Unite strives to improve dray safety

Trade union Unite has called for the introduction of minimum safety standards for beer delivery workers.

Unite has devised a six-point plan to improve standards over fears that the safety of draymen 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:

l Opposing any further expansion of one-man deliveries.

l Recognising the dangers of the job and working towards eliminating them.

l Preventing stacking of barrels over 11 gallons capacity on the backs of the vehicles.

l Not removing partially empty kegs from cellars - the beer must be drained off.

l Medical checks for all beer distribution workers.

l Induction must be based on a minimum of four weeks' training.