AVANTI WEST COAST - UNIFORM STANDARDS - STATION GRADES – SEVERE HOT WEATHER

Our ref: HSR/1/14

Head Office Circular: NP/119/23

7^th July 2023

To: The Secretary

ALL BRANCHES

REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

Dear Colleague,

 

AVANTI WEST COAST - UNIFORM STANDARDS - STATION GRADES – SEVERE HOT WEATHER

 

I write in reference to the above and following a report I received from the Lead Officer regarding the possibility of station staff wearing shorts, hats and sunglasses whilst on duty to protect against extremely hot working, and head and eye protection.

 

When your NEC (National Executive Committee), met on 6^th July 2023, they adopted the following report from its health and safety committee, who had met previously to discuss the above.

 

We note the report received from the Lead Officer.  In connection with this the General Secretary is instructed to write to Avanti West Coast to demand that as a matter of urgency they come to an agreement with the Lead Officer as regards arrangements for working in hot weather. The General Secretary also to demand that Avanti West Coast agree a heat wave plan and carry out a risk assessment of the risks of hot weather in consultation with RMT Safety Reps.

Also, the General Secretary is instructed to refer relevant RMT members to RMT advice on working in extreme heat https://www.rmt.org.uk/about/health-and-safety/health/working-in-extreme-weather/working-in-extreme-heat/?preview=true

                        

Additionally, for the General Secretary to encourage RMT members and representatives to record workplace temperatures in those areas/parts of the day where extreme heat is experienced.

 

Branches and Regional Councils to be advised accordingly.  

 

Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of relevant members. 

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary