Parcelforce Severe Weather and Heavy Snow - New LTB

[TrueBlueTerrier]

No. 1128/10
Ref PF1
Date: 16 December 2010

To: All Branches
 
  

Dear Colleagues

Parcelforce Severe Weather and Heavy Snow - Assessing & Controlling Winter Risks - Safety Policy & Safety Briefings plus Anti-Slip Footwear Devices & 'Snow Socks' Vehicle Traction Devices:

This LTB is issued further to LTB 1049/10 issued on 29 November 2010, updating the Parcelforce arrangements following further dialogue.

In January 2010 the UK experienced its worst winter in 30 years. Following the experiences of last winter representations were made to Parcelforce to be better prepared for severe weather in future with a Severe Weather Safety Policy, staff briefs and a suitable and sufficient approach to those of our members facing the highest risks. This year the UK had the earliest snow falls in 20 years and heavy snow falls right across the UK.

It was conveyed to Parcelforce that there was some discontent expressed by Parcelforce staff during and after last winter. We indicated that in respect of the 'safety issues' we wanted to move towards an improved policy and guidance in PFW. [All associated IR/HR issues connected with severe weather and attendance have been dealt with by Terry Pullinger Ass/Sec P&E Dept - See LTB 1081/10].

A severe weather safety approach based on that agreed with Royal Mail Letters was requested, that being that if staff encounter a route that they feel is dangerous or inaccessible, managers must have the confidence in their decision to support non delivery of the parcels and allow them to return them to the depot. We further stressed that safety hazards during this winter period can increase and change quickly due to the severe weather conditions and longer hours of darkness.

Both sides acknowledge dedicated staff in the main want to complete their deliveries and do their best and not let our customers down but management must ensure staff do not put themselves in unnecessary danger and this must be communicated to make sure we minimise the risks of having accidents.

During our discussions it was acknowledged by Parcelforce WW that accidents significantly increased during the worst winter months of 2009, including RIDDORs (over 3 day absence Accidents). The risk of slips trips and falls increase at this time of year if controls are not put in place.

The Parcelforce Safety Footwear range was discussed and we requested that Parcelforce match our agreement with Royal Mail Letters to provide an improved and extended range of footwear choices.

CWU requested that Driver Vehicle Safety checks are included in the Severe Weather guidance and need to assess equipment use.

We also suggested that that Parcelforce ask Pristine Condition the MH Training Package providers for any advice they may want to add for Manual Handling outside in snow, ice and wet conditions.

Finally we requested the provision of Snow/Ice Anti-Slip Footwear Devices and Snow-Chains be tested and trialled.

In a positive response Adele Henderson Operations Director Parcelforce Worldwide and David Butler National Safety Manager have confirmed the following:-

1) Safety Communications for winter weather were drafted in mid-November with the intention of involving Unions in refining the content. The points CWU had raised were taken into account when drafting the PFW Comms. Given the early arrival of heavy snow PFW took the decision to deploy the communications immediately. The communications consist of a briefing and instructions for managers and a WTL session for all staff. The briefing points are reproduced below. The Communications/Briefings:-
a. Urge managers to trust PFW drivers’ judgement about accessibility of parts of their routes.
b. Encourage managers to ensure that routes are evenly balanced particularly in relation to timed deliveries.
c. Encourage drivers not to take any undue risks.
d. Remind drivers of the importance of key vehicle safety checks.

In addition PFW has been talking to its customers regularly since the snow started falling, managing their expectations about deliveries and collections timescales and highlighting the safety issues in accessing particular areas.

2) Footwear choice – It is PFW's intention to consider this at the January PFW H&S Board Meeting. Feedback from PFW staff confirmed the CWU position and claim that staff would like more choice and the Board will therefore consider whether PFW should introduce RM Letters safety shoe range options or run a trial and PFW will come back to CWU on this.

3) Vehicle Safety Checks - PFW confirmed that Vehicle Safety checks are a long established requirement and this message has been reinforced and PFW have drawn attention to these in winter safety communications.

4) Pristine Condition the MH Training Providers -Pristine Condition have been consulted, as requested by CWU, about operating in adverse conditions, hence the inclusion of retaining 3 points of contact when exiting vehicles and using sack trucks even if items are light. PFW will continue to ask them for advice on manual handling issues in all weathers.

5) Anti-Slip Snow & Ice Footwear Devices - Regarding “Spikys” Anti-Slip Footwear Devices: Drivers at the Inverness depot have completed trials and given feedback to the PFW safety team after separately evaluating five different manufacturers products and styles. The preferred type was the "Get a Grip" product. As a result of our discussions and input on suitability and testing results in different conditions and with different footwear, PFW have authorised purchase of this Snow/Ice Anti-Slip Footwear devices and supplies should be available soon. PFW will prioritise to those areas worst affected by the current weather conditions. Priorities are currently seen as: Scotland – all depots, North East – all depots, Nottingham, Lincoln, North Essex, Medway, Tonbridge, Gatwick , Mitcham Charlton, Romford. Depots will be able to order pairs from the uniform supplier in the normal way, once supplies are available and the item code is confirmed. Attached find copies of the 'Safety Concurrence', 'Work Equipment Assessment' and 'Safe System of Work'. We would welcome feedback on these devices.

6) Snow Socks - A new product has been evaluated and made available by Fleet and Maintenance Services this winter. The product commonly known as "Snow Socks" or "AutoSocks" is in common use in mainland Europe and came to the notice of F&MS following the harsh UK winter of 2009/2010. It is a Nylon / Kevlar cover that is placed over the drive wheels of a vehicle when stuck in snow or Ice. The "AutoSock" product has been endorsed by the AA, RAC and all major car/light commercial Vehicle manufacturers. Parcelforce has asked F&MS/Vehicle Services to supply of this equipment to all Parcelforce depots. The fabric Snow Socks are designed to increase vehicle traction and grip in snow and ice conditions and so help drivers handle difficult road conditions. "Snow Socks" are a quick, easy to fit, fabric alternative to snow chains. Snow socks are textile 'socks' which the driver slips over the driving wheels on cars or light commercial vehicles. On front wheel drive and 4x4 vehicles the snow socks are put over the front tyres. On rear wheel drive vehicles the Snow Socks are fitted of Rear and Front Wheels. There's only one possible way to fit the Snow Socks, so not much practice is needed. Snow Socks are reusable and take up minimal space in the vehicle. Snow and Ice sticks to the specially developed fabric textile Snow Socks and the product "wicks away" any water between the ground and the tyre, improving the dry friction grip. The textile also has an special weave which maximises the friction contact with the ground. If driving where there is a constant amount of snow and ice, then snow chains may be best. Where there is only snow now and then, such as in the UK and Western Europe however experts suggest that snow socks may be preferred. Fitting a snow sock is also easier than snow chains as there is nothing to adjust and they automatically self centre as the vehicle drives. Since there is no metal chain in contact with the road, snow socks are smooth running with no vibrations or noise being apparent unlike snow chains. Snow Socks should be removed once the vehicle is back onto tarmac, otherwise the fabric of the snow sock will soon get worn and destroyed. Fleet and Maintenance Services advise that a surprising difference is made by the fabric Snow Socks to general traction, cornering, and braking. They are normally fitted in pairs rather than fours.  However, in respect of rear wheel drive vehicles snow socks are fitted on the front and rear wheels in a set of four to ensure that steering characteristics are not adversely affected.  We have asked that these important points are suitably briefed to all drivers in clear instructions. We would welcome feedback on this kit.

7)  Parcelforce - "Severe Weather" Winter Safety Briefing - Issued by Parcelforce Worldwide's National Health & Safety Manager:-
Last year severe winter weather caused havoc with the country's roads and infrastructure network. Our services to customers were inevitably affected and some of our people were seriously injured as a result of accidents either whist driving vehicles or when walking to and from delivery points. Our objective again this year to deliver a great peak for our customers, but to do this safely so that our people have a great festive season too.

Briefing for Managers - FOR ACTION:
1. Ensure that gritting arrangements on site are in place.
2. Keep indoor floor surfaces as dry as possible.
3. Ensure that your drivers are aware that when they are on their routes, their decisions really matter.
4. Ensure that drivers know that you trust their judgement about whether it is safe for them to progress.
5. Ensure that drivers are aware that they need to actively assess risks along their routes and decide whether it is safe for them to continue and what precautions to take.
6. Check weather forecasts throughout the day, and if the weather is likely to deteriorate ensure that your drivers are aware of this risk.
7. Conduct daily briefings with drivers to discuss the weather conditions and the forecast and the likely affect on road surfaces for driving.
8. Seek early feedback from drivers on difficult locations when they go out on the road as to the road conditions and the accessibility of parts of the routes and where necessary encourage drivers to provide updates throughout the day.
9. Ensure that drivers plan their routes effectively assessing risks on route e.g. rural area.
10. Ensure that work load is evenly balanced particularly in relation to timed deliveries to remove the need for drivers to be tempted to rush.
11. Ensure that indoor colleagues are briefed about the progress on each route so they can advise customers who phone in relation to expected deliveries.
12. Use the attached briefing to speak to colleagues about their work this time of the year, the increased risks when driving and walking in ice and snow and the sensible precautions to take in adverse weather conditions.

Briefing - Key Messages for Staff

Last year severe winter weather caused havoc with the country's roads. Our people battled the conditions admirably to ensure that the impact of the weather on our customers was minimised customers, however several of our people were injured in the snow and ice. Our objective is still to deliver another great peak for our customers, but to do this safely so you can have a great festive season too. Here are the things you can do to keep safe this festive period:
Driving at this time of the year is far more dangerous in whatever vehicle you are driving: visibility is more difficult in adverse weather, stopping distances are longer.
1. Check your vehicle: lights for visibility, tyre treads and pressures can affect braking distance - Ice in cold conditions on the road presents obvious risks but it is not always visible.
2. Keep Warm clothing, water proofs, dry, blanket, something to eat and a drink in the vehicle just in case you get stranded.
3. When you are on the road either in a vehicle or on foot approaching a delivery point, assess the conditions around you, do not put yourself or others at risk.
4. Assess the conditions around you. Do not put yourself or others at risk.
5. Your decisions and actions are important.
6. Ice on the road presents obvious risks but it is not always visible – pay attention to the road surfaces and keep your driving speed down. Keep a much greater distance between you and the vehicle in front.
7. Think about weather forecasts when planning your route. If the weather changes you may get stuck in rural locations or if the weather clears or if temperature rises then it might make rural or hilly locations more accessible.
8. When getting in and out of vehicles - keep 3 points of contact when stepping down, support your weight and watch where you put your feet. Do not rush.
9. When on foot, slow down!
10. Watch where you are walking avoid ice, tread carefully. Snow may be covering an obstacle or hazard
11. Be cautious when carrying items. Use sack barrows as much as possible even if items are light. They can help keep you upright.
12. Slow down Do not rush.

Yours Sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer


There are a number of attachments but they are too large to put on RMC.

[axeman]

dave joice using that beloved term 'our people; now he should be pulled up before he makes further comments ...we are the membership not 'our people' 'joicy boy' musn't do royal fail speak

[bri189]

mitcham depot have not issued any of the winter kit apart from a plastic shovel .