Workplace Report October 2004

Health & safety news

Postal workers walk out on safety grounds

A walkout earlier this month by postal workers at the Royal Mail's N7 delivery office in London has forced management to improve conditions that were breaching health and safety law.

The walkout took place on premises next to the site of the new Arsenal football stadium. CWU communication workers' union rep Mark Dolan said workers were subjected to vibration from the drilling, dust, loud noise and masonry falling onto post office vehicles - all putting staff at risk.

The CWU, Royal Mail and building contractors McAlpine have now agreed that no drilling will take place on the site before 2pm, and workers will not work in the sorting office after that time.