Workplace Report October 2009

Health & safety news

Union warns on own car use for work

The CWU communication workers union has warned postal workers against using their own cars on delivery, after two members were penalised by police.

Postal workers in Essex and Cheshire were the latest cases where workers were fined and had points added to their licences for using their private car on delivery without business insurance. Royal Mail accepted no responsibility for either case or future cases.

Dave Joyce, CWU safety officer said: “Our view is – Don’t use private cars on delivery. Why risk a prosecution, points on your licence, fines, fees, accident, injury, loss or theft of your own private property. Why foot the bill for wear and tear, fuel costs and any damage and losses like increased insurance premiums, loss of your no-claim bonus, fixed penalties and parking fines etc.”