COVID-19 remains a risk

It is still possible to catch and spread COVID-19, even if you are fully vaccinated.

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test result should stay at home and self-isolate immediately. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should arrange to take a PCR test as soon as possible, even if you’ve had one or more doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

There are simple things that you can do in work to keep you and your work colleagues safe.

• Wash your hands/sanitize regularly

• Wear a mask in indoor workspaces, including shared vans.

• Social distance where possible

• Ventilate indoor areas

More information can be found at the link below

COVID has seen a significant increase in parcels, and members are to knocking on doors more frequently; this message is to remind you of the dangers that Dogs can cause and what you can do to protect yourself.

Now people are working from home more frequently; dogs will be out in gardens with fewer restrictions and not necessarily locked inside properties. Even when they are inside, dogs can still pose a threat. 

AVOID is how you can protect yourself from dogs on delivery:

A – Avoid interacting with all dogs

V – Value yourself; don’t put yourself at risk.

O – Observe; keep your walk log up to date.

I – Inform others of the potential risk to stop them from being attacked too.

D – Defend yourself if necessary, using your delivery equipment. 

Be a Road Safety Hero and Follow the 5 S’s

Slow – drive at an appropriate speed for the road and conditions, and always within the speed limit.  This significantly reduces your chances of being involved in a collision and if you are, it reduces the likelihood of someone getting hurt.

Sober – plan and never drive after taking drugs or alcohol.  Speak up if someone is about to drive when you know they shouldn’t, and never get into a vehicle with them.  Mates don’t let mates drink/drug drive.

Secure – always wear your seatbelt, no exceptions! and ensure that anybody else in your vehicle does too.  261 UK drivers killed in 2018 were not wearing their seatbelt.

Silent – never take or make calls or use a phone for any other reason whilst driving.  Turn it off or set it to silent and put it out of sight.  Remember Royal Mail Group policy prohibits any use of a mobile phone whilst driving, even hands-free.

Sharp – never drive tired and make sure you take adequate rest.  Be aware of drivers’ hours rules which apply to van and truck drivers.  Get your eyesight tested at least every two years.

Are you aware of changes to the Highway Code?

• Giving way to pedestrians waiting to cross at junctions

• Minimum space to give to cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians when you pass.

• Introduction of the 'Dutch Reach' method when exiting a vehicle to ensure maximum visibility.

• Major changes are due to come into effect on 29th January. Make sure you understand what they mean for you.

Do your Vehicle Checks

The bad weather is upon us so it’s important that checks are correctly made.

• If a vehicle has a defect, it should be reported via the App on the PDA. 

• Do not take a defected vehicle out on duty.

Handbrake (HIT)

Handbrake rollaways account for a large number of dismissals in our Branch area. As OPG's deliver, it is important to ensure this simple procedure is carried out every single time. This will ensure we can eradicate rollaways in our area.

• Handbrake On

• In Gear

• Turn the wheels towards the kerb

With snow and heavy rainfall on its way, remember nothing is more important than your wellbeing and safety. Please do not take unnecessary risks.

What you need to think about on delivery

Dynamic Risk Assessment

• You make the decision whether to proceed or not. Don’t take chances. 

• If it is not safe, bring the mail back, endorse it and inform manager of the hazard encountered.

• Update Walk log if necessary.

Personal Equipment

• Check footwear

• Use Spikes where possible in icy and snowy conditions but (do not drive in them). Now ordered in the same way as your uniform.

• Check Walk logs for slip & trip hazards.

• Take your time. Be safe, not sorry.

• Take your breaks.

• LWT’s and HCT’s can only be used on cleared surfaces free from snow & ice.

Severe Weather Risk Assessment (SWRA)

• Make sure that this has been completed by the DOM (Delivery Office Manager) and local CWU rep. 

• It will have Delivery Safety Guidance for the office for that day in inclement weather.