GSP 13-21 Training Update
15/April/2021
Description
As we continue in Level 5 restrictions, we have continued to have discussions with the Company in relation to on the job training and Health and Safety training and the following is the position
On the Job Training
In relation to on the job training we have agreed that only essential training should take place and the precautions highlighted in GS Circular 17/20 should continue to be in place. As advised in that circular training requirements should be agreed between the DSM and the Local Branch with any disagreements referred to the Regional Officers.
Both the company and the Union are aware of the difficulties associated with training at this time and The Company has assured us that have taken all necessary precautions to minimise any potential risks. Both Postal Operatives engaged in training will wear masks and gloves and sanitiser will be provided. The Training undertaken will be the minimum required but it is agreed that some training will be required to provide for annual leave etc.
The Company has advised that they are conscious that some individual Postal Operatives will still have concerns even with the agreed precautions and that they will be respectful of those concerns and deal with the appropriately. They have assured the Union that where individual raise genuine Health and Safety concerns that they will not be expected to partake in the training.
Health and Safety Training
Under Health and Safety Legislation the Company is required to ensure that staff are trained to ensure that they are competent to carry out their role safely. There are no exemptions or relaxation in place in relation to employers statutory requirements under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 or any of the associated Regulations at this time. This is kept under review by the Health and Safety Authority and the Road Safety Authority on a regular basis and if further guidance is issued the Company will abide by it.
Driver Training
Where a driver has previously completed driver training, they will be not be expected to attend refresher training even in circumstances where the training expiry date may have lapsed. This will remain in place until the current restrictions are lifted and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. However, where a driver has not completed driver training this will be considered essential training and they will be expected to complete the training. The Company has advised that they will be respectful of individual staff member’s concerns.
Driver CPC
The Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) periodic training has been identified as an essential service and CPC centres remain open. Drivers with scheduled training should attend as normal for their CPC training and if attending they are exempt from Level 5 travel restrictions.
The RSA put in place an extension for drivers who had a Driver CPC card due to expire between 1st February 2020 and 31st August 2020. They have also advised that given the extraordinary circumstances of COVID 19 that professional drivers who hold a valid Driver CPC card with a future expiry date will not be penalised if they have not completed their annual training by 9th September 2020.
Due to the continued Covid-19 situation, with effect from 6 March 2021 Driver CPC cards will be further extended by EU Regulation. This means that Driver CPC cards that expired or will expire between 1 September 2020 and 30 June 2021 will be extended by 10 months. In addition, Driver CPC cards that expired during the initial period 1 February 2020 and 31 August 2020 (which were extended for 7 months) and will fall to expire again during the period 1 September 2020 and 31 March 2021 will be extended again for 6 months or until 1 July 2021 whichever is the latest. The RSA has provided the following examples:
- A driver with a CPC card that expired between 1 February 2020 and 31 May 2020 who has not already renewed their card will now have a new expiry date of 1 July 2021.
- A driver with a CPC card that expired between 1 June 2020 and 31 August 2020 who has not already renewed their card will be extended by 13 months (which includes the previous extension)
- A driver with a CPC card that expired/is due to expire between 1 September 2020 and 30 June 2021 will have an extra ten months added to their expiry date.
Manual Handling Training
As stated, above employers retain the responsibility to ensure the safety, health and welfare of their employees and must take all reasonable measures to ensure this happens. In relation to manual handling training employers are expected to continue to provide it to employees with a priority given to those who are most at risk. We have agreed that employees who have previously completed manual handling training will not be expected to attend refresher training. However, those employees who have not previously completed any manual training will be expected to attend training. Up to date Public Health advice on preventing the spread of COVID-19 will be taken into account when providing this training.
Safety Reps Training
Safety Representative Training is taking place online and is provided by CPL. As the details of courses become available, we will provide the details to Branches.
First Aid Re-certification
PHECC is responsible for the provision of First Aid Certification and they have advised that if a Responder’s certification has expired between March 2020 and July 2021 they may complete the refresher course to maintain certification. A new responder course will need to be completed for any PHECC responder certification that has lapsed after 31st July 2021 date.
The Health and Safety acknowledge that the First Aid Regulations require employers, based on a risk assessment, to have sufficient first aid equipment and trained first aiders in the workplace. The Regulations do not specify the training standard, duration of training and retraining and recertification periods but the Authority will continue to recognise first aid responders existing FAR certification during the COVID-19 pandemic while they wait to be recertified. Those first aiders can continue to administer first aid in the workplace.