Australia Post has advised its postal workers to refrain from wearing their newly introduced uniforms following concerns that the polo shirts are causing sunburn.
The Communication Workers Union has highlighted that members have raised doubts about the sun protection factor (SPF) of the high-visibility polo shirts. Workers have reported sunburn issues while wearing these shirts, and some have noted that tattoos and undergarments are visible through the material.
The distribution of the new uniforms, which encompass approximately 80 different clothing items, commenced earlier this year after a trial period last year.
After discussions with the union, Australia Post has instructed its employees to wear “alternative options” to the new shirts, including their previous uniforms, while they ensure the new attire meets safety standards.
An Australia Post spokesperson stated that the fabric will undergo testing to confirm its SPF50 rating, and the company has reached out to the manufacturer for further information.
“The safety of our team members is our highest priority, and we have acted swiftly to address the concerns raised about the new SPF50-rated polo shirts,” the company emphasized in a statement.
“Australia Post has engaged an official Australia Federal Government agency, ARPANSA (Australian Radiation Protection & Nuclear Safety Agency), to test the fabric to ensure it meets the SPF50 rating, which was part of our approved uniform design.
“Team members have been directed not to wear the shirt and Australia Post has provided a number of alternative options until the new polo shirt is deemed safe, suitable and meets our quality expectations.
“Australia Post does not expect team members to wear anything that is unsafe.
“Safety will remain our top priority as we work through this issue.”
The union has encouraged employees working outdoors to wear any suitable sun-safe clothing if they no longer have their old uniforms.
“Given the seriousness of the concerns raised, we strongly recommend that members revert to wearing the old uniform wherever possible,” the union said in a statement.
“If you work in an outdoor role and no longer have your old garments, we advise wearing alternative suitable sun‑safe clothing until the review is complete.
“These arrangements have been agreed to at the highest national level and a commitment has been made to ensure this outcome is also communicated across the network internally by Australia Post, as soon as possible.
“We will continue to work with Australia Post throughout both the polo‑shirt review and the broader uniform review now under way.
“Members will be updated on this matter, and our efforts regarding holding Australia Post to account for the safety of our members working in the heat, generally, as these matters progress.”
Australia Post employees around 60,000 people, including approximately 10,000 posties.
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