HCT use and long term injury

[Paulo1963]

We have about 9 HCT duties in our office and it’s recently become apparent that out of the 9 posties performing these duties for considerable time, 6 of us have long term joint and musculoskeletal problems.
Do any other offices have similar problems and has the use of HCT’s been risk assessed regarding health and safety?

[hans solo]

im struggling with wrist pain using lwt
always seems to catch on uneven pavement when pushing sending jarring impact on hand and wrist
no long term study i can find

[fb1969]

The CWU were as happy as the company to not bother with the findings of a musculoskeletal report. The job as a whole will have a bad long term effect on your physical and mental health.

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=86990

[aiden01]

The CWU were as happy as the company to not bother with the findings of a musculoskeletal report. The job as a whole will have a bad long term effect on your physical and mental health.

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=86990

Definiteley have to agree with you well said.

[fly-catchers]

Using a HCT wrecked my knees and back! Thanks RM..

[yellowbelly]

We have about 9 HCT duties in our office and it’s recently become apparent that out of the 9 posties performing these duties for considerable time, 6 of us have long term joint and musculoskeletal problems.
Do any other offices have similar problems and has the use of HCT’s been risk assessed regarding health and safety?

There's a previous thread about HCT use, including a post by TBT which is link to to a HCT SSOW:

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=99974&p=937425&hil ... ow#p937425

[staunton]

Since the pandemic started (until I took IHR last October) the covid restrictions and absence levels ensured I was pushing my trolley up hill for nearly a mile before starting my duty, this was despite having an arthritic knee which my management team were well aware of. Best of luck to the many aging colleagues pushing HCT's yea, yea, yea - up the hill backwards It'll be alright ooo-ooo

[scoobydo79]

HCTs are completely unsuitable for the job now.They should not be allowed on any duty as far as I’m concerned.

[POSTMAN]

The weight you are allowed to put into an HCT is not a target, it's a maximum.
Lower the weights and get replenished more often.
Contact your area H&S rep for help.
The more peeps involved the better.

[nutcracker]

As asked on the other thread are there electric assisted trolleys in deliveries? Could be a good way for the company to help staff out?

We started using a couple of electronic tugs for pushing the heavier yorks(200kgs) at our mc and they’ve probably saved a few backs and knees.

[clashcityrocker]

As asked on the other thread are there electric assisted trolleys in deliveries? Could be a good way for the company to help staff out?

We started using a couple of electronic tugs for pushing the heavier yorks(200kgs) at our mc and they’ve probably saved a few backs and knees.

They did have electric ones but they didn't perform well in the rain and because they are so heavy, if one broke down they had to send a tow truck to retrieve it.

[postslippete]

From what I understand about the HCT you often have to keep applying the brake otherwise its free-wheelin'

Just imagine having to do that on a hilly delivery..... Would you dead walk it up to the top, walk down and then back up again to the HCT OR keep applying the brake on every call??

[POSTMAN]

As asked on the other thread are there electric assisted trolleys in deliveries? Could be a good way for the company to help staff out?

We started using a couple of electronic tugs for pushing the heavier yorks(200kgs) at our mc and they’ve probably saved a few backs and knees.

They did have electric ones but they didn't perform well in the rain and because they are so heavy, if one broke down they had to send a tow truck to retrieve it.

Lol I remember that, bless them, Royal Mail, they do try.