Royal Mail delivers new health initiatives

News | HSP
11.03.2008

Royal Mail has launched an online health-check service for staff which lets them analyse their lifestyles and create health improvement plans.

The online assessment system offers employees information on a range of areas, including stress, nutrition and exercise.

The initiative will be backed up by a newly-recruited team of health workers who will offer practical advice and support on health and wellbeing to the organisation's 180,000 staff.

Royal Mail has also introduced an updated drugs and alcohol policy following extensive consultation with the Communication Workers Union.

The new policy, which was developed with input from the HSE and the charity Alcohol Concern, addresses underlying problems such as stress and depression.

Employees with alcohol and drug problems will be able to access specialist help through Royal Mail's occupational health service, including an in-house counselling service with expertise in alcohol and drug problems.

CWU national health and safety officer Dave Joyce said, "The primary aim of the new policy is to help, support and rehabilitate our people who have alcohol and drugs problems - free from a blame culture - and Royal Mail is committed within the policy to working proactively with the union and our health and safety reps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment and workforce.

"The Royal Mail policy recognises that alcohol and drug related problems are most likely to be successfully overcome if they are identified early - and if staff are encouraged to accept help and to follow it through. The policy stresses that 'Acknowledging that there is a problem and accepting help does not put a person's job at risk.'"

The new drugs and alcohol policy will be reviewed in 12 months.