maximum weight to carry in one go....

[gillesq]

Hi ! I am a postman and my dear new boss decided today to make me push a golf trolley with 2 bags at 16kg each and carrying a bag of 16 kg on my shoulder at the same time (plus of course a bunble in my hand..... making a total weight of over 48kg..... when i argue that it was a trolley or a bag but not both he just said no..... So could someone tell me what is the rule for that. thanks.

[meercat]

You wont find specific instructions against it I would think because it's common sense that it should never happen. Totally unsafe working. Put in a grievance immediately he needs reprimanded for instructing you to work unsafely. Remember also that YOU can at anytime refuse to do work which you think is unsafe. If he sacks you for it you would win in a tribunal no question and would likely get your job back.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

I would have asked if |I could see the SSOW - (Safe System of Work) Guidance on the instructed method as it seems to me that it had severe H&S and mail integrity questions.

My guess is he/she would not have been able to come up with it.

However, now it has happened I would contact the local or area H&S rep and alert them to the incident. At least they could have input and either helpyou out or provide the SSOW document to show how it should be done.

[gillesq]

I would have asked if |I could see the SSOW - (Safe System of Work) Guidance on the instructed method as it seems to me that it had severe H&S and mail integrity questions.

My guess is he/she would not have been able to come up with it.

However, now it has happened I would contact the local or area H&S rep and alert them to the incident. At least they could have input and either helpyou out or provide the SSOW document to show how it should be done.

Thanks to you trueblue terrier and all the others who answered me. I thought that i was in my rights it seems so obvious that the rm policy stipulate a 16kg bag or a trolley but not both at the same time..... We are not human sherpas.....

[brothermagrew]

Lightweight golf trolley – max load 32 kg and max gross weight is 38.6kg with 16kg per pannier - source CWU Lighten the Load Booklet available in Downloads section. There is no mention of also carrying a 16 kilos bag over your shoulder when out with a golf trolley.

Suggest for better clarity that you should Email Bob Gibson who is in charge of the CWU Outdoor Department and ask him his thoughts on this issue.

[rhino49]

The very important point that most people miss in situations like this, is that the stipulated weights are the "maximum that you are ALLOWED to carry or transport" for health and safety reasons. They are not compulsory starting weights and you can in fact take any weight you can move comfortably with, up to and including that figure i.e. 2 x 16 kilo bags on a trolley. Your full load is on trolley because it takes the weight off the shoulder in line with the new safety policy - there is no way on earth that you should also carry a 16 kilo satchel as well.

[horris_1uk]

maximum bag weights are a maximum NOT an aim if you feel its too heavy dont carry it

[Hanzey]

I have a follow up question to this one and apologise if its already been answered elsewhere.

If there is a maximum bag weight of 8kg for areas that cannot be accessed by trolley (and I'm not disputing this), what makes it OK to be carrying an oversized parcel of 10kg+ up or down the same access areas?

[TrueBlueTerrier]

I have a follow up question to this one and apologise if its already been answered elsewhere.

If there is a maximum bag weight of 8kg for areas that cannot be accessed by trolley (and I'm not disputing this), what makes it OK to be carrying an oversized parcel of 10kg+ up or down the same access areas?

I don't think there is anything in writing but I think its down to the repetitive nature of carrying a bag that's over 8kg. What I mean is if you have one large parcel you'll only go up the stairs once with it (hopefully), whereas if you are carrying a bag you are probably climbing multiple steps over a longer period of time.