drew concerns from the HSE and Local Authority EHOs. The new process was developed with CWU input and a number of Regional Training Events were organised.

These events introduced a new Royal Mail safety policy which will be the 'Work Equipment Change Safety Assessment’.  Any changes to work equipment or machinery will have to undergo this assessment in order to ensure the changes are safe and also to ensure that Royal Mail remains in compliance with the legislation such as Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.

The Work Equipment Change Safety Assessment will not replace but support the existing Programme, Project & Product Deployment Standards (known as SAC1).  This assessment will be required by anyone making changes to work equipment whether due to programmes or innovations under World Class Mail.   The Work Equipment Change Safety Assessment will be used to prove that when a change occurs an appropriate assessment has taken place because it provides a structured approach to safety decision-making. It provides documentary evidence to prove that the change had been adopted safely and that it was legally compliant. I would like to record my thanks to Kenny Wright ASR (Engineering) Edinburgh, Dundee & Borders Branch for his work and input on the joint working team.

In order that everyone understands the process, its implications and how to complete the assessments, additional training sessions are being held. These are as follows:

4/2/13 Edinburgh
7/2/13 Sheffield
20/2/13 Leeds
21/2/13 Derby
Any ASRS who wish to attend these events, should contact Chris Roberts RM Operations Team North chris.m.roberts@royalmail.com

Yours Sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer