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Australia Post has instructed its postal workers to refrain from wearing their newly issued uniforms following reports of sunburn incidents attributed to the polo shirts.
The Communication Workers Union has noted that numerous members have raised concerns regarding the sun protection factor (SPF) of these high-visibility polo shirts. Workers have reported instances of sunburn while wearing these shirts, and some have noted that tattoos and underwear are visible through the fabric.
The introduction of the new uniform collection, which encompasses approximately 80 different clothing items, started earlier this year after a trial phase conducted last year.
In collaboration with the union, Australia Post has advised employees to opt for “alternative options,” including their previous uniforms, until the safety of the new attire is confirmed.
An Australia Post spokesperson stated that the fabric will undergo testing to verify its SPF50 rating, and they have reached out to the manufacturer for additional information.
“Australia Post regards the safety of our team members as our number one priority and we worked quickly to investigate concerns that have been raised regarding the new SPF50 graded polo shirts,” the company said 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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