Summer is a coming - dont get burnt

[traww]

It is just around the corner and hopefully will be a little drier than the last one.

But could someone answer me the following?

Royal Mail has a legal obligation under H & S law to ensure the H & S of its employees whilst at work, so does it have a legal obligation to supply (free of charge) high factor sunscreen/block - especially with later start times and therefore we are likely to be mad dogs or Englishmen out in the mid-day sun? (Sorry our Welsh, Scots and N Irish cousins no offence intended).

Will they supply White or light coloured cycle helmets modified with a wide brim to keep the sun off our necks and ears and noses?

If we contract - God forbid - skin cancer and they haven't provided this, can we claim against them?

Any ideas?

[rhino49]

Might be time for a big publicity coup by the main sunscreen providers such as Ambre Solaire, Piz Buin etc. Why don't they supply one off sachets of high factor block for use by people forced to work outdoors in the hottest part of the day and then use us an the basis of their ad campaign.

Remember - once upon a time we would be finished before the worst of the heat started and now because of the changes in delivery times and spans we run the risk of serious exposure to the sun. I bet the changes weren't risk assessed from this point of view because we weren't that important !!!

Come on Royal Mail - get us some decent sun block - it is now a necessary part of the kit and I don't mean whatever the DOM can get cheap at the local clearance house - I mean a corporate branded product developed for us .

[RobRoyThePostie]

Being red-haired (or more unfortunately ginger ) I know all about being wary in the summer, that's why I ordered myself the floppy sunhat (a far better hat than that cheapo baseball cap I may add). It's also why every summer I go buy myself the factor 50 and aftersun, which isn't cheap. I remember asking the boss about suncream being provided for the staff. I was told that RM don't provide suncream, as some employees may take an allergic reaction to it.

[norbert]

Might be time for a big publicity coup by the main sunscreen providers such as Ambre Solaire, Piz Buin etc. Why don't they supply one off sachets of high factor block for use by people forced to work outdoors in the hottest part of the day and then use us an the basis of their ad campaign.

Remember - once upon a time we would be finished before the worst of the heat started and now because of the changes in delivery times and spans we run the risk of serious exposure to the sun. I bet the changes weren't risk assessed from this point of view because we weren't that important !!!

Come on Royal Mail - get us some decent sun block - it is now a necessary part of the kit and I don't mean whatever the DOM can get cheap at the local clearance house - I mean a corporate branded product developed for us .

It will be a job lot from a clearance house , stuff that not even Poundstretcher would touch .

[rhino49]

Being red-haired (or more unfortunately ginger ) I know all about being wary in the summer, that's why I ordered myself the floppy sunhat (a far better hat than that cheapo baseball cap I may add). It's also why every summer I go buy myself the factor 50 and aftersun, which isn't cheap. I remember asking the boss about suncream being provided for the staff. I was told that RM don't provide suncream, as some employees may take an allergic reaction to it.

A poor excuse from them as most people by the time they are employed by RM are aware of their allergies - sounds like the guy who said we couldn't enhance our office with hanging baskets and potted plants because someone might suffer from Hay fever - we're walking in and out of f***ing gardens all day !!!

[Flywelt]

I have a floppy hat too but can't wear it with the mandatory cycle helmet have shades tho'

[axeman]

It's time our h&s man got of his backside and did some work on this issue. r.m must be aware of the problems later starts are going to cause
belive there is or must be euro legislation on the effects of working into the afternoon outdoors i know that council staff are given sun screen if they are outdoors for extended periods (more than 2hrs think but could even be less) so lets see mr Ruppa ? do a little work on this very contentious issue BEFORE this summer

[Stormproof]

Mad dogs and english men spring to mind.....or in :cfo case, Scottish

[bandit650]

They supply helmets because they are under the misaprehension that if you have an accident they will save your neck,if they were good quality they might help,They supply a floppy hat for the summer which is a dark colour which will help not in the mid day sun,hence mad dogs and english men thats because are brains are being fried all for the love of Royal Mail,when we approched the managers about the same subject last year, (sun screen) they said they were not allowed to supply it under H&S the same as they are not allowed to give us anything for a head ache, if a member of staff have a reaction or worse die from something that was given to them then they could leave themselves open to being done under the law.

[traww]

any union reps on here want to reply to or comment on this or can a mod link it to the union room forum?

[ade@cambs]

As bandit650 said a couple of years back they had to supply sun block but they stopped as they didn't want to be responsible for anyone having a reaction to it, same sort of reason that they can't issue Paracetamol or other types of pain killers. So i always carry 30+ sunblock (in the summer) and a pack of paracetamol in my bag.

[jafferpants]

You can put all the sun block in the world on but when your'e sweating your bollock's off it will br worse than useless

[Stormproof]

Got this info off NHS Direct

SymptomsIf left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, so it's important to be aware of the signs.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

headaches,
dizziness,
nausea and vomiting,
muscle weakness or cramps,
stomach cramps,
tiredness,
loss of appetite,
skin paler than normal,
weak pulse, and
high temperature.
If you experience these symptoms after exposure to hot conditions, physical exertion or burns, move to a cool area and re-hydrate by drinking plenty of fluids. A sports drink or rehydration solution (available from your local chemist) can provide rapid rehydration, although in most cases, plain water is fine.


Remove any excess clothing and to cool your skin down, shower or sponge yourself using lukewarm water. Left untreated, these symptoms can develop into heatstroke. Heatstroke can also occur suddenly and with little warning. The symptoms of heatstroke include:

symptoms of heat exhaustion,
confusion and disorientation,
visual hallucinations,
convulsions (uncontrollable muscle twitching),
unconsciousness,
racing, thumping pulse,
flushed, hot and dry skin, and
a sudden rise in temperature.

CausesHeatstroke occurs when the temperature of the body rises sharply. This may happen because of excessively high outside temperatures, physical exertion, extensive burns, and severe sunburn or because of an undiagnosed medical condition such as an overactive thyroid gland.

The heat can affect anyone, but some people are at greater risk of serious harm. These include:

older people,
babies and young children,
people with a serious chronic condition, particularly breathing or heart problems,
people with mobility problems,
people who are physically active, like manual workers and sportsmen and women.

PreventionMost people living in the UK are unused to high temperatures and our bodies do not cope well with intense heat. If a heatwave is forecast, try and plan your day in a way that allows you to stay out of the heat. If possible, avoid going out when the sun is at its strongest (11am-3pm).

During a heatwave, avoid strenuous activity, such as sport, DIY, or gardening or do them during the cooler parts of the day such as the early morning and evening. If you must go out, stay in the shade, wear a hat and loose fitting clothes, preferably cotton. If you're going to be outside for some time, take plenty of water with you.


It is important to note that you can also get sunstroke in the UK, particularly if there is a heatwave. Listen to weather forecasts so that you can plan to stay out of the heat. In very hot weather, close the curtains in rooms that get a lot of sun, and stay inside in the middle of the day, in the coolest rooms in your house.