State of work is scary and so far from guidelines

Post by **Timecode** » 20 Mar 2020, 20:25

I see nobody even wearing masks, when working side by side in distribution centre, mass gatherings at breaks of around 40-60 people in canteen or seating areas all inches away from each other, eating with hands, again no masks or even protections.

It worries me greatly that so many don't seem to want to look after their own health and others around them. Yet I am still at work and wondering why? we have no masks since this started, not once been given PPE in that sense, only today they managed to have some gloves to give out in the office.

I wonder how is this allowed to go on? I have no symptoms, I feel like its a matter of time until it may spread in such an enviroment. Yet managers are telling workers (some with underlying health issues) they are key parts of the operation and we need them here!

I don't get it? is it just greed? or ignorance? Its worrying me alot.

Zicomurphy · Post by **Zicomurphy** » 20 Mar 2020, 20:43

Increasingly feeling this way too. Not a single change in working conditions or practices within my office since this started. Italy recorded 627 new deaths due to the virus today and I really fear this is the way this country will be heading within a few weeks. Even if that was to be the case you get the feeling Royal Mail managers reaction would be to shrug, tell you they are following all guidelines and tell you to just keep working.

Post by **Timecode** » 20 Mar 2020, 20:52

Zicomurphy wrote:Increasingly feeling this way too. Not a single change in working conditions or practices within my office since this started. Italy recorded 627 new deaths due to the virus today and I really fear this is the way this country will be heading within a few weeks. Even if that was to be the case you get the feeling Royal Mail managers reaction would be to shrug, tell you they are following all guidelines and tell you to just keep working.

At what point do they see that its not enough? I understand we can't just grind to a halt, but if anything its making my anxiety I've had for so long spiraling after seeing this level of ignorance and incompetence.
So they changed nothing for you aswell? sounds about right I guess.
Are we allowed to self isolate due to this level of incompetence? i wonder... I think that would be fair i feel, I get to the point that I care more about being safe (for me and for others) than money at this stage.

Hells_bells · Post by **Hells_bells** » 20 Mar 2020, 20:56

Ditto to all of the above! :-(

Post by **Murdoch** » 20 Mar 2020, 21:02

I've noticed that people on the doorstep have started to show concern for us, and really in the last couple of days take it a lot more seriously.

I was told by multiple people that they disinfect what we've touched, I had multiple people cover their mouths or wear masks when interacting with me from a distance.

There's an acknowledgement from people that we are about as well placed as you could be to catch this thing and spread it.

hero22 · Post by **hero22** » 20 Mar 2020, 21:05

I'm glad others are feeling the same as me. I don't know if its worth going in anymore. Yes need the money but would rather stay alive and Royal Mail have simple provided us with no protection at all. The first post person to die, their family should take rico for corporate manslaughter or something along those lines.

slipknoted · Post by **slipknoted** » 20 Mar 2020, 21:11

It's complete greed and blatant disregard for both the health of staff and customers.

Business is booming - but I hope Royal Mail will have a lot to answer for, when in 3 weeks time fatalities in delivery offices up and down the country start to appear

While our job may be "unskilled" - it is very taxing on all our bodies, in order to survive the coronavirus our immune systems need to be in the best shape they can be. Completing deliveries during this pandemic is putting us ALL at incredible risk.

Our bodies are depleted from the job, we can't replenish as when we finish work we have to hunt for dinner in the ruins of the great toilet paper wars.

I know we get to quarantine if we feel we have symptoms, but life as a postie has meant that i've had a cold or a cough for 90% of the past decade.

I know a lot of us are tough bastards, but I reckon this is going to take a few of us out.. and then considering that Royal Mail has done absolutely ZERO to protect the health of it's staff this could turn very ugly. I imagine RM are hoping that the rest of the country will be in such a shocking state that no one will notice.

They'll just say we didn't wash our hands...

They could at least give us danger money

Post by **aiden01** » 20 Mar 2020, 21:18

Do masks actually work not according to any thing ive read

Post by **Murdoch** » 20 Mar 2020, 21:30

aiden01 wrote:Do masks actually work not according to any thing ive read

I think you've read that to make you feel better for not having one.

Everything I've read suggests that they offer some protection. But not complete protection.

Post by **aiden01** » 20 Mar 2020, 21:34

Murdoch wrote:
aiden01 wrote:Do masks actually work not according to any thing ive read
I think you've read that to make you feel better for not having one.

Everything I've read suggests that they offer some protection. But not complete protection.

Actually wouldnt wear one but hey ho ile take my chances think most people are in the same boat. how many people especially out in the street wearing them?

Zicomurphy · Post by **Zicomurphy** » 20 Mar 2020, 21:34

It just feels very contradictory

Want to go to the pub? You can’t, too high a risk of spreading the infection
want to go the cinema? you can’t, too high a risk of spreading the infection
Want to go to the theatre? You can’t, too high a risk of spreading the infection
Want to go to the gym? You can’t, too high a risk of spreading the infection
Want to go to Ikea? You can’t, too high a risk of spreading the infection

You are going to work in a dilapidated building, working in very close proximity to 100 other people, where no hand gel or anti bacterial wipes are available, where no special cleaning measures have been implemented, where you are lucky if the hot water is working in the toilets ? Yep, that’s absolutely fine.

Post by **Timecode** » 20 Mar 2020, 21:39

slipknoted wrote:
I know we get to quarantine if we feel we have symptoms, but life as a postie has meant that i've had a cold or a cough for 90% of the past decade.

Totally agree, i get a runny nose or such being in the cold all day, or perhaps just harsher weather makes me feel like im getitng a cold many days a month.

Post by **Murdoch** » 20 Mar 2020, 21:42

aiden01 wrote: Actually wouldnt wear one but hey ho ile take my chances think most people are in the same boat. how many people especially out in the street wearing them?

For sure, I'm young and healthy with no underlying health issues, so I mean a mask will do sweet FA.

But, the dose you are exposed to plays a part too, many doctors and nurses are dying, people you wouldn't expect to die. And they believe it's because they're being exposed to much higher dosages of the virus.

I see almost no masks in the street, but people self isolating are wearing them, and being extra cautious.

Post by **scotboyblue** » 20 Mar 2020, 21:45

I’m the same now . No wipes or sanitizer been provided . People coughing and stilll at work. All working closely together. One guy came up to me today for a pretend hug . Was going to punch him out but held myself back.
I’ve got a wife in a vulnerable position at home and kid with asthma.
I’m seriously thinking of taking unpaid leave if I can financially work things out. If we were supplied with gloves masks and clean vehicles etc I would stick it out. But reckon nobody cares.

Grumpyoldmailman · Post by **Grumpyoldmailman** » 20 Mar 2020, 21:51

Well they are wedging the toilet door open from tomorrow so you don’t have to touch the handle so it’s progress I guess