Project – involves other topics as well as slips/trips
Work with Royal Mail Group contributes to the Large Organisations Partnership scheme (LOP). Both HSE and LAs have inspection and enforcement responsibilities. This work is a continuation of activity started a number of years ago.
To achieve jointly established health and safety targets (including on slips and trips) within an agreed timescale via Local Action Plans. Collaboration between HSE and LAs to promote sustainable improvements rather than temporary ones, through involving Royal Mail’s Area Management Teams and the Trade Unions more directly in the management of health and safety. Over the last two years, Local Action Plans have been developed for 20 specific Royal Mail Areas, in 2009-10 it is intended that the last remaining areas will also be completed.
In 2007/8 there were 2,147 slip and trip accidents in Royal Mail, this accounts for two thirds of all major accidents reported by the business. Nearly 90% of these injuries occurred on delivery duties, and two in every three were tripping accidents.
Some accidents occur in sorting offices (LA enforced) and to postmen/women on delivery rounds (HSE enforced). Partnership working between HSE and LAs is important for this industry in order to achieve sustained reductions in accident figures.
Everyone has a part to play when it comes to stopping slips and trips. Supervisors, managers and Trade Unions (TUs) need to set up effective systems (Local Action Plans) for preventing slips and trips, and ensure workers are informed, trained and following those systems. Key areas of concern are: delivery routes and housekeeping in sorting offices.
Enforcing authority inspections of Royal Mail have been undertaken nationwide for the last 5 years. During that time LA and HSE inspectors have repeatedly provided advice and guidance on the key hazards (including slips and trips). As a result, there is now an expectation that Royal Mail should be demonstrating extensive compliance.
Regional awareness raising sessions on slips/trips issues (following a recent HSL research report) are planned for key Royal Mail personnel during 2009/10. Enforcement officers may also want to attend these sessions when arranged.
In areas where new Local Action Plans are to be developed: During April 2009, HSE and LA inspectors will meet with Royal Mail and TUs to develop and agree the Local Action Plans; following their launch HSE and LAs will monitor progress against timetable. Inspections to assess compliance will take place in Spring 2010.
In areas not already subject to a Local Action Plan, or those where Local Action plans have been completed, normal inspection and enforcement activity should continue.
Inspectors should be aware of who (in terms of diversity e.g. men, women, disabled etc) is the target group in the sector they are dealing with. Give consideration to, and factor into the approach, any issues that may surround this audience such as literacy issues, English as a second language and disability (access needs).
The Diversity pages give more information on these areas.
