RailStaff September 2018

SEPTEMBER 2018 | ISSUE 250

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CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2018 | ISSUE 250

250 NOT OUT | 05

To mark RailStaff’s 250th issue, we look back at the magazine’s origins and pick out a few memorable moments from the past 20 years.

WAIT GOES ON AS ELIZABETH LINE DELAYED | 07

Crossrail has confirmed that the planned opening of the Elizabeth line’s core section between Paddington and Abbey Wood has been delayed until autumn 2019.

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ACCESS FOR ALL | 18

As the government sets new accessibility targets, we ask: Is Britain’s rail network meeting the needs of disabled passengers?

HEIGHT OF SAFETY | 24

What steps are being taken to reduce the risk posed by working at height?

SAVING LIVES | 32

Stewart Thorpe finds out about Network Rail’s decision to make defibrillators a requirement on track possessions.

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T H G I L T O P

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Beatt ed his ear’s Balfour ar that preced backing this y e is y lt e u h c diffi why win and Awards event.

STEPS INTO WORK | 48

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TfL’s ‘Steps into Work’ programme is helping people with learning disabilities to develop essential skills and launch new careers.

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Tel: 01795 890152

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Greyhammer is an independent electrification design and construction service provider based in the UK serving the International Railway, Metro, and Light Rapid Transit Market.

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Staff Contact us: Publisher:

Paul O’Connor

Editor:

Marc Johnson

Production and design:

Adam O’Connor

Matthew Stokes

News Editor:

Stewart Thorpe

Track Safety:

Colin Wheeler

Event Sales:

Jolene Price

Advertising:

Asif Ahmed

Craig Smith

Keith Hopper

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

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250 not out

Contact Email Addresses News: news@rail-media.com Pictures: pictures@rail-media.com Adverts: adverts@rail-media.com Subscriptions: manda@rail-media.com Contact Details RailStaff Publications, Rail Media House, Samson Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3FP. Tel: 01530 816 444 Fax: 01530 810 344 Web: www.railstaff.uk Email: hello@rail-media.com Printed by PCP Ltd. RailStaff is published by RailStaff Publications Limited A Rail Media Publication

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© All rights reserved. No part of this magazine can be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of the copyright owners.

W

hen RailStaff was launched at the tail end of the last millennium, it wasn’t just the beginning of a new age for Britain’s railways.

The print media landscape was also shifting, as newspaper editors - unimpressed by the thought of giving their content away for free - embraced new online platforms with suspicion. Few could have predicted the dominance of social media and the fog of fake news that is now challenging the integrity of honest reporting.

Issue one of RailStaff came out in the spring of 1997 carrying a lead story about ADtranz securing the contract to supply new trains for Prism Rail, which had been awarded the newly created London, Tilbury & Southend franchise. The headline read “Jobs boost for ADtranz”. Here was a magazine that wanted to help industry staff succeed.

For this, the magazine’s 250th issue, we’re looking back at how this family owned publication, with its distinctive green motif, came to be and how it has changed over the years.

CHANCE ENCOUNTER Like so many things, the magazine owes its existence to a chance encounter.

Before entering the world of print publishing, owner Tom O’Connor (pictured left) was a pioneer of digital publishing systems, selling software to publishing houses around the world in an era before wireless networking and desktop publishing.

The idea that he could actually make the news came through a chat with a friend of a friend: British Rail public affairs manager Neil Johnson. The pair shook hands over a drink at a pub in Nottingham and a few months later the first issue was rolling off the presses.

It was a soft launch for the railway’s new positive periodical. Around a thousand copies were printed and hand delivered by Tom to stations and depots around the network.

“People loved it because they were good stories,” said Tom, who still makes time to read each new issue cover to cover.

While Neil was unable to commit to the project long term, he knew someone with an affinity for the industry and a flair for creative writing who could. Andy Milne later took over as editor - a role he would hold for the best part of two decades.

Continues on page 12...

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RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

Photos of the first completed Class 802 bodyshell have been released by Hull Trains.

Financed by Angel Trains, the new fleet is being built by Hitachi for the open access operator to replace its Class 180s.

The shells are being built at Hitachi Rail’s manufacturing plant in Kasado, Japan, and transported to its factory in Pistoia, Italy, for fitout. The bi-mode Class 802s are due to enter passenger service in December 2019.

Hull Trains managing director Louise Cheeseman said: “Following this investment, we will be able to boast some of the most technologically advanced, fastest and most comfortable trains on the UK rail network. It is great news for

Class 802 taking shape

A hero's welcome London Bridge hero PC Wayne Marques has returned to light duties with the British Transport Police (BTP). our customers, who are always at the centre of our focus, and means we will provide more in terms of service, as well as potentially reduce journey times.”

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During the terrorist attack in June 2017, PC Marques was stabbed multiple times as he ran towards the attackers armed only with his baton.

He has since attended multiple rehabilitation programmes, which he described as being physically and mentally tough.

PC Marques thanked friends, family and colleagues for supporting him getting to this stage. He said: “It feels surreal walking back through the doors, but I am thrilled to get back to what I love doing.

“I know there is still a long road ahead of me before I can put the operational uniform back on, but with time I hope I can reach that stage.”

Chief constable Paul Crowther added: “I am delighted to see that Wayne has returned to work after a tough recovery process.

His determination and hard work during his rehabilitation is truly inspiring.

“Wayne is a credit to the Force and he undoubtedly exemplifies the very best in British policing. I wish him all the best as he continues to rebuild his strength in his recovery. I would also like to pay tribute to the many people who have helped Wayne’s recovery, including the team at Kings College hospital, Hedley Court, the Police Treatment Centre, our

own occupational health teams, and of course the support of his colleagues.

“Whilst we are all proud of Wayne’s achievements, we must not forget about those who died and who lost loved ones during this atrocity. Our thoughts will always remain with those who died during the attack at London Bridge and Borough Market.”

Wayne will work light duties in south London and will not undertake any uniformed operational roles as part of his return to work.

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

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Wait goes on as Elizabeth line gets delayed

© Crossrail

© Crossrail

Crossrail has confirmed that the planned opening of the Elizabeth line’s core section between Paddington and Abbey Wood has been delayed until autumn 2019.

The tunnelled section beneath central London was due to open in December, but chief executive Simon Wright said more time was needed for testing and commissioning.

“The Elizabeth line is one of the most complex and challenging infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the UK and is now in its final stages,” he said.

“We are working around the clock with our supply chain and Transport for London to complete and commission the Elizabeth line.”

According to Crossrail, delays in completing © Crossrail

the fit-out of the central tunnels and the development of rail systems software has shortened the original testing period.

One of the most challenging aspects of the project has been integrating the three different signalling systems used across its western, central and eastern sections.

Elizabeth line trains are already operating between Shenfield and Liverpool Street and between Paddington and Hayes & Harlington.

Testing is currently underway in the Heathrow tunnels.

Crossrail’s announcement also indicated that construction work is still being carried out in some areas and the architectural fit-out in the new central section stations is yet to be completed.

Railhouse Rock!

Network Rail is bringing an established charity music event to York for the first time.

Railhouse Rock will take place between 6:30pm-10:15pm on 14 September at Fibbers, York, with all proceeds going to Barnardo’s.

The event, which brings together railrelated musicians, has been held in cities around the country for more than 10 years.

Network Rail employees Rob Smith and Fiona Brogan have organised the event.

Rob said: “We have five bands playing on the night, each containing railway employees and we look forward to a good night out and supporting Barnardo’s at the same time.”

Tickets for the event are now on sale from TicketWeb.

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RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

Onto Toronto Paul Griffiths, the managing director of HS2 Phase Two, is to leave the company at the end of December to become programme director for the $40 billion Metrolinx project in Canada.

Metrolinx - the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area’s regional transportation agency - is undertaking the largest programme of public transit investment in Canadian history, said HS2.

Paul, who joined HS2 in 2015, is following in the footsteps of former ScotRail Alliance and Network Rail North East managing director Phil Verster, who was appointed as the president and CEO of Metrolinx in August 2017.

Plans are now in place to find a new managing director for HS2 Phase Two.

A landmark deal has been struck between Merseyrail, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and RMT Union to have a second member of staff on board its new Stadler trains.

In a joint statement, all parties said the agreement in principal is subject to the approval of an "appropriate, affordable and sustainable funding package".

This could involve productivity proposals as well as other means, such as an enhanced crackdown on fare evasion or increased fares in order to pay for another member of staff for each train.

Should it go ahead, the result will mean that no one currently employed as a guard will lose their employment as a result of the introduction of the new fleet in 2021.

Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: "I have always believed that the only way this dispute would

Merseyrail guard deal be resolved was by all sides sitting down and talking. That’s why I pushed for Merseyrail and the RMT to enter [Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration] talks last year and I’m pleased that this approach has got us to where we are today.

"Today’s announcement is huge progress but I also want to be clear that it requires a significant financial commitment and hard choices on all sides. This has to be kept in mind alongside the reality of the substantial reductions in funding that Merseytravel will receive from government over the next ten years.

"I believe this agreement gives us the best chance to successfully deliver and operate the new fleet of trains and therefore is in the

best interests of the people of the Liverpool City Region."

RMT general secretary Mick Cash added: "Today’s agreement in principle is an important and significant development in respect of RMT’s long running campaign to retain a guaranteed second, safety-critical member of staff on Merseyrail trains.

"We now await a fully-formed and detailed set of proposals that we can take back to our executive and our members."

All parties will now undertake the detailed work required to develop a full proposed agreement, which will take "some months". Whilst this takes place and until dialogue has been completed there will be no further industrial action.

New MD for HS2 Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) has appointed Mark Davies as the managing director for its HS2 joint venture (JV).

Rising from the ashes Engineers have completed the first stage of repairs at Nottingham railway station following a huge blaze in January this year.

The fire caused significant damage to the building, including to a footbridge, which is now open for use following work by Network Rail.

Passengers will now have direct access to Platform 7 from the station concourse and will no longer have to use the footbridge halfway down the platforms.

Network Rail said it will remain on site to carry out final repairs, including fixing the PA system

and the removal of hoardings, but the majority of work is complete.

Repaired toilets in the southern concourse, which was where the fire is believed to have started, are expected to open again in the next few weeks.

Network Rail’s head of operations delivery, Neil Henry, said: “The footbridge is now back open for use and final repair work is ongoing.

“We appreciate that this work may have impacted upon station users and we have worked closely with East Midlands Trains to keep this to a minimum, including carrying out the majority of repairs overnight.”

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Mark Davies will take on the role from Mark Cutler, who will leave Balfour Beatty following a short handover period. Mark Cutler has led the JV since January 2017.

BBV’s new managing director is a fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and has more than 30 years’ experience in the rail, highways, water and nuclear sectors.

He began his career with Henry Boot Engineering, spent 17 years at Birse Civils, and joined Alfred McAlpine in 2004. In 2008, following their acquisition

by Carillion, he assumed a number of business leadership roles culminating in his most recent role as managing director of Carillion’s UK infrastructure business.

Mark Davies said: “I am thrilled to be leading the Balfour Beatty VINCI joint venture team for HS2, to support the delivery of such

an iconic major high-speed rail project across the UK.” BBV has been awarded two contracts worth around £2.5 billion by HS2. This includes Lot N1 and N2, between the Long Itchington Wood Green tunnel to Delta Junction / Birmingham Spur and from the Delta Junction to the West Coast Main Line tie-in.

The JV is also bidding for further rail systems packages and Old Oak Common station, valued at a combined total of around £3.8 billion.

Britain’s Largest Specialist Transport Union

SMASH GRAYLING’S

PAY CAP! If Chris Grayling seriously thinks that front line rail workers are going to pay the price for his gross incompetence and the greed of the private train companies he’s got another thing coming. RMT will fight any attempt to impose a pay cap on our members in a drive to protect private train company profits and top bosses earnings.

Mick Cash, RMT General Secretary

Protecting our members’ interests is our priority

Join us today www.rmt.org.uk

FREEPHONE 0800 376 3706

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RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

New concession transformation director for Arriva Former Condor Ferries director Alicia Andrews has taken up a new role with Arriva Rail London (ARL).

Alicia, who was most recently the executive director of commercial at the ferry operator, will oversee the rail operator’s commercial strategy, business transformation programme and stakeholder management as concession transformation director for Arriva’s London Overground concession.

Alicia has more than 30 years’ experience in strategic and commercial management and worked at Yell and the Financial

Times prior to joining Condor Ferries.

Alicia will report to managing director Will Rogers. He said: “Alicia brings great experience in leading innovation and building successful stakeholder relationships with her and her role will be integral as we work to continue to meet the challenge of the current London Overground concession, with the aim of delivering a world-class railway for London.”

Alicia, who took up her new role in July, added: “The concession transformation team is tasked to deliver big improvements to the London Overground service like

The former CEO of London City Airport, Declan Collier, is set to replace Stephen Glaister as the chair of the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). the new LOTRAIN deployment, and oversees ARL’s programme of work to further enhance our customer’s travel experience.

“My immediate focus will be on ensuring that we continue to meet and in fact exceed the expectations of our customers and our client.”

Chaplains on a mission Transport for Wales on Course Five new recruits have joined the Railway Mission as the charitable organisation seeks to boost the support it offers to rail industry staff.

Executive director Liam Johnston said he hopes the new chaplains will “help alleviate some of the pressures faced by front line staff on the railway”.

The Mission, which listed timetable changes, strikes, and passenger dissatisfaction as all having a negative impact on staff, will also be increasing the hours of

some of its part-time chaplains too.

Liam Johnston added: “As a chaplaincy service, we have responded to the needs of the industry and the railway staff by increasing as far as possible the support we provide to rail staff and BTP.” The new chaplains and their patches are as follows (L-R): Levi Lee, Southern; Colin Fraser, East Midlands; Mike Roberts, Manchester and the Northwest; Andrea Smyth, North London; and John Rowe, Paddington and GWR South West.

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Grayling names new ORR chair

Transport for Wales (TfW) has made two new appointments to its senior team.

Alexia Course has joined as director of rail operations while Heather Clash has become the executive director of finance.

Alexia has held numerous senior roles in the rail industry, including route commercial director for Wales. She joins TfW from Network Rail where she was programme director for route change for the Wales Route.

TfW’s interim chair, Nick Gregg, said: “As Transport for Wales moves into a new phase, these appointments further demonstrate our position as an expert delivery organisation.

Alexia and Heather bring experience and skills that will complement and enhance our senior team as we Keep Wales Moving.”

TfW will oversee the management of the Wales and Borders franchise from midOctober.

Declan, who recently left the airport, has been chosen as the preferred candidate by transport secretary Chris Grayling.

The Transport Select Committee will hold a public scrutiny hearing with Collier later this year. A final decision will be made subject to the outcome of the hearing.

Should Collier’s appointment be given the go-ahead, he is expected to start in his new role on 1 January.

Prior to joining London City Airport in 2012, Collier was the CEO of Dublin Airports Authority for seven years. In addition, he has served as president of the World Association of Airports, Airports Council International and deputy chair of the Airport Operators Association.

Glaister will step down at the end of 2018 after three years in the role. He will return to being a non-executive director on the ORR’s board.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling added: “I would like to thank Stephen Glaister for his work. He has played a distinguished role as chair, bringing important leadership during the 2018 periodic review process, which will set the regulatory framework and funding for Network Rail for the next five-year control period.”

HEx appoints new head of commercial Chris Crauford is to join Heathrow Express’ senior leadership team as the operator’s new head of commercial.

The former Royal Engineer replaces Kylie Andrews, who is moving over to Heathrow Airport’s digital team.

Crauford, who joined Heathrow Express (HEx) eight years ago, was previously head of commercial planning at Heathrow Airport. In his new role, Chris will oversee the operator’s digital platforms, marketing and communications functions and the sales team, among other responsibilities.

In March, HEx announced that the service had received approval from the Department for Transport (DfT) to operate until at least 2028. Under the new agreement, Great Western Railway (GWR) will take over the day-to-day operation of the service while HEx will retain the commercial aspects of marketing,

ticket pricing and revenue.

Chris said: “I am joining Heathrow Express at an important moment in its history, and a very exciting time in its progression. In the short term, the launch of a new website, app and new ticketing system will be key to cementing relationships with important partners including those in the aviation, corporate travel and online booking sectors and I am very much looking forward to the opportunities this presents.”

GTR's new COO Steve White is to replace Nick Brown as chief operating officer of train operator GTR. Nick is retiring in September, having spent four decades in the rail industry.

Steve joins from Transport for London (TfL) where he was in charge of implementing the new 4LM CBTC signalling system on the Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith and City and District lines. He has also worked for Siemens, Eurostar and Silverlink Train Services.

CEO Patrick Verwer said: “In Steve, we are appointing a senior transport professional with the skills and management experience to lead GTR through the next stage of our modernisation programme, to increase capacity on the most congested part of the UK rail network.

“I would like to thank Nick very much for the hard work, dedication and leadership that he has brought to GTR during a very challenging period. He has made a major contribution to the business, from strengthening the team to collaborative working with a wide range of stakeholders. I wish him all the very best for the future.”

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King of the Castle Graeme Castle has replaced Russell Ward as the CEO of civil engineering group Aspin.

Ward was appointed CEO of Aspin Group in March 2017, to lead a restructuring of the business. Aspin Group said he is stepping aside to focus on other business interests, including his chairmanships at Heliex Power and Advanced Insulation Group.

His replacement has spent his career in the infrastructure, construction and civil engineering sectors, working for the likes of Laing O’Rourke, Morgan Sindall, Balfour Beatty and ABC Electrification at senior level.

Chair Gren Edwards said: “We are all delighted to welcome Graeme as CEO as we continue our growth plans to meet the future opportunities and deliver expectations.

“We’ve always understood that Russell planned to move at the right time and we’d like to thank him for completing the restructuring programme.

Graeme’s leadership and extensive experience is the ideal fit to help Aspin move onwards and upwards to the next level.”

Russell added: “It’s always been my intention to move on

as soon as the key objectives of restructuring/financing and refocus of Aspin were completed.

“That time is now as we’ve strengthened the executive team, re-branded, secured funding for growth from a stable financial base and brought the whole group together as one Aspin.

“It’s been challenging at times but most of all rewarding to see the future-fit results. The credit must go to the great people at Aspin and all our partners.”

Advance TRS appoints training and development director Neil Wilkie, formerly the group head of marketing, training and technology at Fusion People, has joined Advance TRS. Neil will take on the role of training and development director at the specialist recruitment consultancy.

With nearly 20 years’ experience working for recruitment agencies in the built environment sector, Neil will help deliver the business’s growth strategy and strengthen the company’s training and development programmes.

Advance TRS founder Andy Ridout said: “We have grown significantly in the last seven years and understand that investment in our people is essential to continuing our success. Neil brings a wealth of experience across a range of functions that will help us meet our targets and we are thrilled to have him on board.”

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RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

Continued from page 5.

SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE More than 20 years on, the distribution has grown and the RailStaff name has become part of the railway vernacular. It has helped keep the industry informed and it has even launched one of the most prestigious awards events in the railway calendar in the RailStaff Awards.

The look and feel of the magazine has also been reworked and remodelled over the years. From its original newspaper format, RailStaff switched to a magazine finish in its 15th year and in 2016 revealed its most radical redesign to date.

But some things haven’t changed. In his welcome editorial for issue one, Neil Johnson described RailStaff as “a medium to help you both RAILSTAFF.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF

achieve your aims and air your views”. Though features and formats have come and gone those core values have been maintained and added to.

Health and safety has shifted perceptions and risen in stature.

But while the message appears to be reaching the men and women with ballast-scratched boots, the railway is far from a

risk-free environment. In Colin Wheeler, we are fortunate to have one of the most-respected voices in railway safety. His monthly track safety features have provided insightful commentary for RailStaff readers since 1999, keeping the consequences of complacency at the forefront of everyone’s minds.

Timeline:

• 1997 - Issue One of RailStaff Select is published • 2007 - First RailStaff Awards evening is held at Birmingham’s ICC • 2012 - RailStaff moves from newspaper to magazine format • 2016 - New-look design launched

RailStaff has also always celebrated and sought to develop those who work in the industry but, as more and more colleagues leave the action through retirement, the need to simply retain and attract new skills has become a priority.

NEW GROUND Like the industry we report on, the focus of RailStaff is changing. Conversations about wellbeing have grown louder and the risks understood with greater

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Rail Media in training for the Railway Children 3 Peaks by Rail Challenge in 2012.

"Over the course of 250 issues we’ve revelled in the best of human nature. We’ve backed the great work of charities such as the Railway Children and Samaritans, and interviewed countless enthusiastic individuals who have found their calling."

clarity. Over the past few years in particular, we’ve run several feature series and campaigns to highlight many of these issues.

In February this year, we focussed on mental health and the industry’s attempts to understand and support those who are struggling - not only because employers ought to feel a moral obligation to help but because inaction can have tragic consequences.

Over the course of 250 issues we’ve revelled in the best of human nature.

We’ve backed the great work of charities such as the Railway Children and Samaritans, and interviewed countless enthusiastic individuals who have found their calling.

But we’ve also watched in horror as the railway has become the setting for terror and destruction. The July 2005 issue featured a sombre cover in remembrance of those killed during the 7/7 terror attacks. The events of 7/7 were brought back into focus last year as BTP officers and railway staff were again caught up in deadly attacks in Manchester and London.

As an industry, the only saving grace was to hear about the exceptional bravery of staff whose sense of duty and responsibility to their customers and colleagues thrust them into harm’s way to protect others.

This month, we have reported on PC Wayne Marques' return to work following his intervention on the night of the attack at London Bridge. Wayne was left critically injured after taking on the heavily armed attackers with only his police baton in hand. It’s also almost a year since members of the London Bridge station team picked up two honours at the RailStaff Awards - one of the most clearly deserving wins in the history of the event.

Supporting the industry doesn’t simply mean telling people what they want to hear. At times RailStaff has been there to offer a positive boost to offset misdirected media scrutiny, but it has not been averse

to acknowledging its failings. Any criticism is of course made in good faith to further debate, but it may not have always been comfortable reading for senior management.

Graeme Bickerdike’s informed and often piercing opinion pieces were not afraid to call out the ineffectual bureaucracy inhibiting the sound judgement of competent operatives.

Though they will probably be best remembered for the tongue-in-cheek photography which aptly illustrated each issue. Anyone who picked up the June 2007 issue may remember the image of Graeme in a dress holding a placard bearing the slogan “Don’t honk if you support us” - a reference to a successful campaign by residents in Tunbridge Wells to introduce a curfew on train horn sounding. Some of you may be unable to forget it.

VIEWS AT ALL LEVELS As the voice of the industry, the magazine will also always endeavour to represent the views of the industry at all levels. The opinions of apprentices still finding their feet sit comfortably alongside the musings of chief executives. That has always been part of its charm.

But it’s difficult to predict how the industry may change in another 250 issues’ time. Will the same narratives repeat themselves as they often have?

Will the industry continue to prosper?

What we can say is that the railway is one of our most venerable of British exports and part of the country’s heritage and national identity. It’s right up there with our sense of irony and natural cynicism. Since the Liverpool to Manchester Railway - the first passenger steam railway - opened in 1830 it has become one of our greatest industrial success stories. As we move into a new technological era for the railway, the next chapter of that story will be written, and RailStaff will be there to write it. marc@rail-media.com

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RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

Railway Children has confirmed its Ride India challenge is set to return next year.

The international charity, which helps thousands of children who run away or are forced to leave homes across the UK, India and East Africa each year, launched the new fundraiser in 2018, raising £85,000 in the process.

Next year, another team of cyclists will take part in an epic 450 km cycle in India’s Golden Triangle.

From Delhi, the six-day adventure between 22 February and 3 March will head to Agra before cycling to the famous Pink City of Jaipur.

Ride India rides again Cyclists will not only get to take in the Taj Mahal, a tiger sanctuary and the historic towns and villages of Rajasthan en route; they’ll also get the chance to meet the children whose lives Railway Children is changing.

Events manager Katie Mason said: “Our first ever Ride India event this year was a great

success and we can’t wait to do it all again in 2019.

“The challenge raised an incredible £85,000 which has had a life-changing impact on the lives of the vulnerable children we work with. But there are so many more children that need our help so we’re looking forward to getting a team of adventurers

together, getting back in the saddle and raising even more for Railway Children with Ride India 2019.”

To register or for more information, head to www. railwaychildren.org.uk/events/ events/ride-india or contact Katie Mason on k.mason@ railwaychildren.org.uk.

Pedal to Paris Members of staff from RSS Infrastructure have raised thousands of pounds for the Royal British Legion cycling from London to Paris in just four days.

The ‘Pedal to Paris’ fundraiser saw the riders jump into the saddle and peddle the 460km distance between the two country’s capital cities.

Starting in London in the earlier hours of 30 August, the cyclists passed through Dover, Calais, Abbeville and Beauvais before reaching their final destination.

After arriving in Paris, a service of remembrance was held at the Arc de Triomphe to honour the grave of the unknown French Soldier, who died during the First World War. All riders returned to London via the Eurostar.

Colleagues from rail safety service provider RSS Infrastructure - previously known as Rail Safety Solutions - were joined by those from

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parent company Auctus Management Group (AMG), raising more than £7,700 in the process.

AMG CEO Richard Toy said the company is a passionate supporter of the armed forces and getting involved in as many charitable events as possible.

“Marking 100 years since World War I, we felt it was important to participate in such a significant event that would raise money for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal,” he added.

“To prepare for the ride, we all put together a vigorous training programme that started six months before the event, and saw us commit to a regime that progressively intensified week by week. As the event drew closer, we were matching the miles we would have to complete through the four-day period.”

Richard was joined by RSS Infrastructure managing director Sean Harrison, AMG finance director Andrew Coates, RSS Infrastructure signalling support co-ordinator Brett Jones and RSS Infrastructure rail manager Brian Hopkinson.

Richard added: “Taking part in the Pedal to Paris is one of the best things I have ever done.

A personal highlight of mine was following the Union Jack into Abbeville after 80 miles, to locals clapping us on and lining the streets, it was unbelievable.

“Seeing my wife and kids as I crossed the finish line will be a moment I will never forget. I

know for all of our riders, having the support of family, friends, colleagues and sponsors made us even more determined to make them all proud.”

Now in its 23rd year, ‘Pedal to Paris’ is the only charity ride to be escorted into the French capital by motorcycle outriders. It is also the only other cycling event aside from the Tour de France that receives this honour for which the Champs-Élysées is briefly shut to all but the event’s riders.

Among the 300 cyclists were veterans from the Royal Artillery and serving and former officers from Kent Police.

The money raised by the cyclists allow the Legion to continue their work of providing lifelong support to the British Armed Forces community.

If you would like to find out more about the fundraiser or to donate, head to: www. justgiving.com/fundraising/pedal-to-paris-18.

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

NEWS

15

Team Orange was out in force across the August bank holiday, although it was a quieter programme than many recently.

Bank holiday work

RailSport National Angling Championships 2018 RailSport’s 2018 National Angling Championships was once more held at the Makins Fishery, Wolvey, Warwickshire, on 14 August.

British Transport Police’s Simon Woods, a scenes of crime officer based in Leeds, was crowned the overall winner at the 29th annual tournament.

Fishing on Lake 4, Woods caught an impressive 144lb 5oz of fish during five hours of competition, comfortably winning the individual championship ahead of Virgin Rail

Cresta Baggers’ Jamie Taylor, who landed a 123lb 10 oz catch. Danny Tomkinson, also of Cresta Baggers, finished in third place with 109lb 10oz of fish.

Last year’s RailSport Angling Championship was won by Network Rail’s David Dawber with a catch of 147lbs.

The team award was also won by the Cresta Baggers with 13pts, while 2nd place went to Vital Rail from Doncaster, who won 14pts but landed a greater weight than Bombardier EWS Monsters in 3rd, who also finished on 14pts.

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Only London North West (LNW), South East and Anglia carried out significant work. However, it was still enough to close the railway in several areas.

Euston station was closed completely as Network Rail replaced North Wembley junction.

Although the railway opened as planned, Euston was again closed across 1-2 September as the second phase of work to renew North Wembley junction was completed.

Elsewhere on LNW, 400m of track was renewed in Canley, Coventry and work continued on a £5 million drainage project in Hampton-in-Arden, Solihull, to reduce the risk of flooding on the line between Birmingham International and Coventry.

The upgrade of the railway between Manchester and Preston via Bolton also continued to provide passengers with better, more reliable electric services as part of a multi-billion pound investment across the North of England.

In East Anglia, engineers completed an array of improvements on the Norwich to London main line over the three-day bank holiday weekend. Making the most of the closure, engineers completed the following:

• 120m of track, one set of points, one new buffer stop and 1,200 tonnes of ballast were replaced at Colchester; • Installation of nearly 3km of track between Manningtree and Ardleigh; • Five structures that carry overhead wires were replaced between Marks Tey and Colchester; • Further work on the Felixstowe branch line as part of a £60.4 million programme to install a 1.4km track loop near Trimley station, to enable an increase in freight services and to improve the reliability of existing passenger services.

Finally, in the South East, engineers were out on track replacing track inside Sevenoaks tunnel - one of the longest railway tunnels in Britain - replaced old switches and crossings on the approach to London Victoria station and also replaced all signalling equipment between Lewes and Seaford with new, more reliable technology as part of a £20 million upgrade.

The High Output Ballast Cleaner was also working in Kent between Shortlands and Swanley to improve track quality and prevent speed restrictions that would result from bumpy or uneven track.

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16

NEWS

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

VICTORIA LINE AT 50

All images © TfL

London Underground’s Victoria line is celebrating its 50th birthday with a series of special events along the route.

The first phase of the line between Walthamstow Central and Highbury & Islington opened in 1968. It became the first new Tube line to open since the Central line, which was completed in 1907.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Victoria line on 7 March 1969 before taking the train to Green Park.

Promotional material released ahead of the opening celebrated the fact that the new line could transport passengers from Victoria to Oxford Circus in just four minutes.

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Heritage displays and special maps showing places to visit along the route have been produced to mark the anniversary.

Staff will also be leading tours at the six original stations - Walthamstow Central, Blackhorse Road, Tottenham Hale, Seven Sisters, Finsbury Park & Highbury and Islington on 21 September.

Head of line operations Frank Ibe said: “The Victoria line has been a key part of London’s transport network for 50 years and it’s amazing to think how many billions of journeys have been made in its history.

“When it opened, the Victoria line was one of the most modern subways in the world and, thanks to the recent improvements, it still

sets the standard for the rest of the world today.”

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18

FEATURE

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

ACCESS FOR ALL AS THE GOVERNMENT SETS NEW ACCESSIBILITY TARGETS, WE ASK: IS BRITAIN’S RAIL NETWORK MEETING THE NEEDS OF DISABLED PASSENGERS?

I

n preparation for the arrival of its brand new fleet, Greater Anglia flew a number of disabled passengers out to Switzerland to see how features on board its new trains will help them get around the network.

The group, which included, a wheelchair user, a blind person and a visually impaired man with a guide dog, helped test the prototype ramps and retractable gap fillers which are being designed by manufacturer Stadler.

The aim of these sessions is to generate practical feedback that the train’s designers can look to incorporate before full production begins. In the case of Greater Anglia’s new fleet, the majority of feedback has been taken onboard and will physically change the interior design of the vehicles, including the addition of low-level emergency buttons and installation of modesty screens in the disabled sections.

MTR Crossrail is doing something similar ahead of the launch of the new service. The operator has been inviting people with disabilities to ride the line and suggest areas for improvement. Autistic children have also been invited to ride in the cab to learn about the trains and what it is like to be a driver.

These kinds of consultations are common during the design of new stations, structures and rolling stock, but much of the existing infrastructure is still playing catch up. With an ageing population and the number of passengers with reduced mobility potentially set to rise, the government’s goal is to make Britain’s transport network fully accessible by 2030, but is that achievable and what does it mean in practice?

INCLUSIVE TRANSPORT STRATEGY In July, the Department for Transport (DfT) outlined its Inclusive Transport Strategy, boosting investment to improve accessibility across various transport modes. The strategy includes up to £300 million of extra funding to extend the Access for All programme for Britain’s stations.

Another measure will be to produce accessibility league tables, naming and shaming the worst performing operators.

The disability charity Scope said that 40 per cent of disabled passengers experience problems using the rail network. Welcoming the new strategy, chief executive Mark Atkinson said there were too many “horror stories of disabled people let down by poor infrastructure, bad service, or being treated as an afterthought”.

Transport Accessibility Minister Nusrat Ghani said the country needed to have a “genuinely inclusive transport network”.

“We’ve moved on an awful lot,” said Mike Hewitson, head of policy at Transport Focus, giving his thoughts on the network’s current standard of accessibility.

Accessibility is listed as one of Transport Focus’ key issues and the passenger watchdog hosts a regular Accessibility Forum to consider the experiences of disabled users.

Although there are many issues still to overcome, Mike felt that things have improved overall. “I’m reluctant to say it’s good… but if you look back 10 years and look back now, it’s certainly got better,” said Mike.

“The funding has kept coming.

The recognition of it being something important that needs to be addressed and the sense that the whole railway wants to make it better rather than being pushed reluctantly into it.”

ASSISTANCE Disabled passengers face challenges from the moment they book their tickets. Train operators ask passengers who may need additional assistance to let them know in advance, normally requiring at least 24 hours warning. Research carried out by the ORR showed that in many instances this system works perfectly but, on the relatively small number of occasions where staff aren’t there to help, disabled passengers are left stranded.

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The ORR found that 12 per cent of disabled people hadn’t received the assistance they had booked through the Passenger Assist system. Launching the Inclusive Transport Strategy, Nusrat Ghani said train operators must compensate passengers where booked assistance isn’t provided.

Mike believes technology and data is an area where the industry can deliver some of the most significant improvements but that it first needs to get better at sharing important service information with disabled passengers.

While staff training has improved and there are lots of examples of “really good people doing some really good things”, Mike believes that Passenger Assist in particular needs to become more reliable.

Back in June, the RSSB published a list of seven winners for its Rail Accessibility Competition - the intention of which was to identify technological innovations which could improve access for disabled passengers. Many of the winning solutions involved smartphone applications that would in some way improve the flow of information between operators and passengers.

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

FEATURE

19

All photos © Stadler/Greater Anglia

One of the winning projects was Rail4All: an app which will help disabled passengers book assistance with confidence. 3Squared, which is developing Rail4All, has worked with Paralympic gold medallist Sophie Christiansen to refine the app and plans to trial it with several operators.

In a video announcing her support for the project, Sophie said: “I really wanted to be involved in this project because train travel is something really close to my heart. As well as being a Paralympic athlete, I also work two days a week in London, so have to commute rather a lot. Now I’ve always thought that I would live a relatively independent life but train travel really, really takes the independence away from me. For example, I have to book 24 hours in advance for most journeys.

“Now in some cases this really isn’t possible and, quite frankly, why do I have to plan my journey when able-bodied passengers don’t have to do the same? When I go to work I sometimes never know when I’m going to finish up at the office and so how can I possibly give the staff at the station forewarning? I do understand that to arrange the amount of staff to get the ramp ready requires planning but I really don’t think 24 hours is necessary.”

Sophie said she regularly feels a sense of fear towards the end of her journey that there may not be anyone there to help her get off.

She added: “I honestly don’t know if I’m going to get off at my home station or if I’m going to end up in Portsmouth. My desire is to eliminate this fear factor to make travelling by train a more comfortable and secure method of transport for every disabled person across the country.”

2020 DEADLINE

The difficulties for disabled passengers continue when on board - a lack of wheelchair spaces and availability of disabled toilet facilities are common issues.

With the introduction of new rolling stock, Mike said he felt confident that a fully accessible national train fleet is achievable.

For existing rolling stock, there are several pieces of legislation which set out the accessibility requirements they will need to meet in the near future.

The PRM-TSI and RVAR regulations will require all mainline rail vehicles to be accessible by 2020, something that operators and vehicle owners have been working towards for some time, but the government has admitted that not all trains will be compliant by the deadline. There is a long list on the DfT’s website of vehicles that have already received exemptions from the

legislation either because the modifications aren’t cost effective, practical or may actually be prohibitive.

Mike supports a common sense approach to these accessibility modifications. While the objective is for operators to be able to offer a turn-up-and-go service for all passengers, he believes the most important aim is to deliver full journey mobility for passengers and there will always be a need for staff to be part of this.

“It’s a bit like smart ticketing, it’s got to work across train companies because people travel across train companies,” said Mike, explaining why it is important for train operators to approach rail accessibility in a joined up way.

It’s not just train operators. All transport modes will need to work much more closely to be able to deliver a fully accessible public transport network by 2030. “That’s when it gets really difficult,” said Mike.

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20

COMPANY FOCUS

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

BIRMINGHAM BEGINNINGS Talent services business Ford & Stanley has announced its expansion in Britain’s second city, following the grand opening of its new offices in Birmingham.

The company, which already has a presence in Derby and London, has worked hard behind the scenes over the last 12 months to establish a talented team of customer-focussed consultants specialising in railway infrastructure, the digital railway and rolling stock, to be based in its new Birmingham offices.

Daniel Taylor, head of Ford & Stanley Recruitment and project lead, said: “As a result of continued growth and increased demand for Ford & Stanley talent services across the UK, put simply - we needed to expand.

“Being ‘All About People’, we are committed to developing and maintaining our outstanding relationships across the length of the UK, and new offices in such a prominent city will support us in doing just that.”

On the strategic reasoning behind the move, Daniel added: “Birmingham holds a large cluster of our key clients, whom will now enjoy the added benefits of a new Ford & Stanley office close by. We will have the opportunity to meet with clients in the West Midlands more frequently - fully appreciating business need, company values, and the other vital elements of successful talent acquisition and retention.”

Birmingham is very much at the centre of the railway’s new wave of railway investment, with new HS2 stations under development at Curzon Street and Birmingham International Airport, supported by an expansion of the West Midlands Metro light rail network.

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Rail team manager Rory Peverell said: “I am already spending at least one day a week in Birmingham supporting clients such as the National College for High Speed Rail, Sable Leigh Consultancy Ltd and VTG to name a few.

This opportunity puts us closer to our clients and provides myself and the team a platform to further develop our partnered approach.”

This milestone comes just months after the company’s biggest ever investment in new talent, with the Birmingham office being home to both Senior Recruitment Consultants and new recruits in the business.

Daniel summarised: “We now have a greater opportunity to both strengthen relationships with our clients in the West Midlands, as well as expand our ever-growing client base.

“The future is bright for Ford & Stanley as we strive in our ambitions to become first by choice in the eyes of candidates, clients and our employees.”

Complex Worksites.

Simplified Fall Protection Solutions.

Find out more at MSAsafety.com/fallprotection

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22

COMPANY FOCUS

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

TAKING

FALL PROTECTION TO NEW HEIGHTS AT LONDON BRIDGE

N

etwork Rail has redeveloped the 180-year-old London Bridge station – the fourth busiest station in the country with over 54 million passengers passing through every year. To redevelop such a vast, complex site Network Rail required a team that would work together with one goal in mind and add value by presenting viable solutions.

Designed by Grimshaw, the remodelling of the station integrated Victorian architecture with 21st century infrastructure, including a new, naturally lit concourse larger than the pitch at Wembley Stadium. This has unified the station and all its platforms for the first time, providing more space and making the station easier to use, as well as enabling more high-quality facilities to be added.

Specialist building envelope company Prater carried out the design, supply and installation of the pre-cast concrete platforms and roof canopies as well as a bespoke structural glazing package across the platform level, street level and retail areas of the

site. Prater appointed Eurosafe Solutions to meet the safety at height requirements for the vast expanse of new roofing. Eurosafe Solutions are registered installers of MSA Latchways engineered lifelines and were able to work closely with the manufacturer to provide a bespoke fall protection solution.

THE REQUIREMENT The project took place in phases as part of the Thameslink programme, so the station could remain open throughout construction. This meant that much of the work had to be carried out in the relatively quiet period between 11pm and 4am. To add to the challenge, the working environment itself was also high risk, with workers, including those installing the safety systems, carrying out their tasks above a live railway line and inside a busy railway station.

Prater overcame the challenge by utilising the 3D model of the station and recognising that the only way to deliver successfully, safely and on time was to unitise the roofing package. After early engagement with the supply chain – including Severfield and Bailey – and discussions with Network Rail and the architect, a decision

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was made to invest in and build a full-scale constructability prototype in North Yorkshire.

The requirement for Eurosafe was to then develop the layout and strategy for a safety at height system to be installed on the new roof which would allow access during construction and for future regular maintenance work. MSA had already been discussing the project with the building’s architects and joined forces with Eurosafe to design a solution that would not only allow their operatives to work safely at height but would also look aesthetically pleasing in conjunction with the new roof.

An additional system was needed to access the underside of the roof area to maintain the structure and essential services such as lighting. Because of the complex geometry of the roof’s wave design, and a number of hard to reach areas, this had to be a completely bespoke design.

THE SOLUTION MSA and Eurosafe enjoy a long and successful relationship, having worked closely together since 2001. Over this time Eurosafe has posed many technical challenges to MSA resulting in the components being used in innovative ways. Together they have been able to provide the most effective solutions for a variety of bespoke environments; London Bridge station was just such a challenge.

Eurosafe chose the MSA Latchways Constant Force Post (CFP) cable system for a complete rooftop fall protection solution. It is the only system approved by Kalzip, which supplied the roof at London Bridge.

Installation was complicated by the unusually short roofing sections, a consequence of the roof’s wave design. However, as a result of the CFP system being

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

MSA systems are fully compliant with current legislation and meet EN 795:2012 and CEN TS 16415.

COMPANY FOCUS

23

versatile, the team were able to work with the roofers to decrease the spacing of the CF Post. Six-metre sections of the roof and CFPs were then built off-site, in cassette form, in a factory near Doncaster - before being shipped in and installed. Due to the location, building the aluminium cassettes in situ was not possible and would have represented a number of health and safety challenges.

The decision to unitise the roofing package and segment 1,100 individual aluminium cassettes - all built within a specialised offsite manufacturing facility - was taken to combat this, ensuring the strict phased timescale for installation was met and the complex geometric design of the canopies delivered.

Prater mounted temporary safety systems supplied by Eurosafe to each cassette so the roofers could join the cassettes together during the construction phase. These were then made permanent

by Eurosafe after the roof was completed. An unforeseen advantage of this system was that by working off site, the amount of scaffolding needed at the station was reduced, providing a valuable cost saving.

Another aspect of the bespoke CFP system was that different length lanyards and harnesses had to be used for specific areas where the roof area tapered. MSA and Eurosafe were able to offer colour-coded lifelines to ensure this was clearly visualised for the user. The team also created bespoke components to link the CFP system around London Bridge station with that of the adjoining building, the Shard.

For the second part of the safety at height provision, Eurosafe installed over 1,000 metres of NP01 monorail to the undersides of the roof to carry a cradle for maintenance workers. This enables access to all areas of the new concourse where cherry pickers cannot be used due to restricted space and voids below. The cradle can be controlled remotely from the concourse for testing and employs features such as laser sensors to avoid contact with any part of the structure.

DELIVERED ON TIME Together, MSA and Eurosafe had to overcome many logistical problems on the new London Bridge structure. Having done so, this project was a great success, helped by Network Rail’s insistence on going the extra mile wherever the safety of its staff is concerned. The phased approach of the project also meant the project was delivered on time to Network Rail in January 2018.

Gavin Ellis, managing director of Eurosafe Solutions, said: “We enjoy a very strong working relationship with MSA. Eurosafe has grown alongside them to be the company we are now. It’s a real collaborative partnership where we have a shared passion and drive.

“We’ve pushed MSA a lot technically, constantly coming up with new challenges and asking if they can make it happen. And they always do. We use MSA as our go to fall protection because we trust them and know they won’t let us down.”

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HEALTH+SAFETY

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

HEIGHT OF

SAFETY

© Four by Three

24

WHAT STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO REDUCE THE RISK POSED BY WORKING AT HEIGHT?

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RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

W

orking at height is a common scenario on worksites. It can include anything from using a ladder to working on a flat roof. Anywhere where there’s the possibility of falling through a fragile surface or stumbling into a hole in the ground is classed as working at height.

While many falls will result in only minor injuries - a twisted ankle or a few bruises - the consequences can be much more serious.

The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) annual data for 2017-18 shows that of the 144 worker fatalities recorded during that period, 35 were caused by a fall from height - it was one of the three most common causes of fatal injuries.

Working at height is an everyday occurrence on the railway, whether it be OLE engineers working on mobile elevated working platforms (MEWPs) or rolling stock technicians working on raised platforms in depots. The railway also brings its own distinctive set of challenges.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) said it has put a greater emphasis on the risk of working at height on bridges and viaducts over the past few years and is working with the industry to identify and assess hundreds

of locations around the country where measures, such as handrails and barriers, are needed to reduce that risk.

Dr Richard Peters, who is Network Rail’s chief medical officer, explained the kind of injuries that could be sustained from a fall at work.

He said: “Falls from height often result in injury, whether it be temporary or permanent. These injuries can include anything from minor grazes to more severe conditions such as fractures of the spine, upper and lower limbs. Neurological

HEALTH+SAFETY

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complications can also result if the spine is damaged or the individual sustains a head injury.

“It is important to remember that a fall from height can also lead to death. Factors such as the height of a fall, type of impact and associated medical ill-health such as osteoporosis, to say a few, can also directly contribute to the severity of an injury and outcome.

“It is always important to ensure appropriate first aid and medical follow-up after a fall from height due to the risks involved.”

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26

TRACK SAFETY

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT?

FALL PROTECTION AND SAFE BY DESIGN The best method of protecting staff from harm when working at height is always to remove the risk entirely, and technology is helping to do just that.

Drones are increasingly being launched around the network to complete assignments that would have traditionally required working at height - tasks such as bridge inspections.

Progress is also being made in another area which is highlighted as a common risk for rail infrastructure staff: flat beds and container wagons.

One of the main issues is that they often require staff to clamber up to see what is inside and, for the sake of speed and convenience, workers could be tempted to climb onto the buffer stops without having the full protective measures in place. It illustrates the wider risk posed by falls from plant and equipment on railway sites.

But this risk is now being mitigated at the design stage by manufacturers who are looking at ways to reduce, or remove, the need for staff to climb onto equipment. This has been achieved in some cases by automating various controls and removing the need for operators to access the roof of machinery in day-to-day operation.

Sometimes working at height is unavoidable and safety equipment is required. Network Rail’s Lifesaving Rule related to working at height specifies that staff must use a harness unless other systems are in place. Guard rails on steps, walkways or elevated platforms - known as collective safety systems - are preferred as they protect all workers on a site and reduce the risk of human error. Things like safety nets and air bags would also fall under this category.

If it is not possible to employ a collective safety system, personal protective equipment must be used.

Tethered fall protection systems come in two different varieties: fall restraint and fall arrest. Fall restraint systems physically restrict the worker from the risk - a short tether will prevent them from reaching the edge of a platform. Conversely, while a worker could still fall using a harness arrest system, the tether would break the fall by either slowing their descent or stopping it entirely. Some products also have an inbuilt rescue winch that can then safely lower the individual to the ground.

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While new technology and working practices are beginning to remove staff from dangerous areas, there is still a long way to go before the risk is eliminated completely, with falls from height accounting for around a quarter of worker fatalities last year.

In 2017, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Working at Height was established to look at the dangers and put forward proposals that could reduce the risk to workers in the UK. Evidence has been submitted and a report is on its way.

Balfour Beatty was one of the companies to submit evidence to help drive the debate. The company believes that current working at height regulations are too vague and that creating an Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) would give companies a clear set of rules and standards to follow. This could then be the central tool for developing training/competency standards for site operatives.

Balfour Beatty’s submission was led by the company’s health, safety, environment and sustainability director, Heather Bryant.

“There are some areas where there are very clear competencies such as scaffolding but there are other general areas for working at height where there isn’t a clearly defined standard and that is the one where it’s open to interpretation,” said Heather.

Using a Working at Height Permit-to-Work, Balfour Beatty has been able to apply more controls during the planning and delivery phase. The formal written process requires all potential hazards to be considered before work begins.

The company also said it would support enhanced reporting of falls from height, suggesting that arrested falls from height should also be reported.

“We don’t actually feel that it captures everything that it could usefully capture,” said Heather, referring to RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations).

She added: “We capture an awful lot more and we use those statistics in our business to set our strategy and our agenda for the future, so we can proactively deal with things.“ Balfour Beatty identified several examples of good practice within the group that could merit a wider © Four by Three

application across the construction and engineering sectors. Tool tethering is used to prevent items from falling and injuring someone. The company also widely uses catch nets and safety nets, believing that they should be made mandatory in some situations.

Heather said the APPG was a particularly good forum to demonstrate to government how technological advances were aiding safety.

Balfour Beatty now utilises licensed drone operators to conduct inspections at height.

The company is also providing safe training environments with virtual reality and is reducing the amount of work completed on site by engaging in more offsite fabrication and modularisation.

These methods once again illustrate the central objective to remove risk entirely and Balfour Beatty has rolled out its own ‘safe by design’ training to embed this philosophy within its engineering staff.

HOW DO I STAY SAFE? The responsibility doesn’t just fall on employers; employees also have legal and moral obligations to keep themselves and their colleagues safe. It is important that staff use the equipment supplied in the manner it was designed and that any hazards are reported.

If you have any concerns about a particular working practice within your organisation then it’s important you tell someone. It could just save your life.

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

HOLD THE HANDRAIL © Four by Three

Did you hold the handrail as you walked downstairs this morning? Network Rail was asking this very question of its employees throughout July as part of a company-wide safety stand down.

Network Rail staff around the country were being challenged to think about even the most

basic safety behaviours, starting with always holding the handrail when using stairs and escalators.

Network Rail’s chief executive, Mark Carne, believes it will make rail staff around the country better at spotting small failings and give them more confidence to intervene when they do.

Mark said: “In the first place, it’s a good thing to do. I mean, a thousand people a year die falling down the stairs at home, so it’s the number one cause of domestic accidents. So at one level it’s just a sensible thing to do.

“But the more subliminal

message is that this is an organisation where if there is a safe system you should use it, and the safe system for walking down the stairs or walking upstairs is holding the handrail.”

He added: “This campaign is also about giving people the encouragement to intervene if they see anything that isn’t quite right and giving them the opportunity to practice so that they become more skilled and confident in their ability to do it.”

Mark has led safety stand downs for the Network Rail board and the exec committee, as well as attending several across the

HEALTH+SAFETY

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routes. With the majority of close calls reported to Network Rail relating to physical conditions, the aim of the stand down is to overcome the barriers that can deter people from pointing out their colleagues’ mistakes.

“What this stand down also marks is quite a significant shift from the way we would normally address safety issues,” said Mark.

“Normally the railway addresses a safety issue with either an engineering fix or a change to a work process - a new standard, a new way of doing things or a new piece of technology.”

He added: “It’s not about processes, it’s about personal behaviour; that is at the heart of the culture of the industry.”

WHAT THE LAW SAYS

By law, employers are required to ensure a number of things: • All work at height is properly planned and organised; • Those involved in work at height are competent; • The risks from work at height are assessed and appropriate work equipment is selected and used; • The risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled; and • Equipment for work at height is properly inspected and maintained.

When carrying out assessments for managing and selecting equipment for work at height there is a simple hierarchy employers should use as follows: • Where possible, avoid work at height; • Where it is not possible to avoid work at height use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls. E.g. providing permanent or temporary access platforms; and • Where they cannot eliminate the risk of a fall, use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences, e.g. fall arrest/ restraint equipment etc Information courtesy of HSE. Credit HSE/Crown Copyright

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TRACK SAFETY

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NEAR MISSES WITH JUST SECONDS TO SPARE REPORT BY COLIN WHEELER

"RAIB DOES NOT ESTABLISH BLAME OR CARRY OUT PROSECUTIONS"

L

ast month, I commented on the publication by the Office of Rail and Road of its latest Network Rail Monitors. The year-old revision of their track access standard 019 with its emphasis on planning and “using protection that does not rely solely on human vigilance” is a principle with which I agree. But recent events and reports demonstrate just how far we still need to go! Just how many reported near misses can there be before a tragedy occurs?

One memory from the early days at work is attending a funeral at a crematorium near the sea. The deceased was a young member of a relaying gang who had died after being struck by a train. He had a reputation for being a dedicated hard worker. A special day’s leave had been granted so we could all attend.

As the hearse passed, many remembered our own near miss. Back then eagerness

to get the job done often exceeded safety awareness, but team culture and commitment were also high. Knowing each other’s strengths and weaknesses, we worked well together.

In his last days before Mark Carne handed over to Network Rail’s new chief executive, Andrew Haines, he advised that a “more radical reform is needed to create aligned teams working seamlessly across the industry”. I merely add that it is needed for safety’s sake too!

Dundee near miss

In the next few weeks, we will see another Safety Digest published by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). At 12:30 am on 10 July, a train travelling at 72 mph encountered a gang working on a bridge at the approach to Dundee station. With very little space between the train and bridge parapet, two workers were forced to move clear whilst a portable generator left on the line was struck by a train.

A Tyne and Wear Metrocar, similar to the trains involved in the incident at Pelaw North Junction.

Colin Wheeler.

Peterborough near miss

At 10:52 am on 20 July, this near miss with a track-worker happened at Peterborough. The worker was acting as a site lookout for another track worker when he narrowly avoided being struck by the 9:16 am Leeds to King’s Cross train just south of Peterborough station.

The train was travelling at 102 mph when its driver first saw the lookout, sounded his horn and applied the brakes. The RAIB is investigating the incident, but has advised that the site lookout moved out of the way with just three seconds to spare! Because of the speed of trains, which do not stop at Peterborough, both a distant and a site lookout are needed to warn workers of trains approaching from the north. This gives workers enough warning for them to move to a place of safety before each train passes.

However, on 20 July the distant lookout was not in place. A distant lookout was positioned near the south end of Peterborough station. He was only looking out for trains approaching from the south and did not see the train approaching from the north or provide a warning of it. The RAIB investigation is underway.

Pelaw North Junction near miss

RAIB’s report on this near miss was published on 28 August but it was back on 21 February that the incident occurred. At 10:46 am two track workers narrowly avoided being struck by a Tyne and Wear Metro train

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TRACK SAFETY

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give adequate warnings. The system (activated by lineside switches) gives oscillating siren warnings and emits two-tone bleeps every two seconds when in use. Network Rail’s instructions require workers to move clear of the track when warnings sound.

at Pelaw North Junction. They moved clear of the 65 km/h approaching train with just two seconds to spare. Because of the curved track their view was blocked by a train on the adjacent line.

Although this is a regular event at Pelaw North Junction, RAIB’s investigators found that Nexus Rail’s procedures did not take into account the blocking of a lookout’s view by a second train and there was “non-compliance with the rule book requirement of providing a warning when train sighting is obscured”.

The five recommendations refer to identifying locations where multiple lookouts are necessary, improving information on hazards, improving risk

assessments, supporting newly qualified staff and clarifying the management of staff on prescribed medication. Although the incident occurred on 21 February it was not reported to RAIB until 7 March by which time some evidence had been lost.

Near miss at Egmanton level crossing

This RAIB report was published on 9 August but relates to an incident that occurred on 5 October last year. The 10:03 am London King’s Cross to Leeds passenger service, a Class 91 with eight coaches and a driving van, approached a worksite 30 metres northwest of Egmanton crossing at 11:22 am. The crossing is between Newark Northgate and Retford

stations on the East Coast Main Line where the permitted speed in both directions is 125 mph; the speed at which the train was travelling.

The driver sounded the horn and after seeing no response gave a series of short warning blasts, making an emergency brake application just four seconds before reaching the group. He then closed his eyes expecting an impact.

TOWS available

Sections of the line near the crossing are fitted with a Train Operated Warning System (TOWS), permanently installed where there is insufficient sighting available so unassisted lookouts may not be able to

Only two had worked on open lines before

At Egmanton, with train speeds of 125 mph, the system provides 50 seconds of warning in the Down direction and 90 seconds in the Up. Proportionally these times are increased when slower trains approach. The use of TOWS has been prohibited

by Network Rail London North Eastern and Midland since 22 January this year.

On 5 October the Person in Charge (PiC) was a Newarkbased Network Rail team leader.

He had 23 years’ experience of the area and held a range of possession management competencies. His eight contractors included a team leader with 12 years railway experience, but only two of the group had any experience

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of working when lines were open to traffic.

The report refers to the 019 Network Rail standard which lists a hierarchy of protection, with lookouts having the “lowest level of risk control”, i.e. being the most risky! The work planner had decided on lookouts due to a restriction on line blockages imposed to “minimise signaller workload”. The prepared Safety Work Plan did not refer to the TOWS system.

Second site TOWS

Work on the first site of the day was completed using a lookout and a distant lookout with no TOWS available, but without a touch lookout despite the use of noisy equipment. On the second site the PiC switched on the TOWS but failed to explain its use.

At around 10:45 am the system gave a warning lasting several minutes due to trains approaching in both directions. Afterwards the PiC asked a lookout to warn of trains seen approaching in the Down direction when the TOWS warnings sounded. His intention was to gain working time using the lookout to give the minimum 25 seconds warning.

He added that working could continue on the Down whilst trains were passing on the Up line. However, team members had different understandings of the arrangements.

Some moved off track whenever the TOWS gave a warning, others when the crossing Yodalarms sounded and the barriers were lowered.

Third site - a two second escape

From 11 am, a third site (not included in the Safe Work Plan) was worked on using this same arrangement. The group was not briefed before work began. The six-foot rail of the Down Main was lifted first and the gang stood clear for a train to pass.

Just 20 seconds later after they had resumed work a train passed them on the Up Main whilst the TOWS sirens gave a warning.

At 11:22 am, when the work was almost completed, TOWS sounded again as another train approached on the Down Main. Three workers who were working between the

The approximate positions of the track workers immediately prior to the arrival of train 1D09. two rails of the track on which the train was approaching cleared that track with just two seconds to spare!

Afterwards the group returned to their vans and the PiC was contacted by the track section manager asking about the incident.

The PiC said he was at Tuxford not Egmanton before driving to Tuxford. Whilst driving he saw the train stopped at a signal and realised the incident would have been reported. He then phoned the section manager to say his group had been involved.

Serious near misses with rule breaking

The report says that the PiC set up a system of work that was neither safe nor complied with the Rule Book and adds that none of the group challenged the system of work. Under the heading “Leadership on Site” the report lists the PiC’s failings, noting that he had a reputation for getting work done, and was regarded as one of the best team leaders.

Individual contractors told RAIB that they realised the work was “non-compliant and unsafe” but did not challenge it because they feared losing future work. They added that the PiC’s attitude and manner indicated that they could not question him without repercussions. They were working under a zero hours’ contract.

The report concludes by noting that since April 2017 (publication of RAIB’s Class Investigation into accidents and near misses outside possessions) there have been five serious near miss incidents, three of which include rule breaking behaviour by the controller of site safety.

Bitton station runaway

On the Avon Valley Railway two unbraked coaches ran away at 5:15 pm on 25 July, coming to rest after 40 metres when they ran into closed crossing gates. The incident happened during shunting operations. There was only minor damage to the gates, no injuries and no damage to the vehicles.

Frognal Farm User Worked Crossing (UWC) collision

RAIB’s report was published on 23 August following their investigation into a near fatal incident that occurred on 23 October last year. A passenger train travelling at 89 mph collided with a DPD parcel van on the crossing. The train was not derailed and noone on the train was hurt, but the van driver suffered serious injuries and the van was severely damaged.

Its driver went to the wrong delivery address, was given directions and advised that the UWC crossing gates were opened by pressing a green button. When he reached the UWC, he did not notice the signs or telephone for users but saw the green button and pressed it. The gates opened which he assumed meant that it was safe for him to cross.

The report concluded that expecting users of crossings to brief all visitors on the safe use of UWC crossings is “unreasonable in present day circumstances”. Simon French adds criticism of the signage and highlights the fact that we live in a world of multiple couriers.

Safety, productivity and leadership

I remain worried by the near misses on which this article is based. Arguably they could be viewed as sharing a root cause in the breaking of rules. I suggest that in respect of the near misses, the motivation and working priorities of those involved were in each case the real root cause.

I remain of the belief (based on my experiences) that when groups work regularly together and get to know each other safety and productivity both increase as long as they are well led. Above all we need to heed 019 and minimise the use of lookouts; an anachronism in this day and age!

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SAVING LIVE

STEWART THORPE FINDS OUT ABOUT THE NETWORK RAIL DIV THAT'S MANDATED DEFIBRILLATORS ON TRACK POSSESSIONS

F

abrice Muamba was one of the lucky ones.

On 17 March, 2012, the former footballer collapsed on the field during a match. A cardiac arrest caused the 23-year-old’s heart to stop and for 78 minutes he was clinically dead.

Each year there are an estimated 60,000 deaths as a result of sudden cardiac arrest but thanks to the work of first responders, who administered CPR and used an automated external defibrillator (AED), Fabrice miraculously survived.

In the aftermath, he heaped praise on the medics for saving his life and launched ‘Hearts and Goals’ - a campaign to raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest and money to fund publicly accessible AEDs.

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© iStockphoto.com

THE RIPPLE EFFECT

Fabrice’s close call with death thrust the issue of sudden cardiac arrest and the need to roll out more life-saving equipment and training under the national spotlight. Football fans and nonfootball fans were gripped with Fabrice’s story and encouraged to take action.

Network Rail project director Brian Paynter was one such person. Brian oversees the renewal of plain line track, which sees thousands of people undertake work for Network Rail’s Infrastructure Projects (IP) division and its principal contractors every weekend.

“I felt this could happen to us,” Brian explained. “And we aren’t surrounded by thousands of spectators with a chance of one being a doctor and our workforce isn’t as fit as professional footballers.”

Following Fabrice’s high-profile story and encouragement from colleague Mark Hayward, a

ES

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VISION S

project manager for plain line jobs in London North Western (North), Brian has made AEDs mandatory for all of his team’s track possessions.

Mark, who is on a mission to ensure precautions are in place to potentially save workers’ lives after himself suffering from a stroke, said: “I noticed all these defibrillators were turning up in telephone booths and supermarkets and everywhere else and I thought: ‘Why the hell aren’t we using them on site?’ I thought if we could just save one life it’s worth deploying.”

AEDs are portable machines that deliver an electric shock to stabilise an irregular heartbeat caused by a heart rhythm abnormality, heart disease or a heart attack, for example. According to the UK’s Resuscitation Council, fewer than 10 per cent of people survive if sudden cardiac arrest occurs outside of a hospital but survival rates significantly

improve when CPR is performed in conjunction with the use of an AED. Network Rail has not mandated AEDs across the entire company but they are highly recommended at its depots and worksites and are a requirement at its managed stations and key corporate offices. AEDs are also increasingly being placed in public areas with high footfalls, such as railway stations.

RIFAA Serving Industry Caring For People

Since 1867, the Rail Industry First Aid Association has continued to: • Care for our industry • Know our industry • Support our industry

DAVE’S LEGACY Although the introduction of AEDs across plain line track renewal teams was completed midway through 2017, the rollout came too late for one of Brian’s colleagues. Brian and Mark were in the process of making AEDs mandatory when the death of Dave Curnow following a heart attack in July 2016 put a greater sense of urgency on completing the project.

“We just don’t know whether, if we’d had a defib on site, if we’d

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RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

have been able to save him or not,” said Brian. “That was what kicked it in for me that, right now, we have to have defibrillators on site.”

Brian explained that AEDs are taken out with the first aid kit and eye wash dispenser during site setup. A number of AEDs are usually deployed because of the size of plain line sites and the fact that every minute counts when it comes to treating someone in cardiac arrest.

THE RISK RailStaff approached the Health and Safety Executive, the Office of Rail and Road and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health to find out how many recorded incidents of workers going into cardiac arrest there are each year in the industry, but none had access to such data.

IOSH railway group member Keith Morey said that rail track workers are less at risk than other industries because a huge amount of resources are put into ensuring their health is good.

“Cardiac risks in the sector are relatively small compared to others,” he explained. “The biggest risk we face is that of slips, trips and falls. We also have a risk from exposure to carcinogens which can cause

cancer, for example silica dust and asbestos.”

He added: “Of course, we never want to stand still and we are always seeking new and improved ways of managing risk.”

SIT Not ones to rest on their laurels, Brian and Mark have gone one step further to roll out a Safety and Immediate Treatment (SIT) programme with the help of colleagues and consultancy Train2Protect, further increasing the life-saving potential of staff.

The programme was initially delivered to around 1,000 people in plain line, but is now being rolled out across IP. The one-day training session covers resuscitation, treating different types of injuries and the recovery position; a beginner’s guide to first aid. One of the most important aspects is how to use an AED. Although they are designed to be used with no training, the SIT training was about better preparing workers for such an eventuality by giving them the confidence to step forward.

“One of my team was on a bus when somebody fainted.

He used the training that he’d picked up the day before to put the person in the recovery position until paramedics

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arrived,” said Brian. “Another lady’s father had a heart attack in the pub and she used the training on him. They said that if it wasn’t for the training then who knows what could have happened. The feedback’s been really positive.”

He added: “It’s highly likely that one day we will have somebody else collapse on one of our sites.

“It is a big responsibility to take on, but I’d like to think the SIT training has increased the likelihood of somebody using a defib.”

How to use an AED If you come across someone who’s not breathing or breathing erratically, call 999 and start CPR. If you’re on your own, don’t interrupt the CPR to get an AED. Send someone else to find one if it’s possible.

Once the AED is open and in position, follow the spoken instructions. Many will have diagrams or a screen to help. The AED detects the heart’s rhythm, it won’t deliver a shock unless it is needed.

Often you’ll need to press the shock button although some AEDs will deliver the shock themselves. You should resume CPR as soon as instructed by the AED.

Source: British Heart Foundation.

1 NOVEMBER 2018 – ADDLESHAW GODDARD, LONDON

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01530 816 444

We’re used to hearing phrases like “work smart, work safe”.

They’re a reminder that safety is never off the agenda.

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GEAR+TECH

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

STAR ROLLER.

B

ritain has enjoyed the joint hottest summer on record in 2018, but, unfortunately, the time is fast approaching when we have to put away the flip-flops and start to think about the colder months which lie ahead.

This means making sure your footwear is fit for purpose. Will they keep you on your feet when it is icy?

Are they going to keep your feet dry, warm and, most importantly, comfortable so you can focus on daily tasks without the constant distraction of aching feet?

Finnish footwear manufacturer Sievi has been making shoes and boots for nearly 70 years. Back in 1951 in a small shed in Finland, Lauri Jokinen laid the foundations for shoe manufacturing by Sievi’s skilled shoemakers and a new concept was born - Sievi comfort and quality.

The first product combined a foot piece made of rubber with a leather shaft and this became the standard boot worn by Finns up and down the country throughout the industrialisation of Finland in the 1950s. Today, with decades of experience behind them and with a continuing commitment to its core principles – comfort, quality and innovation - Sievi is the largest manufacturer of footwear in Northern Europe, producing over one million pairs of footwear a year.

HEATED BOOTS

ALASKA THERMO2.

All Sievi products are designed, tested and manufactured at their factory in Sievi, Finland, and much of their footwear has been designed to solve the particular problems of working in the extreme conditions of the harsh Scandinavian environment, such as the Alaska Thermo Winter boot with its heated footbed and the Sievi Spike 3 boot with its unique traction system.

Here in the UK, most of us can only imagine what the coldest winter in the north of Scandinavia can be like, with temperatures dropping to -35°C. However, this is common in the north of Finland so, to ensure working people are safe, warm and comfortable in this climate, Sievi developed the Alaska Thermo safety boot which features an integrated, easy-to-use and rechargeable heating system under the footbed of the boot. The system has three temperature settings which are controlled with a button on the ankle which can be pressed to set the required heat level.

If the heated footbed is not required, the system can just be kept switched off. The rechargeable batteries are designed to last for the whole working day and can be recharged overnight, so they are ready to keep your feet warm the next working day. Every aspect of these boots has been designed for seriously cold conditions with a RAILSTAFF.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF

The Sievi Sp features an spike mecha be deployed

pike 3 boot integrated anism that can d from the heel.

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

GEAR+TECH

37

GET SET FOR

WINTER FOOTWEAR TO KEEP YOU SAFE AND WARM

heated footbed, warm lining with Thinsulate™ thermal insulation, water repellent leather and winter-grade soles that grip and stay flexible in freezing conditions.

SPIKE 3.

INTEGRATED SPIKES Along with freezing conditions comes ice which has obvious adverse implications when it comes to safety at work. Sievi were asked by the Finnish postal service, Posti, to help find a solution to prevent their staff from slipping in icy conditions.

As well as the slip protection, the footwear had to have toe and midsole protection and also be very comfortable and hard-wearing because the wearer would be walking many miles as part of their daily work. In response, Sievi designed the Spike 3 safety boot.

The sole structure of the Sievi Spike 3 boot features a unique, patented integrated spike mechanism that allows the wearer to twist out two metal studs from the heel without having to remove the boots. The studs are positioned on the heel at a specific point where

the heel first strikes the icy surface, thereby giving exceptional traction when the foot hits the ground.

The boot can be worn as normal in everyday conditions but, when it gets icy, a small and very simple to use “switch” on the inside of the heel can be toggled to move the spikes in and out. When the spikes are in and not in use, Sievi’s unique PU sole material gives excellent grip and flexibility all year round. As with other Sievi Winter models, the Spike 3 boots include warm lining, memory foam ankle protection and water repellent leather uppers.

The additional and unique functionality of the Alaska Thermo and Spike 3 boots are designed for particularly extreme winter conditions which may be useful in certain parts of the UK or for very specific job functions, but Sievi also has a range of more traditional, warm-lined safety footwear all of which will keep your feet nice and toastie throughout a cold British winter. Warm lining material, heat reflecting insoles, a

spacious last to give your toes room to wiggle and Sievi’s unique FlexStep sole material which gives excellent grip and flexibility in freezing conditions are all standard features on the winter range. Additionally, the Sievi Star Winter models also include memory foam ankle support and protection and a BOA® Roller fastening option for increased safety and comfort.

As part of their ongoing research and development, Sievi works very closely with its end user customers to trial and test new products before they are released to the market.

As an example, workers at Posti trialled the Spike 3 boot for a year to ensure the design, comfort and functionality met their requirements.

With nearly 70 years of design and manufacturing experience behind them, Sievi ensures that your feet are in safe hands no matter how extreme the weather. If slipping is a big problem or cold is not an option, Sievi footwear keeps you safe and warm.

STAR HIKER.

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38

INTERVIEWS

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

WHAM, BAM, SLAM A COMPETITIVE ATHLETE AND VIRGIN TRAINS EMPLOYEE TALKS ABOUT HIS MISUNDERSTOOD SPORT AND A LAST SHOT AT GLORY

P

hilip Roberts recently returned from the Commonwealth Games in Australia as part of England’s medal-winning wrestling squad. The 28-yearold has wrestled since the age of six when his grandad first introduced him to the local club in Aspull, Wigan. But it’s not the type of wrestling you’re likely picturing right now. Forget the choreographed routines and fixed outcomes of the often televised sports entertainment wrestling - which is, confusingly, referred to as professional wrestling. Philip competes in a different type of professional wrestling known as freestyle where he feels every trip, throw and takedown.

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A match in the high-intensity sport is contested between two wrestlers from the same weight category across two three-minute rounds. The competitor who either scores the most points or pins their opponent’s shoulders to the mat for the required time is crowned the victor.

“It’s important not to get swept away with the crowd,” said Philip, who has wrestled in front of crowds of hundreds of people at events all over the world.

"So I focus on the approach, running through my mind the walk up to the mat, visualising my preferred techniques, before looking my opponent in the eyes.

Ready for when the whistle blows to test our will against each other’s”.

PHILIP’S OTHER IDENTITY Since 2015, Philip has worked for Virgin Trains West Coast as an announcer at Preston station. Despite the introduction of an automated system in recent times, Philip can still be heard informing passengers of disruptions, platform alterations and safety messages, as well as assisting with other customer service and dispatch duties.

“I like being the centre of everything,” he said. “Being the connection between the signal box, platform staff and the customers.

To be honest, I enjoy the challenge when things aren’t going according to plan, trying to think of options and the best way we can do things - even though we don’t want it to happen.”

Asked what skills he uses on both the mic and the wrestling mat, he's quite honest: none, and lycra singlet garments aren't likely to become a Virgin uniform requirement either.

“People are normally quite surprised when they find out I’m a wrestler. It’s a minority sport so some are quite interested and intrigued in what I do,” Philip added. “They often can’t resist the temptation to make a joke. Usually about jumping off the ropes or something like that.”

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

five competitions and bagged three bronze medals in the 65kg and 86kg men’s and the 72kg women’s contest.

SOMETHING IN THE WATER

FROM WEST COAST TO GOLD COAST Philip’s 20 years’ experience of wrestling has seen him compete at many international championships. Three gold medals in different weight classes at the English Senior Wrestling Championships along with a bronze at the 2013 South Africa Commonwealth Championships are among his greatest successes.

The 2018 Commonwealth Games was his third such tournament, following Delhi in

2010 - where he was eliminated in the semi-finals - and Glasgow in 2014. Philip’s role in the Gold Coast Games was limited, however, after failing to get a call up. Despite this disappointment, he was flown out to help team mates prepare and to be on standby should one fall foul of injury. To help restrict his calorie intake, Philip switched to a vegetarian diet in the run up to the Games and dropped his weight from 72kg to 67.5kg but did not get to compete. In total, the English team entered

Of the thousands of daily users of Preston station, few would suspect the man whose voice they hear over the public announcement system could throw someone to the floor in the blink of an eye - not that it's in the job description. To come across a wrestler in the rail industry is uncommon.

But to come across two who not only work for the same company but have similar job roles is rare. Yet, 20 miles down the road in Wigan, Damian Metcalfe, a fellow member of station staff, is also a wrestler.

Damian and Philip worked together during the 2014 Commonwealth Games and now train and coach at the same club in Aspull.

INTERVIEWS

39

THE FINAL SHOWDOWN At the age of 28, Philip has plenty of competing ahead of him but the juggling act of full-time work, training up to four times a week, children’s coaching and flying out to competitions will only get tougher as he pours more of his energy into achieving his ambition of becoming a train driver.

He's aiming for one last medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham before he calls an end to his Olympic freestyle wrestling career.

“It’s been brilliant, to represent my country for as long as I have has been a great honour.

“I’ve not really achieved what I wanted to achieve in terms of Commonwealth Games podium finishes, so that is why I want to continue and make an effort and an attempt to achieve that when it comes to Birmingham.”

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RAILSTAFF AWARDS

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

RAIL SPORT201 SPEED, STAMINA AND PASSION WERE ALL ON SHOW AT THE 25TH ANNUAL RAILSPORT GAMES. Between 8-9 September, the longrunning industry sports event welcomed hundreds of competitors back to Loughborough to challenge rivals old and new for a RailSport medal.

The 2018 competition was held at Loughborough Endowed Schools and featured eight different disciplines: five-aside football, badminton, triathlon, cycling, chess, darts, rounders and distance running.

A number of competitors played across multiple sports and travelled between venues to cheer on colleagues over the course of the weekend.

RailSport regulars Dynamo Deansgate beat Paddington CHFC 1-0 to win this year’s football tournament, with RSSB taking home the bronze medal after beating Southern 3-0 in the third place playoff.

Pal Mahindru, a Great Western Railway customer service host who is based at Paddington, was part of the seven-man Paddington CHFC squad. They regularly play football together but 2018 was their first RailSport Games.

"It’s been a great experience and we’ve made some lifetime memories, it’s definitely something I will always remember," he said.

“Football brings the whole team closer together. Some work late shifts and some earlys, sometimes we don’t even get to interact because when we start, they finish, so it’s opportunities when we play football together that we get to know each other.

We stay in a hotel and eat dinner together, we get to have a laugh with each other and get to know and trust each other more.

When we work together it’s more of a laugh and we enjoy the job role more and do our job to a greater standard I would say.”

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RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

EIGHT DISCIPLINES

On the other side of the campus, Hitachi Infocon came out on top in the rounders competition with a win over Unipart Rail.

YRP’s Ellis Rust recorded the fastest time in the men’s 10k run, clocking 45 minutes and 36 seconds. Dan Norman from Mors Smitt was just 12 seconds down the road. The two fastest times in the 5k were separated by just 24 seconds, as Unipart Rail’s Darren Smith finished narrowly ahead of Freightliner’s Clive Slayford.

Elizabeth Surrey from MTR Crossrail finished the women’s 10k in the quickest time (54 minutes) while Sabrina Ihaddaden recorded the fastest 5k with a time of 27 minutes and 28 seconds.

Forty-eight cyclists, including competitors from Network Rail, Porterbrook, London North Western Railway and Freightliner, arrived for day two of the RailSport Games to tackle either the 65km, 100km or 160km cycle sportive routes.

Timings for the running, cycling and triathlon can all be found on the RailSport website.

Meanwhile, in a quiet corner, the chess tournament got underway. Trevor Jones, who finished fourth in 2017, won the gold medal, with Alan Giles taking silver and Dave Stuttard winning the bronze.

In the badminton, there was a double celebration for Richard Tan who won both the singles and mixed doubles, alongside his partner Anne Chow. The women’s singles was won by Katie Mitchell from Arriva Trains Wales.

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Arena Billiards was the venue for the RailSport darts tournament on Saturday evening. Conrado Gamban came first in the singles, beating Lee Topper in the final. Lee went on to win the final of the doubles competition with partner Tony Course against Darren Bowell and Conrado.

TEAM BUILDING AND WELLBEING

James Hornsby, projects director for RailSport sponsor ESG Rail, said: “As a sponsor and supporter of RailSport, DB ESG was pleased to attend the event this weekend. Although we did not enter any teams, it was good to see colleagues from across the industry competing at the event, particularly the football which brings out the competitive side in everyone. The event was organised well and all of the staff were helpful and friendly - even managed to get a goody bag.”

Rail Media’s managing director, Tom O’Connor, added: “Sport is brilliant at bringing people together and it was great to see so many people from so many different railway businesses taking part this year. The team enjoyed getting to know everyone and we really appreciate your feedback.

“We want to thank our sponsors ESG Rail and Pulsar for getting behind the RailSport Games.

The event promotes team building and the wellbeing of our workforce - two things that are essential if we are to keep moving forward as an industry.

“I also want to thank everyone who entered and say congratulations to those who headed back home with a medal around their neck.”

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EVENTS

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

RAILSTAFF AWARDS 29TH NOVEMBER, NEC, BIRMINGHAM

EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 2018

RAILSPORT

7th-9th September Loughborough

CROSSRAIL 2

27th September Westminster www.rcea.org.uk

www.railsport.uk

CROYDON & BRIGHTON SECTION MEETING VICTORIA STATION INTERCHANGE UPGRADE 11th September Croydon

www.permanentwayinstitution.com

CRANE SAFETY 2018 12th September London

www.imeche.org/events

INNOTRANS

18th-21st September Berlin, Germany

OCTOBER 2018 DELIVERYING THE ELIZABETH LINE AND THE OUTLOOK FOR CROSSRAIL 2 11th October London

www.www.westminsterforumprojects. co.uk/conference/completing-crossrail-18

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON VEHICLE AERODYNAMICS 2018 16th - 17th October Birmingham www.rcea.org.uk

RFEM ANNUAL CONFERENCE

ALARP 2018: RISK MANAGEMENT FOR ENGINEERING

www.midlandsrail.co.uk/events/

www.imeche.org/events

18th October Pride Park Stadium, Derby

IMECHE PLATFORM TRAIN INTERFACES 2018 30th October London

www.imeche.org/events

GUIDE TO UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE RAIL INDUSTRY THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, AT A GLANCE

RAILSTAFF.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF

RAIL SAFETY SUMMIT

1st November Addleshaw Goddard, London www.railsummits.com

www.innotrans.de/en

18th September Birmingham

NOVEMBER 2018

PROCUREMENT SUMMIT & DRINKS RECEPTION 22nd November Bird & Bird, London www.railsummits.com

RAILSTAFF AWARDS 29th November The NEC, Birmingham www.railstaffawards.com

DECEMBER 2018 YOUNG ENGINEERS RAILWAY SEMINAR - IMECHE December TBC

www.imeche.org/events

THE NEW P2 LOCOMOTIVE PRINCE OF WALES 5th December stafford

www.imeche.org/events

Staff Awards for the railway’s people

So much more than just a special evening…

Our award sponsors are part of something truly unique. They are investing in the railway’s people, now and for the future.

You too can celebrate the present while building for subsequent generations – call us now on 01530 816 456 or email events@rail-media.com to find out more.

The RailStaff Awards is the only national awards ceremony to reward the people working in rail.

www.railstaffawards.com

The NEC, Birmingham // Thursday // 29th November 2018

TheRailStaffAwards

rail-media

@railstaffawards

44

RAILSTAFF AWARDS

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

S

Highs and

atnam Thiara strolled up to the stage at the 2010 RailStaff Awards bursting with pride as the winner of the Newcomer of the Year category. A year earlier, he had been made redundant and faced an uncertain future so early on in his career.

The thought of winning hadn’t occurred to Sat as he arrived at Birmingham’s ICC to represent his employer and do a little networking. Then his name was called out.

“Almost automatically as I was receiving the award it felt a very emotional thing for me as well because coming from a very low point in my career, turning it round, that became a very high point,” said Sat, who said his success was, in no small part, down to the support of his colleagues, his line manager and his family.

Sat was working for Bridgeway Consulting when he won the award in 2010. Since then, he has also held business development and commercial roles at Ramboll, Network Rail and Pandrol before joining Balfour Beatty in 2015.

Sat is currently the business development manager at Balfour Beatty’s Rail Specialist Services business in Derby, supporting the technical services team with bid management and marketing.

“From my own perspective it really did a lot of benefit and good for my own confidence, and I certainly encourage other people that have been in similar situations to never give up really, that was the key thing for me.”

MORE DETERMINED While being made redundant was a painful experience, Sat believes it made him even more determined to succeed and prove that he had something to offer the industry. When he joined Bridgeway in 2009, he threw himself into the role and immersed himself in different areas of the business. He believes it was this attitude which led to the nomination.

“That was, I think, largely to do with the fact that I came from a nonengineering background, a completely non-rail background and really pushed myself into operational roles as well as undertaking the sales and marketing role within the business.”

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He added: “Being valued in an organisation is a key thing. To be recognised for the contributions that you’re making to an organisation are a key factor to retaining people in fact, not just getting the best out of them.”

lows

LIFEBLOOD Sat went on to explain why he encourages others to nominate colleagues for an award and what he feels the event has to offer the industry in 2018.

“I think where the RailStaff Awards is very niche is that it actually brings the whole of the industry together,” said Sat. “You get such a wide variety of individuals with different roles, playing critical roles in the delivery of the operational railway for passengers, making a difference to passengers. Ultimately that’s the end game.”

He added: “People are the lifeblood of the industry. Without the people you can’t have the innovations, you can’t have the solutions, you can’t have the delivery of successful projects. Recognising individuals and the contributions they make to the industry is very important. Those are the things that will set the benchmarks for other people to go out and improve themselves on an individual basis or as a team, as well.”

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

s

RAILSTAFF AWARDS

45

- A WA R D SPON SOR S -

No one will ever know how great they are… …unless you nominate them!

Staff Awards for the railway’s people THE NEC, BIRMINGHAM THURSDAY 29TH NOV 2018 TheRailStaffAwards rail-media @railstaffawards

Vote for your Graduate of the Year today

www.railstaffawards.com

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46

RAILSTAFF AWARDS

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

GREAT

WESTERNERS

B

efore the sun had even risen on 20 August, the very first Class 802 train specifically built for Devon and Cornwall left Plymouth for London Paddington with passengers on board. It was the latest milestone in the introduction of Great Western Railway's (GWR) fleet of new Intercity Express Trains.

The Agility Trains consortium, made up of manufacturer Hitachi and partner John Laing, was awarded a £5.7 billion contract to construct the new generation trains in 2012 for GWR, as well as Virgin Trains East Coast and Virgin Trains West Coast, to replace the workhorse Intercity 125s. Passengers will enjoy more space, more comfort, and faster journeys when GWR’s entire fleet of 93 new Intercity Express Trains enters service by the end of 2019.

GREAT EXPERIENCE MAKERS While it's undergoing the biggest fleet upgrade in a generation, GWR is also investing in another of its greatest assets: people.

GWR employs more than 6,000 members of staff to operate passenger services from London Paddington to the Cotswolds, West of England, South West England and South Wales. Since August, this has also included services for open access operator Heathrow Express too.

So far more than 4,000 colleagues have been empowered through GWR’s Great Experience Makers programme. The train company wants to “build on Brunel’s legacy” and build a history of its own by improving the customers’ experience and make it a railway that’s fit for the 21st century.

This isn’t about trains and tracks, but about putting customers at the centre of the company. The Great Experience Makers programme is designed to help GWR’s staff to work together to meet the promise it has made to customers - to revalue rail in the hearts and minds of the travelling public.

Sharing best practice and learning from each others’ experiences, the programme has helped cleaners, station staff and onboard teams better understand how to make decisions that are right by customers.

GWR is one of the country's biggest train operating companies and has its own internal Excellence Awards each year, where it celebrates these Great Experience Makers.

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RECOGNISING GREAT STAFF

As human resources director Ruth Busby explains, a big part of its people strategy is to reward the colleagues who set the standard for what good customer service and experiences should be for the thousands of people who use GWR services every day.

"It’s important to recognise the positive impact our colleagues on the front line are having to the experiences of customers, and the role our management population play in helping to deliver those experiences," said Ruth. "They act as that link between the boardroom and the platform and make up around one sixth of our colleagues."

This year GWR has sponsored the Rail Manager of the Year category at the RailStaff Awards.

The category, which is one of the most popular for nominations, seeks to recognise managers who show outstanding leadership skills and go above and beyond for their team.

Last year the award was won by Virgin Trains’ head of drivers Nick Chadwick. He was described as an “unsung hero” who has worked to improve driver recruitment, performance and engagement.

He was also nominated for

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

developing and managing the very first train driver apprenticeship programme in the UK, and for implementing cuttingedge post-incident diagnostic, investigation and support for train drivers.

Ruth added: "Our people agenda also recognises the positive impact managers can have on our performance.

"In areas where there are increased levels of manager engagement and processes are followed, customer satisfaction scores are higher – and we are seeking to leverage the positive influence our managers can have across the business."

After the sun sets and the lights go down on the RailStaff Awards on 29 November, the attention will shift from track and trains to the tremendous work of drivers, cleaners and managers.

RAILSTAFF AWARDS

47

“Out of all the categories available, it’s important to recognise managers who can use their people skills to influence behaviours of colleagues, who in turn go a long way to revaluing rail in the hearts and minds of the travelling public,” said Ruth. “It also comes at a time when we’re trying to better support our managers and leaders, who are at the forefront of behavioural and cultural change within our business.”

If you haven’t already, there’s still a chance to nominate a colleague in one of the 20 categories ahead of the 5 October deadline.

Either way, keep an eye out for the December issue of RailStaff, when the headlines will be stolen by the extraordinary achievements of staff from all areas of the rail industry.

THE FAMOUS FIVE © 2017, Hodder & Stoughton Limited. All rights reserved.

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48

TRAINING

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

STEPPING UP TFL'S 'STEPS INTO WORK' PROGRAMME IS HELPING PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES TO DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND LAUNCH NEW CAREERS

H

undreds of thousands of passengers pass through King’s Cross St Pancras Underground station every day. It was the busiest station on the network last year and can be a stressful place for even the most seasoned traveller.

For someone with autism, the massive crowds and perpetual noise can make the experience too much to bear.

“I think that was probably the placement I was most nervous about,” said David Yeboah (right), who spent a day as a customer service assistant (CSA) at the station in 2015 as part of a work experience programme run by TfL for people with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism.

It was David’s final placement and the biggest test he had faced but, in the end, it turned out to be the most rewarding.

David, who is autistic, is now a CSA at High Street Kensington station in West London.

Central to his role is speaking to customers and helping them get to where they need to be, something that he would have felt extremely anxious about in the past.

The 24-year-old from Haringey is embracing his new career in customer service and hopes to be able to save up for his own flat. “I’ve always wanted to work in the transport sector and learning what happens behind the scenes at TfL - that was a big draw,” said David. “And the fact that I had family already working for the company.”

12-MONTH PROGRAMME Steps into Work, a partnership between TfL, specialist employment support provider Remploy and Barnet & Southgate College, was launched in 2009. The 12-month programme offers individuals, who may otherwise struggle to find suitable work experience, the opportunity to complete a number of work placements within the organisation to gain new skills and workplace experience. More than 80 students have completed a Steps into Work placement so far and another 12 are on course to finish the 2018 programme in December.

David found out about the scheme through his support officer at a learning disability employment agency. Applicants who successfully complete an assessment day and interview are invited to join the programme © TfL

© TfL

and undertake three unpaid work placements in different areas of the organisation.

While on the programme, candidates become students of Barnet & Southgate College, where they work towards a BTEC Level 1 qualification. During job coaching sessions, they work on things like CV writing and interview skills as well as communication skills, team working and problem solving.

Although the scheme is open to those aged over 16, students over the age of 18 also have the option of doing a CSA placement and studying for an NVQ Level 2 Customer Services in the Rail Industry.

At the end of the programme, the students are invited to apply for a paid position within TfL. Since 2016, 83 per cent of those who have completed the work placement have gone into paid roles within 12 months.

“I think the biggest thing was confidence really,” said David, who initially joined TfL’s Lost Property Office before having the opportunity to apply for a CSA role. “Confidence in myself and my own ability that I can actually do it and… just because I have a disability doesn’t mean I can’t do the job as well as anybody else.”

ON THE FRONT LINE George Williams (left) completed the programme in December 2017 and successfully applied for a CSA role at London Bridge station, where he has worked for the past two months. The 21-year-old from Richmond upon Thames has dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia. He struggled at RAILSTAFF.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

TRAINING

49

“IT MAY TAKE SOME OF US A LITTLE BIT LONGER TO LEARN SOMETHING, BUT ONCE WE LEARN IT, WE'RE DEFINITELY GOOD AT THE JOB AND WE'RE ENTHUSIASTIC” school and worried that his poor exam results would rule him out of many potential career avenues.

“I’ve had some work experience before, so I’ve been lucky in that sense, but getting an actual job was very difficult for me,” said George, who was given placements within TfL’s transformation team and station work improvement programme team before spending time on the gateline at London Bridge station.

George is already looking for opportunities to progress and explained what he enjoys © TfL

about working on the front line.

“My favourite thing is helping the visually impaired people get onto the train,” said George.

“Making sure when they get on I know they’re safe and I know they’ve managed to get to their destination.”

He added: “It’s very rewarding just knowing that you’ve helped someone because that’s what the customer service is all about really.”

WORDS OF ADVICE David and George said they had struggled to find employment prior to joining the

Steps into Work programme.

Only around 6 per cent of adults in England with a learning disability who are known to their local authority are in paid work, according to statistics from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC).

Mencap, a UK charity for people with a learning disability, describes how those with learning disabilities can face various additional barriers to finding, and retaining, employment. In some cases they will simply not be able to demonstrate the necessary skills for a role, but they can also struggle because of the lack of support from friends and family, the scarcity of personalised employment programmes, problems with physical access and even bullying and harassment.

Tricia Wright, chief people officer at TfL, said she was proud of the scheme and the way it was helping to kick-start the careers of people with learning disabilities around the capital.

“It is vital that organisations don’t overlook the potential of candidates with disabilities,”

said Tricia. “They have a huge amount of enthusiasm and talent to offer, proving themselves to be an asset to any industry. At TfL, we also have a disability staff network group, which supports our employees and gives them the chance to meet with other like-minded people who they can socialise and exchange advice with.”

David and George both had some words of advice for employers on how they could create more opportunities for candidates with learning disabilities.

“So I’d say don’t always look at the piece of paper or what results they’ve got,” said George. “Get them into your office or work.

See how they actually do on the job because not everyone who’s got good results is going to be good at, for example, customer service roles.”

David encouraged companies not to be nervous about what candidates might not be able to do and instead focus on their strengths. “It may take some of us a little bit longer to learn something but, once we learn it, we’re definitely good at the job and we’re enthusiastic.”

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50

YOUNG RAIL PROFESSIONALS

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

S L A N IO S S E F O R P YMOEEUTNTGHRE AEXILECUTIVE TEAM CHRISTOS MEXIAS, T CHAIR S A E H T U O S D N A N LONDO

I

grew up in Bulgaria and Greece before coming to the UK in 2007 to do my degree and subsequently settling here. I studied history and worked in retail banking for a few years before joining Network Rail in 2015 as a graduate. I spent a year getting to grips with operations and maintenance before moving to change management and internal consulting.

My first impression was that rail is a welcoming industry in which people from varied backgrounds could grow and develop. My second impression was that it can be daunting trying to grow your career as a non-engineer in a technical environment.

I attended my first YRP event in October 2015 and immediately knew that I had found my tribe. I became involved with the London & Southeast committee and, to my delight, was elected regional chair this year.

The thing I enjoy most about YRP is the unrivalled opportunity to have a tangible impact on people’s careers. Rail can be a daunting industry for new joiners – organisations such as YRP help to cut through the clutter and highlight the wealth of available opportunities.

The networking opportunities are also amazing – I have made friends with people I would not otherwise have met, learned a great deal about the industry and built great contacts.

In my personal life, I enjoy reading, the theatre, dogs and copious amounts of cheese.

RAILSTAFF.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF

YRP hosts young German engineers on UK tour On Friday 3 and Saturday 4 August, eight representatives from the Young Network of German Railway Engineers (Verband Deutscher Eisenbahn Ingenieure (VDEI) and Junges Netzwerk Bahn (JNB) visited London, in order to learn more about rail within the UK. For the visiting Germans Young Rail Professionals (YRP) organised an engineering forum with London Underground (LU), a networking evening with YRP members, a tour of Waterloo station and a tour of the LU Jubilee line depot and training centre.

All members of the visiting party enjoyed their visit to London and the trip was beneficial for their development and understanding of rail within the UK. For YRP members benefits were had in hearing about and discussing German railway operational, maintenance and project models, and the challenges they face.

YRP hospitality will be returned in kind next year as members of this German trip have offered

to help YRP and IMechE young members organise a technical tour in April 2019 to Munich!

UPCOMING EVENTS

UK-Japan Symposium on High Speed Rail High-speed rail systems make a significant difference to the public and provide a positive contribution towards the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the communities they serve.

They exist to provide social and economic connections, and people quickly take up the opportunities offered by increased mobility.

Globally, high-speed rail has proven to be the essential catalyst for regional growth and enhanced the quality of everyday life.

This symposium presents a great opportunity for the UK industry to access extensive expertise from the pioneer in high-speed rail: Japan.

The symposium, which will be held on 21 September at the Birmingham Centre of Railway Research and Education, aims

to attract over 60 participants from academia, rail industry, governments and suppliers.

There are three invited speakers from Japan and five from the UK and an additional 4-5 oral presentations on a range of exciting topics.

This event is sponsored by the JSPS (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science) and JSPS London and is free to attend.

European Young Engineers Conference 2018

The University Engineering Students Association (UESA) and European Young Engineers EYE) have issued an invitation to the next European Young Engineers conference, to be held in the historic city of Valletta, Malta.

Centred around the theme of “Emerging Technology”, guests

will have the opportunity to learn how engineering continues to change the world, revolutionising industries like transport, banking, and construction with nextgeneration technology.

The programme, taking place from the 4 - 7 October, includes industrial visits; seminars; a gala dinner and even a harbour cruise. In addition to learning about the latest technologies and developing soft skills, EYE offers you the chance to develop your cultural and international business skills in a friendly and relaxed environment, make new friends and network with young people from 15 European countries and all fields of engineering!

Registration and more information can be found on the EYE Malta 2018 website.

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

YOUNG RAIL PROFESSIONALS

51

You can inspire the next generation of rail

Be part of Rail Week this year!

railweek.com intorail #railweek intorail

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52

TRAINING

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

APPRENTICESHIPS

GAIN TRACTION

B

usinesses and associations across the sector did their part to promote railway apprenticeship opportunities to students collecting their GCSE and A-level results last month.

Network Rail announced it had begun accepting applications for its spring 2019 apprenticeship programme, with other employers celebrating the achievements of apprentices within their ranks.

With an inescapable skills deficit approaching, the government established the Strategic Infrastructure Skills Strategy and set a target of creating 30,000 rail and road apprenticeships by 2020.

The scale of the challenge has been illustrated by the National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR), which has estimated that the rail industry is set to lose 50,000 people by 2033 through retirement.

Two thousand rail and road apprenticeships were reported in the year following the publication of the skills strategy, rising by 22 per cent in year two.

Competition for places

Clair Mowbray, chief executive of the National College for High Speed Rail, said that despite the demand for skills, applicants would still face stiff competition for places. Speaking to RailStaff earlier this year, Network Rail’s head of training strategy, Michelle Nolan-McSweeney, revealed that more than 4,000 applications had been submitted for its 167 Level 3 apprenticeship roles due to start this month.

“While the government has voiced a strong commitment to apprenticeships, the reality is that the number of apprenticeship places available does not meet demand, and the competition for apprenticeship places is even greater for the higher valued technical positions,” said Clair.

“Those looking to take their first step towards an apprenticeship or to get their foot in the door of the engineering, transport

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and infrastructure industries, can greatly benefit from taking a technical course which provides practical, hands-on experience.

“As an employer-led college we have created the Certificate for Higher Education in High Speed Rail and Infrastructure in conjunction with our employer partners to ensure that learners are ‘apprenticeship-ready’ with an excellent grounding in the industry that puts them in pole position for an apprenticeship as well as other routes into working with some of the best employers in the industry.”

Results not a barrier

Engineering consultants WSP were due to welcome 80 new apprentices to the business in September, subject to them achieving the results required to satisfy their conditional offers. But the door isn’t closed to candidates who don’t receive the grades they were hoping for.

WSP said: “On results day, our learning and development team were on hand to answer any questions our future apprentices may have. If one hasn’t secured

the necessary grades to get onto our programme, we can discuss with them an alternative solution and try to enrol them onto a lower level course. We always try to find a solution and grades don’t always have to be a barrier to starting a successful career in engineering.”

Adding: “We invest significant time and energy promoting the value of apprenticeships in schools, as we want to attract talented young men and women into the sector from all backgrounds. Our outreach has paid off, and we are delighted to have almost tripled the number of female apprentices at WSP in the last year. But as we celebrate the Year of Engineering, we know that there is still much more to do as the number of women in STEM apprenticeships has remained static since 2012.

“We need to close the engineering skills gap and by employing a growing number of school leaver apprentices, WSP trains up individuals who will be able to deliver the UK’s major infrastructure projects for decades to come.”

#VISIBLYSUPERIOR

@PULSARHIVIS

PULSAR

The PULSAR® interactive collection is designed for optimal comfort with maximum performance in the harshest of weather conditions.

@PULSAR_UK

@PULSAR_UK

www.pulsaruk.com

54

CAREERS

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

www.trsstaffing.com

ACCESS DISPUTES COMMITTEE Global Scale. Local Focus.

– Rail and Infrastructure Vacancies Currently Available – Quantity Surveyors/Commercial Managers London / Birmingham / Bristol £40-65,000K p/a + package

Project Delivery Manager – Station Enhancement Essex / Norfolk

£300 per day / £55,000K p/a

Vacancy for Committee Secretary The Committee handles disputes between companies in the Railway Industry that arise out of Network Codes, Access Conditions and Access Agreements between Train Operators and infrastructure controllers (primarily Network Rail).

Birmingham £425 per day – Inside IR35

It is looking for someone with a good understanding of the current Railway Industry to be the Committee Secretary when the present Secretary stands down in summer 2019 although it is hoped that the successful applicant could commence in advance of this date to enable training to take place.

Lead Geotechnical Engineer – HS2

The role is a flexible part-time one, nominally three days per week, based at the Committee’s offices at Euston.

Senior Engagement Manager – HS2

Birmingham £425 per day – Inside IR35

Station Enhancement / Redevelopment background

Inspector of Track Engineering

Contracts Manager – HS2

Based UK Wide Unique Rail opportunity £48-62,000K p/a

Birmingham £325 per day – Inside IR35

Senior Systems Engineer – Rail

Estimator – HS2

Birmingham Working on major new Rail project £45-55,000K p/a

Birminghan £400 per day – Inside IR35

TRS Staffing Solutions are international engineering recruitment specialists.

We recruit for major national and international projects for leading national rail organisations, main contractors and consultancies.

Please email your CV to jonathan.miles@trsstaffing.com or if you’d prefer to discuss any roles call +44 (0)20 7419 5800

way People.com

The Secretary has to have a thorough knowledge of Access Dispute Resolution Rules which are annexed to Network Codes, whilst writing and numeracy skills are essential. As well as registering disputes and managing dispute resolution processes in accordance with the Rules, the Secretary has to ensure that the affairs of the Committee are conducted and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Rules. The Secretary manages the Committee’s finances and prepares its accounts.

Ability to manage a website would be an advantage.

The Secretary also negotiates contracts for personnel, premises, services and equipment of behalf of the Committee. The Secretary is, ex officio, a director and Company Secretary of a company limited by guarantee which holds certain of these contracts.

If you require any further information about the post, please contact the Committee Secretary on 0207 554 0601 or sec.adc@btconnect.com To apply, write to the Committee Chair at:

Access Disputes Committee, Floor 8, 1 Eversholt Street, London, NW1 2DN explaining why you are the right person for the role. Please enclose a CV and give an indication of your fee expectations bearing in mind the flexible part-time nature of the role.

The closing date for applications is 31 October 2018.

THE HEART OF UK RAIL Launched in 2001, RailwayPeople.com is the largest dedicated rail job site in the UK.

RAILSTAFF.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF

RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER 2018

CAREERS

55

DELIVERING QUALITY RECRUITMENT SOLUTIONS FOR THE RAIL INDUSTRY E&P Engineer Location: London Salary: £ Negotiable Type: Contract Excellent role in a large multi disciplined project. Working in a challenging environment, you will need to call on all of your experience and management skills to deliver the projects to tight deadlines.

+44 (0)1483 361061

Senior Commercial Manager Location: Bristol Salary: £50-56k per annum Type: Permanent Great opportunity to manage buildings and civils works along the GW route from Paddington to Bristol as well as planned and reactive maintenance of Depots, embankments and other areas.

info@advance-trs.com

Senior Quantity Surveyor Location: Peterborough Salary: £ Negotiable Type: Contract Outstanding opportunity to join a leading rail organisation on a major project, interfacing with both clients and contractors. The role will be delivery based at an early stage with a multi-disciplinary focus.

advance-trs.com

YOU’LL MAKE GETTING OUR CUSTOMERS TO THEIR DESTINATION PLANE SAILING CUSTOMER CONCIERGE Heathrow Airport, London Paddington and on-board.

Speed and service is everything to our customers and as a Customer Concierge, you’ll be challenged to offer the best airport service in the world. You’ll have a big impact on our customers as their first impression of Heathrow Express, delivering sales through service in our retail zones and ensuring they enjoy a relaxed journey on-board.

People with sales and service experience, ideally from a retail or hospitality environment, will thrive in this dynamic role where you’ll enjoy lots of interaction with people from all over the world. And you’ll find yourself part of a company with a 20 year history in excellent customer service which is ready to support your career development in an exciting place to work.

Apply now and our recruitment partner ProActive Rail will help get you off to a flying start: jobs.proactiverail.co.uk

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MANAGEMENT & ANALYSIS INFORMATION REPORTING

MULTI CHANNEL TIMED DELIVERY

CREDIT ACCOUNT FACILITY AVAILABLE

DEDICATED ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT TEAM

Call 03330 430 050 to speak to our Key Accounts team and quote code RS18