What will RM Policy be if masks are no longer mandatory?

[wandle]

So, as per the title, will the requirement to wear a mask in Royal Mail sites be dropped from 19th July? Or will we have a bizarre situation where you can go in a crowded supermarket, be surrounded by non-masked strangers but at work, have to wear a mask around the same colleagues you’ve worked alongside throughout the pandemic? (Remembering of course that it took 8 months for RM to decide to make them mandatory )

POSTMAN EDIT:

Royal Mail Group retains the right to mandate face coverings in line with a risk assessment review and based on infection rate data.

viewtopic.php?f=71&t=101200

[Woody Guthrie]

Or will we have a bizarre situation where you can go in a crowded supermarket, be surrounded by non-masked strangers but at work, have to wear a mask around the same colleagues you’ve worked alongside throughout the pandemic? (

There's lots of things regarding safety that you're obliged to do at work but not in a supermarket.

The difference is (and I'm surprised after all these months some people still don't get it) personal choice specifically with regards to legal liability.

You choose to go into a supermarket, you don't choose to go to work.

[Acca Dacca]

Put simply, at this stage it shouldnt be personal responsibility to socially distance and wear a mask because doing so is for other people's benefit and protection not just your own. In fact, with masks, moreso other people's protection.

[vinny79]

Where is the companies risk assessment on masks and more importantly the unions ?

My question really being when someone gets bacterial pneumonia in a few years from these masks who do they sue ?

[iHateD2Ds]

Where is the companies risk assessment on masks and more importantly the unions ?

My question really being when someone gets bacterial pneumonia in a few years from these masks who do they sue ?

Why in a few years?
You can get pneumonia anytime depending on your immune system fighting off the bacteria.
Just change your mask regularly.

[iHateD2Ds]

Or will we have a bizarre situation where you can go in a crowded supermarket, be surrounded by non-masked strangers but at work, have to wear a mask around the same colleagues you’ve worked alongside throughout the pandemic? (

There's lots of things regarding safety that you're obliged to do at work but not in a supermarket.

The difference is (and I'm surprised after all these months some people still don't get it) personal choice specifically with regards to legal liability.

You choose to go into a supermarket, you don't choose to go to work.

Good point Woody.

Yesterday I saw 4 out of 5 managers not wearing a mask which included the DOM.
What sort of message is that giving its workforce?

Royal Mail / CWU really need to announce Policy /Plan on safeguarding it employees because clearly it’s not got one.

[wandle]

Put simply, at this stage it shouldnt be personal responsibility to socially distance and wear a mask because doing so is for other people's benefit and protection not just your own. In fact, with masks, moreso other people's protection.

So you are confirming what the Health & Safety Executive website says, that Face Coverings are NOT legally classed as PPE. I’d love to see RM try to issue disciplinary proceedings against someone not wearing a mask, on the flawed argument that they are ‘PPE’

[Woody Guthrie]

Put simply, at this stage it shouldnt be personal responsibility to socially distance and wear a mask because doing so is for other people's benefit and protection not just your own. In fact, with masks, moreso other people's protection.

So you are confirming what the Health & Safety Executive website says, that Face Coverings are NOT legally classed as PPE. I’d love to see RM try to issue disciplinary proceedings against someone not wearing a mask, on the flawed argument that they are ‘PPE’

They wouldn't argue that they were PPE, they would argue that they were mandatory.. . like your uniform.

[vinny79]

I would like more information from anyone over proof of exemption the company are asking for

I’m sure that’s not legal?

I could be wrong

[Woody Guthrie]

I would like more information from anyone over proof of exemption the company are asking for

I’m sure that’s not legal?

I could be wrong

Of course it's legal.
You need to prove medical exemption from wearing Royal Mail footwear so why not a mask?

[zombiepostman]

I personally will still wear a mask and wash my hands at work because basically i haven't had a cold, flu or any sickness come to that, since this epidemic started, because one thing my colleague's like to share is their germs.

[glenfiddich]

i got a real bad cold as soon as the grandkids swarmed round

[Coffee lover]

Well most people in our office don’t even bother or they are just hanging off their chin, I’ve complained to manager who doesn’t do anything it’s useless

[vinny79]

I would like more information from anyone over proof of exemption the company are asking for

I’m sure that’s not legal?

I could be wrong

Of course it's legal.
You need to prove medical exemption from wearing Royal Mail footwear so why not a mask?

I don’t think they are allowed to ask for medical information. I’m quite sure of that am am willing to bet

Unfortunately it seems most in here have also watched too much tv and social media to think logically for themselves including our beloved union

[Woody Guthrie]

I don’t think they are allowed to ask for medical information. I’m quite sure of that am am willing to bet

Unfortunately it seems most in here have also watched too much tv and social media to think logically for themselves including our beloved union

It's nothing to do with social media.
It's to do with knowing employment law.

If an employer has any mandatory process and you ask for exemption on medical grounds, you are in effect asking for reasonable adjustments based on the Equality Act, of course the employer has the right to ask for evidence.

Ask any disabled member if you don't believe me, mask wearing is no exception. It's a place of work not a number 9 bus.