Royal Mail have officially endorsed the CWU Sun Safe - Skin Smart Campaign, reports Dave Joyce, the union’s National Health, Safety & Environment Officer via letter to branches LTB517/13
The LTB reproduces that which appears on their "My Royal Mail" Website:
Five simple steps to protect yourself
We’re having a heatwave. But while the public is lapping up the sun, keeping cool and safe from the sun’s rays is very important if you work outdoors. That’s why Royal Mail has endorsed the CWU’s "Sun Smart Safety Code".
This was drawn up to reduce the risk of skin cancer, which is now the second most common cancer in the UK.
Follow these five simple steps to ensure you enjoy the tropical weather, without putting your health at risk:
1 Cover up:
Wear loose, cool clothing to keep the sun off your skin. Wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and sunglasses.
2 Seek shade:
Whenever possible, during your breaks especially, during the hottest part of the day from 11am-3pm.
3 Use a sunscreen:
SPF 30 or higher on any exposed skin. Use it half an hour before going outside and reapply it frequently.
4 Drink plenty of water:
Regularly drink water to avoid dehydration. It should be drunk before you feel thirsty.
5 Be skin safe:
Early treatment is important. Report mole changes (size, shape, colour, itching or bleeding) to your doctor as soon as possible – don’t put it off!
Dr Noel McElearney, Royal Mail’s Medical Advisor, says:
‘Working in hot, sunny weather does place additional demands on the body. We need to take sensible precautions. These include staying hydrated, wearing clothing that protects us from the sun and helps us to stay cool and using sun cream of a sufficiently high protective factor."
Branches can order campaign postcards and posters direct from CWU HQ Health Safety & Environment Department as follows:-
CWU "Sun Smart - Skin Safe" pocket fact cards - £56 per thousand plus P&P.
CWU "Sun Smart - Skin Safe" poster - £140 per thousand plus P&P.
Source: CWU
You can download advice on working in the sun and working indoors in high temperatures from the E-Library Database here
