Lancing postman dies after collapsing on his route during heat wave: union demands investigation

Mark Cremer, 55, was found by a member of the public on Thursday, August 13, according to reports in national media, sparking calls for a review into Royal Mail safety processes.

Although the exact location where Mr Cremer was discovered is unclear, West Sussex’s coroner confirmed Mr Cremer was taken by ambulance to Worthing Hospital where he sadly passed away.

According to the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU), representations have been made to the Royal Mail at ‘the most senior level’ amid concerns over health and safety while working in hot weather.

In a letter to its members, CWU said it had received a number of enquiries into the deaths of Mr Cremer and another postman from Barrow-in-Furness, Phil Bentham, who also sadly died during that week’s exceptionally hot weather.

“CWU HQ wishes to express its condolences and deepest sympathies to the families, friends and work colleagues of our two members who died in sad circumstances and we fully understand the grief and anxiety amongst Phil and Mark’s work colleagues in their respective delivery units where emotions are naturally running high,” said the letter.

“To this end the union is supporting the local representatives and working closely with the two branches concerned. The exact cause of death of both Phil and Mark is yet to be determined and this will be subject to the normal procedures which may involve post-mortem examinations and coroner’s inquests.

“Accordingly, we are not in a position to comment further until such time as investigations have been completed by the appropriate medical and, if necessary, the judicial authorities and their respective conclusions published.”

A spokesman for the coroner confirmed an inquest will not be held into the circumstances of Mr Cremer’s death.

The CWU said it had requested a full joint Royal Mail and CWU investigation to examine whether there are any deficiencies in the postal service’s ‘severe weather risk assessment’ process.

The union was pushing for greater provision of bottled water for postal workers and for underlying medical conditions to be taken into account.

A spokesman for the Royal Mail said it was ‘deeply saddened’ to learn of Mr Cremer’s death, adding he would be ‘greatly missed’.

“We are waiting for the results of our own internal investigations and any medical findings before commenting further in order to avoid unhelpful speculation,” said the spokesman.

“The health and safety of our people is our number one priority at Royal Mail. We have robust processes in place to safeguard our people’s safety, health and wellbeing, especially during extreme weather, both hot and cold.

“We provide clear guidance aimed at protecting our people’s safety, health and wellbeing as they carry out their work. We also ensure access to drinking water as required.

“Our thoughts and condolences continue to be with family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.”