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ADVERTORIAL
Graham Dunning, the Head of Planning at SEP Rail Services, sheds light on the pivotal role of meticulous planning and the round-the-clock support that significantly diminishes potential risks
Counting the cost: The risks of inadequate planning on rail projects
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ecognising the implications of inadequate planning extends beyond the immediate operational risks; it also introduces potentially severe consequences in the unfortunate event of accidents. “Ensuring every staff member returns home safely after each shift is our overriding goal. We firmly believe that this starts with comprehensive planning and thorough preparation,” Graham emphasised. The Office of Rail and Road reported that during the period from April 2022 to March 2023, a concerning 4,251 workforce injuries were documented across the main line network, an increase of 29 injuries compared with the
previous year. While it is impossible to foresee every conceivable risk, a meticulous and dedicated planning process can effectively predict and mitigate a substantial number of potential issues before any personnel set foot on site. “By implementing Network Rail Sentinel training throughout the SEP Rail Services workforce, our commitment to Network Rail’s Lifesaving Rules: ‘never undertake any job unless you have been trained and assessed as competent’, is at the heart of every decision we take” Graham commented. Bringing almost a century of combined on-track experience, the SEP Rail Services planning team draws on their unique knowledge and expertise to meticulously plan and execute all internal works.
February 2024
The complete absence of on-track incidents at the company speaks volumes, with zero incidents reported