LTB 213/22 – RMG – Sun Safety Week – RMG SHE Huddle FY22 022 & Posters, Briefing, Z-Card Pocket Leaflets, Water Bottles, Plasma Screen Message
No. 213/2022
5 May 2022
Our Ref: E4/22
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues,
RMG – Sun Safety Week – RMG SHE Huddle FY22 022 & Posters, Briefing, Z-Card Pocket Leaflets, Water Bottles, Plasma Screen Message
Key Message: “Protect Yourself and Stay Safe in the Sun”.
RMG – Sun Safety Week “Protect Yourself and Stay Safe in the Sun”
Royal Mail Group (RMG) have informed the Health, Safety & Environment Department yesterday that they will be running a ‘Sun Safety’ awareness week, next week, commencing Monday 9 May and will be circulating the attached documents and materials to all managers, in all functions, during ‘Sun Safety Week’.
The SHE Huddle, Posters, Z-Cards and Plasma Screens message are intended to act as a focal point and raise awareness during the week and act as an ongoing reminder of the dangers of sunlight UV (Ultraviolet radiation) rays, skin cancer and dehydration risks.
This initial initiative as we enter spring is to flag up the issue ahead of the potential of a hot summer and intense sunshine and high UV levels yet to come as the summer wears on. A copy of the managers briefing is attached.
The Royal Mail Logo water bottles are available for Unit managers/PiCs to order and these will also be promoted amongst the outdoor workforce.
Unit Managers/PiCs will be able to obtain a ‘pack of sun safety information’, including z-cards and posters to distribute and display in Units.
CWU “Sun Smart-Skin Safe” Campaign – Look after your skin and stay safe in the sun
The CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department will be supporting and working with RMG on their campaign and all ASRs and WSRs will be fully engaged and involved.
We as a Union will also be re-running our “Sun Smart-Skin Safe” campaign during the summer, according to the intensity of the forthcoming summer months and forecast UV ray levels.
Sunlight UV Ray exposure and the resultant skin cancer risk plus dehydration risk for outdoor workers are key issues
As the summer, and hot, sunny weather approaches, and bearing in mind climate change etc., awareness of the workforce is crucial. Cancer Research UK tell us that since the early 1990s, Melanoma skin cancer incidence rates have more than doubled (140%) in the UK. Rates in females have around doubled (106%), and rates in males have almost tripled (186%) (2016-2018). Over the last decade, melanoma skin cancer incidence rates have increased by around a third (32%) in the UK. Most of our CWU members work outdoors and sun/UV Ray exposure and skin cancer is a concern.
Dangers of UV Rays
The short-term risks of sun exposure are sunburn and sunstroke and premature ageing of the skin and wrinkling.
The FIVE S’s of Sun Safety
Here is some important advice regarding following the 5 S’s.
The main cause of skin cancer is exposure to sunlight or sunbeds. Remember, it is not just sunbathing that puts people at risk, but just being in the sun without adequate protection. If you’re an outdoor worker and/or take part in outdoor hobbies, activities or sport you will be at greater risk.
Sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer and a sun tan isn’t healthy! It indicates that the skin has been damaged and that damage stays there increasing a person’s risk of skin cancer.
To keep safe and make sure you NEVER BURN you should follow the 5 S’s of Sun Safety:
- SHOULDERS – COVER UP – The Royal Mail clothing fabrics are ‘UV protective’ so always try and keep your shoulders and body covered up.
- SUN HAT – Always wear a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck and ears – Royal Mail provide these as part of the uniform so order one and use it.
- SUNSCREEN – Apply a good quality SPF 30+/min 3-star rating sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA protection, to exposed areas of skin – making sure you use enough and reapply every 2 hours.
- SUNGLASSES – Wear wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection to give your eyes adequate protection from the sun’s rays.
- SHADE – Always seek shade whenever you can, particularly during the hottest time of the day between 11am-3pm and when you have breaks if your job keeps you out in it.
Avoid Dehydration
Be wary of dehydration – the lack of sufficient water in the body. The best way to beat dehydration is to drink before you get thirsty. If you wait until after you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Water is important to the body at all times, but especially in warm weather. It keeps the body from overheating. When you exercise or work, your muscles generate heat. To keep from burning up, your body needs to get rid of that heat. The main way the body discards heat in warm weather is through sweat. As sweat evaporates, it cools the tissues beneath. Lots of sweating reduces the body’s water level, and this loss of fluid affects normal bodily functions so you need to replace the fluid. Take water with you when working outside and drink plenty.
Early Detection – “early detection saves lives so act quickly and seek advice”
Detecting skin cancers early save lives – FACT! Particularly in the case of Melanoma, the deadliest form of the disease. It is important to check your skin regularly for signs of change, and consult your doctor immediately if you detect any changes particularly with moles, or if you’re unsure of any unusual marks, patches, sores or spots, no matter how small they are – get the GP to check it out.
CWU “Sun Smart – Skin Safe” Safety Campaign Material
Branches and Regions can order the CWU ‘Sun Smart-Skin Safe’ posters and pocket Fact Cards from the Health, Safety & Environment Department: Tel: 0208 971 7365.
ASRs/WSRs Actions
With the support of all ASRs, WSRs and all our Reps and Officials, the Health, Safety & Environment Department wants to take the opportunity to warn members about the risks associated with hot weather, dehydration, sun stroke and skin cancer through sunlight/UV Ray exposure.
Attachments:
- RMG SHE Huddle FY22 022 Sun Safety
- May 2022 Sun Safety Managers Briefing
- RMG Plasma Screen Shot
- RMG/CWU/IOSH ‘Stay Safe in The Sun’ Z-Card Pocket Leaflet
- CWU Sun Smart-Skin Safe Poster
- CWU Sun Smart-Skin Safe Fact Card
Look after your skin, stay safe in the sun! – Don’t become a statistic and enjoy the sun SAFELY.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Att: SHE Huddle FY22 022 Sun Safety
Att: May Sun Safety 2022 article
Att: RM_PLASMAS_Sun Safety_2022