Postal
This quote says it all
This quote is direct from the Comcare report into the Mercedes Sprinter vans being introduced by Australia Post.
- "Further issues articulated on page 11 of APC's submission suggest that the Mercedes vans were chosen, amongst other things, for their load capacity and that, should side windows be installed for safety reasons, the vans would not be able to be used as envisaged, as APC would have to ensure that the vision through such windows is uninhibited (our emphasis added). There is no evidence to demonstrate that this issue was raised as part of any consultation process with either individual drivers or the CEPU." (Page 12)
Remember that quote the next time Australia Post tells you that they're proud of their safety record.
When it came to responding to legitimate requests from their employees to make their equipment safer, Australia Post chose productivity above safety.
Our advice stands - and you are risking your own safety to ignore this quote from the Comcare report:
"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, Comcare Report into the Mercedes Sprinter Vans (April, 2009))
- We remind all drivers that under the Workplace Relations Act, which is still in force until 1 July, you are entitled to decline performing any work you believe is unsafe and be provided with alternate duties in the meantime (this protection will be continued under the Fair Work Act).