Monday August 8 2022
In early July of this year, Canada Post approached the Union with a slip, trip and fall pilot project. The pilot project would use an American based company that provides a slip, trip and fall simulator. On August 2, 2022, Union representatives from the Local, Regional and National offices visited the Windsor Depot to review, experience and evaluate the simulator.
For this pilot project, CPC is looking to invite CUPW volunteers to partake in the simulation exercise that involves walking on a slippery surface. Although the simulation exercise is carried out while the member is in a safety harness, the Union is of the opinion that this exercise still poses the risk and possibility for a member to suffer back, groin or other muscle strain injuries. Although CPC considers this risk as acceptable, CUPW does not. CUPW also raised concerns about the safety of the simulator and the training required for its safe operation.
We recognize that there are far too many slip, trip and fall injuries at Canada Post. For several years, CUPW has been asking Canada Post to take serious measures to reduce these types of injuries. However, we believe this pilot project is not the answer. From the beginning, in early July, Canada Post has not been forthcoming with all information and too many questions remain unanswered. CPC has been attempting to rush this pilot through and has refused to postpone this pilot project until proper consultation has been completed. This is unacceptable and CUPW will not recommend any activity that would place our members in harm’s way. Our members already face many risk factors in their daily work activities and simply put, introducing an additional unnecessary risk for training purposes does not make sense and is contrary to CPC’s obligations towards Health and Safety.
For all these reasons, at this time, the Union strongly recommends that members do not physically partake in this slip, trip and fall simulation pilot. CPC must continue to work with CUPW to look for ways to reduce injuries to our members. At this time, CUPW is reviewing this issue and will keep you advised of the development.