Safety first

FURTHER to the story about the asda home delivery worker who refused to carry shopping upstairs for a pregnant customer, if it was a block of flats with no lift, it would have been a contravention of Health and Safety executive (HSE) advice for him to do as requested.

HSE guidelines dictate carrying heavy or large items up or down stairs should be avoided. They recommend one hand should be available at all times to hold the handrail.

This was introduced in 1984 when my wife was employed by Woolworths, which outlawed it in all stores. The mandate dictated mechanical means should be employed instead.

If anyone thinks that a £5 delivery charge is adequate recompense for trudging up and down stairs with £200 worth of shopping, I’m afraid you’re living in the Dark ages, as slavery has been abolished. BARRY DAVIES, Chorley, lancashire.