Postal
The quotes to damn Post's dud procurement decisions
(17 April, 2009): Australia Post amazingly announced this week that it would appeal the findings of a safety report that it asked Comcare to complete into the new Mercedes Sprinter Vans.
The report is very detailed and lists in a methodical way the steps the investigator took in examining the method used by Post to introduce the vans and how it assessed the safety of the vans.
We've taken quotes from the report which we think need to be drawn to members' attention - we urge you to read them.
When you read these quotes, please bear remember:
- the CEPU and members were concerned that the absence of side windows in the new vans was a safety risk, especially with drivers stuck behind the wheel of the larger Mercedes vans trying to quickly negotiate tight spaces in busy urban areas, reversing and turning with less visibility than the old Ford Transit vans.
So we invite you to take note of some of these quotes - or download the whole report right here.
- "On 28 July, Mr Paul Graham, Manager, Vic/Tas OHS&E Section, Workplace Injury Prevention and Management, APC (Australia Post Corporation) wrote to Comcare disputing the matters raised in the PIN and requesting, on behalf of the APC, that an investigation be conducted by Comcare." (Page 1).
- "The APC submission also refers to specific hazard identification and risk assessments that were conducted in relation to the vans...I (the Comcare investigator) note that the 'visibility' criterion indicates that this was 'not measured but appears to be satisfactory; and that it was to be measured during road trials." (excepts from paragraphs 45 and 46, page 6).
- "In relation to the criterion of 'vision', I note that this assessment (Post assessment of Mercedes vans, 14 February 2008) contemplates 'visibility ahead' and 'rear visibility'. Side and peripheral visibility are not contemplated." (page 7).
- "In relation to the (Post) risk assessment report.... I note that the recommendation at point 13 suggests that 'a local risk assessment may be carried out to assess visibility while clearing the SPB. The recommendation is 'that where visibility is a problem, an 'external light should be fitted on or near the sliding door'. While it is not entirely clear, it would appear this recommendation relates to visibility within the van while loading or unloading street post boxes, rather than to driver visibility while manoeuvring the vehicle.' (Page 8).
- "I note that in his interview (with Comcare) dated 13 February 2009, Mr McMahon (a driver) stated that he had been told by supervisors not to bring up the vision or the visual issue of no side windows” (Page 8).
- "I am not satisfied however, that the hazard identification process conducted by APC in relation to the introduction of the vans considered all reasonably foreseeable hazards associated with their use, such as the range of environmental conditions in which the vans might be used and the presence of persons and other plant in vicinity of the plan, as required by regulation 4.32 (2) of the SS regulations" (page 9).
- "I find that APC did not feed into its risk assessment process, the additional health and safety information raised by the drivers and unions with respect to visibility, as might be expected..." (page 9).
- "I am also of the view, however, that once the Mercedes-Benz vans were chosen, APC did not engage in further consultation to identify any necessary final design specifications or requirements, as might be expected in accordance with Part 1.15 of the OHS Code." (Page 11).
- "APC has not adequately addressed the concerns raised by drivers in relation to side to rear visibility." (page 14)
- "In view of the findings above, I am satisfied that there is sufficient evidence of a real risk to health and safety in relation to the introduction of the Mercedes Sprinter vans without rear side visibility, particularly in relation to reversing from angle parking." (par. 133 - page 16)
But the key quote - the one that reveals what Post REALLY think about workplace safety - can be found right here - click here to read more...