scoliosis - covered by duty of care?

[stevejm]

The above poster is correct. You’re only allowed to carry a big if you’re going into flats or up steep hills and then there’s a procedure to follow as in a risk assessment.

All other times you’re meant to use a lwt.

Unless you’ve repeatedly asked for one ( it doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing ) and thats been refused by your manager then I’m not sure you have case.

I won’t get in the van to do any mail unless there’s a lwt in it.

I understand the point you're making but I don't think I've ever been told by RM that that is the way it's supposed to be. Also, a new starter was just trained up by a work place coach next to me - I don't recall them using a LWT - the only thing I recall is that when they left for their round before me every day, their york was laden with bags (pouches) and boxes.

On a separate note, do you have many flats or hills on your walk and do you use the LWT as you've suggested. My thoughts are that it must slow you down considerably compared to the inevitable bag-using reserves that cover your walk - has that been an issue?

[Hitcher]

I bet they've got your signature on a piece of paper that says you know all about the LWT.

[yellowbelly]

I bet they've got your signature on a piece of paper that says you know all about the LWT.

WIthout a doubt!

[zz]

Should it even be nessessary that you have to.
Surely the office management hold responsibility for ensuring that company policy is adhered to and followed up on.
It's why they ate on a far superior salary

[postslippete]

I'm sure I have developed scoliosis of my back

Get a GP or physiotherapist assessment and actually find out for sure.

As for RM breaching its duty of care? Possibly, but I've seen videos of safe lifting procedures and bag weight limits do exist. LWTs also exist in the company, so they are available and if you're not using one or haven't been for months/years then RM would argue that there is some individual responsibility on your part.

But.....and I've often thought about this. If management are aware that most posties are going out and carrying a bag on their bag on their deliveries and it has never been challenged, then surely a tribunal or court could ask - was the safe system of work actually being implemented in practice?? That is where it gets interesting imho because a duty of care isn't just a written policy that's left in a folder somewhere but also something that the company should have in providing the equipment, training people properly, monitoring their compliance and intervening whenever unsafe practices become "normalised".

[Sean06]

I'm sure I have developed scoliosis of my back

Get a GP or physiotherapist assessment and actually find out for sure.

As for RM breaching its duty of care? Possibly, but I've seen videos of safe lifting procedures and bag weight limits do exist. LWTs also exist in the company, so they are available and if you're not using one or haven't been for months/years then RM would argue that there is some individual responsibility on your part.

But.....and I've often thought about this. If management are aware that most posties are going out and carrying a bag on their bag on their deliveries and it has never been challenged, then surely a tribunal or court could ask - was the safe system of work actually being implemented in practice?? That is where it gets interesting imho because a duty of care isn't just a written policy that's left in a folder somewhere but also something that the company should have in providing the equipment, training people properly, monitoring their compliance and intervening whenever unsafe practices become "normalised".

Lets just say its a minefield.

[Pidleypoo]

The above poster is correct. You’re only allowed to carry a big if you’re going into flats or up steep hills and then there’s a procedure to follow as in a risk assessment.

All other times you’re meant to use a lwt.

Unless you’ve repeatedly asked for one ( it doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing ) and thats been refused by your manager then I’m not sure you have case.

I won’t get in the van to do any mail unless there’s a lwt in it.

I understand the point you're making but I don't think I've ever been told by RM that that is the way it's supposed to be. Also, a new starter was just trained up by a work place coach next to me - I don't recall them using a LWT - the only thing I recall is that when they left for their round before me every day, their york was laden with bags (pouches) and boxes.

On a separate note, do you have many flats or hills on your walk and do you use the LWT as you've suggested. My thoughts are that it must slow you down considerably compared to the inevitable bag-using reserves that cover your walk - has that been an issue?

I use my lwt every single day as most loops are 2 bags.

I won’t carry anything heavy and yes I have hills.

And I don’t think they slow you down either because my partner rarely uses one and I’m always back before they are.

And my delivery always ends up in a mess whenever I’m not there. Being organised is way better timewise than running around imo.

[Pidleypoo]

Just to add to my points above , we all sign paperwork as regards to ssow, it really is on you to make sure you have the right equipment and if it isn’t provided then that’s on Royal Mail.

[matthew68]

People in our office who carry bags are just looking to finish early or are worried about not completing, then they moan about extra being added and start complaining about their back or shoulder, I don’t get it why risk injury just to save a few minutes, when they have to supply a lwt for every duty. Just use trolley and work your hours if can’t complete get them to test walk, it’s too much weight on your back every day I just don’t get it for this job and wages