New Royal Mail Standard Issue Footwear

[TrueBlueTerrier]

LTB 794/08 New Royal Mail Standard Issue Footwear - Introduction of New "Uprated" Magnum Footwear Shoes & Boots
21 October 2008

Issuing officer(s): Dave Joyce

No. 794/08


Ref C11


Date: 21 October 2008



To: All Postal Branches



Dear Colleagues



New Royal Mail Standard Issue Footwear - Introduction of New "Uprated" Magnum Footwear Shoes & Boots



Previous LTBs on this subject; LTBs 1110/07, 038/08, 76/08, 224/08, 254/08 and 412/08 all refer refer.

This is to update Branches and Safety Representatives following the most recent discussions with Bob Taylor, Royal Mail National Uniform Manager.

The background to this problem is well known to Branches and safety representatives in respect of the widespread concerns reported to the Health, Safety and Environment Department regarding the poor slip resistance and durability of the current 'Magnum Hi-Tec' footwear, introduced in September 2007. A significant number of accidents, including 'RIDDORS' (over 3 day sick leave) accidents for slips and trips were reported, linked to the footwear.

As previously reported the agreed plan of action was to introduce a new improved footwear design - "Uprated" versions of the Magnum shoes and boots which have a new sole design and compound to improve slip resistance on wet, frosted and steel surfaces and full grain water-resistant leather uppers. Delivery to Royal Mail of the first bulk order of the improved footwear design commenced during August/September . Royal Mail then commenced introduction of the redesigned range of footwear by 'supersession' (phasing them in) as soon as they could, with the aim of accepting wearer orders from the end of August.

The redesigned shoes and boots are now being delivered and almost 28,000 pairs of the redesigned range have been received by Royal Mail from the manufacturers. Delivery to wearers has started with the new 'uprated' versions being issued as sizes of the old current stocks run down. 3,000 pairs of all styles of the new 'uprated' versions have been issued to date. Royal Mail report that they are almost out of stock of the old Magnum Footwear range in most sizes, so the new 'uprated' versions will start to flow through to most wearers in all offices from here on.

Additionally Royal Mail have supplied a few offices with a small number of pairs of the new versions immediately so they can feed back on how well they perform in the field, addressing any issues with the manufacturers on the basis of continuously improving the product. The pilot batches were issued to Saltcoats DO, St Austell DO and Armagh DO for evaluation. We are awaiting feedback but initial responses are promising.



Yours Sincerely





Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

[POSTMAN]

as sizes of the old current stocks run down.

So let me get this right,the old (Dangerous) stock is being issued till they run out.

Has Mr Joyce missed something here?

[Stormproof]

I got another pair of Magnums yesterday, they do have different tread but the leaflet inside still says to

Wear your new footwear on rough, dry surfaces for a few days to condition the soles before using in wet conditions-this helps to develope maximum slip resistance

It would be nice to wear them on a dry surface but we all know that ain't gonna happen this time of year

[brothermagrew]

I got another pair of Magnums yesterday, they do have different tread but the leaflet inside still says to

Wear your new footwear on rough, dry surfaces for a few days to condition the soles before using in wet conditions-this helps to develope maximum slip resistance

It would be nice to wear them on a dry surface but we all know that ain't gonna happen this time of year

Likewise, but the best laugh is - It's been designed specially for Royal Mail to provide protection and support in carrying out the different tasks in the varied environments you deal with every day. Treated with care and common sense, it will help you do your job in safety and comfort.

[k979aaa]

I got another pair of Magnums yesterday, they do have different tread but the leaflet inside still says to

Wear your new footwear on rough, dry surfaces for a few days to condition the soles before using in wet conditions-this helps to develope maximum slip resistance

It would be nice to wear them on a dry surface but we all know that ain't gonna happen this time of year

Likewise, but the best laugh is - It's been designed specially for Royal Mail to provide protection and support in carrying out the different tasks in the varied environments you deal with every day. Treated with care and common sense, it will help you do your job in safety and comfort.

We always have the option of rubbing them on a hard surface :lfo and not wareing them on something wet :cfo or slipery :mfo !.

[DGP1]

I got another pair of Magnums yesterday, they do have different tread but the leaflet inside still says to

Wear your new footwear on rough, dry surfaces for a few days to condition the soles before using in wet conditions-this helps to develope maximum slip resistance

It would be nice to wear them on a dry surface but we all know that ain't gonna happen this time of year

Likewise, but the best laugh is - It's been designed specially for Royal Mail to provide protection and support in carrying out the different tasks in the varied environments you deal with every day. Treated with care and common sense, it will help you do your job in safety and comfort.

We always have the option of rubbing them on a hard surface :lfo and not wareing them on something wet :cfo or slipery :mfo !.

Stop that now you'll be putting ideas into our heads