Labour Research August 2005

Health & Safety Matters

Single delivery is bad for postal workers

The Royal Mail's move to a single daily delivery is harming postal workers' health and safety, according to the CWU communication workers' union.

As well as concerns over excessive weights in postbags, the union points to reports of shoulder ligament damage and upper-limb strains caused by spending longer periods of time standing, stretching and twisting in sorting offices.

"The cumulative effects may lead to increased ill health, stress and sick leave unless something is done," said CWU health and safety officer Dave Joyce.