Respected ergonomist David Nery published a report into OH&S issues surrounding the handling of newspapers. The study was undertaken at in South Australia the request of the ANF. Click here for a copy of the report. While based on the Sputh Australian experience, this report provides an insight which all distribution newsagents will find valuable.
I have had the report since mid 2006. The ANF asked me to to publish the report as they were involved in negotiations with publishers about the report’s findings. I think enough time has passed for me to publish the report here.
The most obvious question being; what has happened since the report was written? Of the recommendations, what has been implemented?
What was the cost to have this report written?
300 papers a night maximum for a driver??!! I would have needed a staff of ten on a Sunday night!
The report has been pretty much kept secret because of some newsagents in an influential position fearing the repurcussions. News Ltd has had the report for some time now.
News Ltd are reportedly trying to find a reputable ergonomist for their purposes.
Nery is probably the most highly respected ergonomist is Australia and his report will be difficult to refute.
Not sure how much the report cost. It was based on several nights observations and participation with some South Australian Distribution Agents. It is not just a theoretical analysis.
The 300 paper limit per shift relates particularly to the throwing of papers over 1kg in weight.
We recieve some flack with percieved inefficiencies and cost with our delivery procedures in our endeavour to approximate the recommendations. Full implemetation would require large increases in the publisher distribution fee structure.
Sooner or later the industry will have to face the facts of the damage which has been and is being caused to employees.
SA Paperboy – you would see it more than most. When I had my run (thank goodness that has now gone) I saw the potential OH&S threats to the agent and the driver. Having done the run a few times I knew for sure that the arm was going to suffer if I did it for a long time. Agents with runs need to be proactive about the potential OH&S threat to their business, their staff and others. Insurance may be a serious consideration or approapriate staffing. When I raised the issue with QN they were not interested in discussing it at the time.
I was given the report in November 2006. I referred to it in this blog shortly thereafter. The ANF CEO at the time called and asked me to keep the report confidential because they were negotiating with the publishers. She advised that she expected an outcome in weeks. I figured two years was long enough.
Newsagents have been too scared of publishers for too long. We have a job to do. They have a job to do. Every time we bow and scrape we lose respect for ourselves. Publishers will respect us for robust representation of our position.
I just spent a night out with a delivery driver. The first thing I noticed was the noise levels of the rolling machines. No hearing protection was made available. I noticed only one person wearing ear muffs. The second thing was the extreme driving required to complete the round. Driving on the wrong side of the road. 80KM/HR in side streets. Cutting off round-abouts, full speed in small groups of units, and full speed reversing.