Union demands safer conditions for draymen
Trade union Unite has called for minimum safety standards for beer delivery workers.
Unite has devised a six-point plan to improve safety over fears that their safety is at risk because of heightened pressure to deliver more beer with fewer workers.
"This is a dangerous industry and we intend to create a safer workplace for our members," said Unite national organiser Brian Revell.
"We intend to develop industry-wide health and safety standards and we are inviting the employers and the Health and Safety Executive to work with us to reduce accidents in this industry."
The plan involves:
• Opposing any further expansion of one man deliveries• Recognising the dangers of the job and working towards eliminating them• Preventing stacking of barrels over 11 gallons capacity on the backs of the vehicles• Not removing partially empty kegs from cellars - the beer must be drained off• Medical checks for all beer distribution workers• Induction must be based on a minimum of four weeks' training
The plan was put together after a Unite meeting in Eastbourne to discuss the problem faced by beer delivery workers.
