Thurrock Reuser (TRUP)

Christmas Health and Safety

2010-12-21T02:27:00.000-08:00

A reminder to all Dept. Heads & Supervisors:

1. Sleigh Safety

Dashing through the snow
In a one horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way .

A risk assessment must be submitted before an open sleigh is considered safe for members of the public to travel on. The risk assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly if passengers are of larger proportions. Please note, permission must be gained from landowners before entering their fields. To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we would request that laughter and the ringing of sleigh bells, is moderate only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance.

2. Shepherds Abiding

While shepherds watched
Their flocks by night
All seated on the ground
The angel of the Lord came down
And glory shone around .

The Shepherds Union has complained that it breaches Health and Safety regulations to insist that shepherds watch their flocks without appropriate seating arrangements being provided, therefore benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available. Shepherds have also requested that, due to the inclement weather conditions at this time of year, they should watch their flocks via CCTV cameras from centrally heated shepherd observation huts.

Please note, the angel of the lord is reminded that before shining his / her glory all around he / she must ascertain that all shepherds have been issued with glasses capable of filtering out the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and Glory.

3. Discrimination & Harassment

Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
had a very shiny nose.
And if you ever saw him,
you would even say it glows .

You are advised that under the Equal Opportunities act, it is inappropriate for persons to make comment with regard to the ruddiness of any part of Mr. R. Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr R Reindeer from the Reindeer Games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence. A full investigation will be implemented and sanctions - including suspension on full pay - will be considered whilst this investigation takes place.

4. Gift Policy & Travel Rules

We three Kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star .

Whilst the gift of gold is still considered acceptable - as it may be redeemed at a later date through such organisations as 'cash for gold', etc. - gifts of frankincense and myrrh are not appropriate due to the potential risk of oils and fragrances causing allergic reactions. A suggested gift alternative would be to make a donation to a worthy cause in the recipient's name or perhaps give a gift voucher.

We would not advise that the traversing kings rely on navigation by stars in order to reach their destinations and suggest the use of

RAC Route

-finder or satellite navigation, which will provide the quickest route and advice regarding fuel consumption. Please note as per the guidelines from the RSPCA for Mr Donkey, the camels carrying the three kings of Orient will require regular food and rest breaks. Face masks for the three kings are also advisable due to the likelihood of dust from the camels' hooves.

5. Sanitation, Hygiene & Navigation

Away in a Manger
No Crib for a bed.

DHS should be immediately contacted as mangers are not suitable places of rest for newborn babies due to unsanitary conditions, sharing with animals, lack of proper ventilation and no access to running fresh water and heating. Therefore under no circumstances should a crib be put in a manger. A risk assessment should also be carried out before allowing animals to occupy said manger - are there tethering facilities, running water, and food receptacles. If not, the manger should not be used and the animals should be removed and housed elsewhere (but still not with the Baby Jesus).

This was sent to me by a friend thought you all might enjoy this

Social Enterprise Mark

2010-11-13T02:08:00.000-08:00

We are Pleased to announce that we have been awarded the Social Enterprise Mark, which identifies us as trading for social and environmental purposes.

The Social Enterprise Mark is the brand for social enterprises and was launched 1st February, 2010. The Mark identifies businesses which meet defined criteria for social enterprise, and consumers will recognise that businesses displaying the Mark are trading to benefit people and planet.

We join other ethical businesses that have been recognised by being awarded the Mark such as the Eden Project, Hill Holt Wood, Bristol Wood Recycling Project and the Co-operative Group South & West and Thurrock Enterprise Services. The Social Enterprise Mark builds off the pilot run by RISE, the voice for South West social enterprise

12 Nov 2010

2010-11-12T01:53:00.000-08:00

Broad Band Speed Action
Author Dave Lawrence
Fed up with the intermittent and speed of BTs Broadband Service, we have decided to take action.
We have one chance to do something about this. In the next five years BT is rolling out superfast fibre optic broadband across the UK. The Tilbury exchange is not on the announced roll out plan, but the “The Race to Infinity” competition” will give us the opportunity to fast track our area to the front of the queue.
The five areas with the largest percentage of votes by December 31st 2010 will win the chance to bring superfast broadband to their area. BT will also donate £5,000 of computer equipment to a local community project.

If we can get enough people to vote we have a good opportunity to do something about this at present 49 votes have been cast out of a total of 11,086 have been recorded in our area.

To vote simply go to www.racetoinfinity.bt.com and select ‘VOTE NOW’ and enter your details.
Don't forget to pass it on to friends and business in the Tilbury exchange area and help get us to the top of the scoreboard, share this with your friends on facebook and twitter.
We will post up dates on our Web Site, Facebook and Twitter pages, let’s get to the top of the scoreboard and get a better service.