The Shield November 2022

The Shield

THE SAFETY NEWSPAPER FOR RAIL PEOPLE

NO KIDDING

Youngsters’ message for rail workers

SEE PAGE

8

ISSUE 37, NOVEMBER 2022

TUNNEL VISION

Safety and performance go hand in hand at major project

A TRICKY tunnel track renewal was completed safely and on time thanks to clear communication and proper planning.

Colleagues from Colas Rail and Network Rail returned to Wadhurst in Sussex in October, a year after completing major embankment works, to renew the rails, ballast and sleepers in the 1,176 yard tunnel itself.

Read the full story on pages 4 and 5.

Cross purpose PAGE 2

The facts on fatigue

Ready for the road?

PAGE 3

PAGE 7

southernshield.co.uk

NOT SO FAST!

2

THE SHIELD ISSUE 37, NOVEMBER 2022

First Person

THIS period we wanted to showcase our ‘Construction Route to Gold’ initiative within the Southern region capital delivery supply chain. The initiative aims to promote collaborative working behaviours, improve safety and quality standards, reduce costs caused by rework and embed a culture of continuous improvement.

Each period, every active site is scored, and its performance and behaviours are rated as gold, silver or bronze. The scoring is generated from the data captured by the Network Rail construction managers using the CSA app. This period, the Surbiton congestion project (Wessex Route), delivered

by Octavius Infrastructure was the highest scoring site in the Southern region.

With 9.3m passengers entering and exiting the station, as well as 698,000 passenger interchanges, the station experiences high levels of congestion in the evening peak on Platforms 3 and 4.

As a result, there are safety concerns with passengers queueing to the edge of the platform as they wait to ascend the stairs. This also results in sub-threshold delays with trains not able to depart until the passenger congestion has cleared the platform. In order to rectify this, a rebuild project was developed to enable passengers to depart platforms quicker. This in turn allowed dispatch staff to enable trains to depart on time, and helped to alleviate congestion on platforms and the overbridge at peak times.

The team all take pride in providing a high quality of work throughout the build and regularly hold stand down talks to see if the site can be made safer. All targets to date have been met, despite working in a busy station environment. With all this going on the team still found time to work with the local community – particularly with local schools, including a recent project as part of the Surbiton Art Trail.

We are incredibly proud of the work completed throughout our supply chain and will continue promoting the great work completed.

Paul Burr, principal construction manager, Southern Capital Delivery, Network Rail

RECYCLED RAIL WASTE HELPS PUPILS LEARN AND GROW PRIMARY school pupils near Gatwick Airport station are growing their knowledge thanks a donation from rail colleagues.

Teams from the ongoing station upgrade have used left over low carbon concrete to create planters, which they have presented to local schools and hospices.

One of the most recent deliveries was to St Wilfred’s Catholic Primary School in Burgess Hill.

So far more than 200 planters have been donated to the local community.

The Shield This paper is produced for:

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS – BUT THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK CHANGES have been made to the rules around drink and drugs for railway workers.

Never driving or working under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of Network Rail’s Lifesaving rules – and for good reason. The effect of working or driving under the influence can have a significant impact on safety, resulting in injury or possibly a fatality. One person’s

lapse in judgement can have an impact on themselves, their team and rail passengers.

But since 2018/2019 positive tests have been increasing every year. It’s a small proportion of our workforce but it’s still too many.

To help keep everyone safe, the Network Rail drugs and alcohol standard has been updated. The changes will take effect between now

and March 2023 and include increased testing. Twenty percent of all Network Rail colleagues, office and frontline workers, will be randomly selected for a drugs and alcohol test each year. Supply chain partners will continue to randomly test safety critical colleagues. It’s a matter that is taken very seriously – if you test positive, you can expect to lose your job.

LEVEL BEST IN SUSSEX ONE of highest-risk level crossings in the region has been made much safer thanks to teams from Network Rail, Atkins and other partners.

With busy traffic flows, school routes and two industrial estates nearby, the automatic half-barrier crossing at Parsonage Road in Horsham, West Sussex, was in need of an upgrade to reduce the risk to pedestrians, drivers and rail passengers.

Now, thanks to installation of a new

Written and designed by:

beetroot.co.uk

full barrier CCTV level crossing, the safety risk has improved by a factor of 18 (18 times safer than before), and has moved from a red to a yellow ranked site.

The project also involved the recontrolling of nearby Littlehaven crossing to the Three Bridges ASC, and was the highest-scoring scheme in the Route to Gold safety initiative for Period 6.

“We experienced many challenges, from close residential properties

to material delays due to global supply issues, however a strong collaborative approach and constant stakeholder engagement, overcame all these issues,” said Mark Stacey, senior construction manager.

“Having a good, clear understanding and trust on site leads to safety on site and quality becomes the standard.

“It is also great to see staff talk more openly about mental health, which is great progress in the workplace.”

The changes are designed to decrease the risk to Network Rail employees, contractors, supply chain and anyone who works for, or on behalf of, Network Rail.

The standards are also there to provide support to colleagues who have a concern about drug and alcohol misuse.

See page 3 for some of the support and advice services available.

A CHANGE OF CLOTHING? HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT PPE OUR protective clothing keeps us safe every day, and now you can have a say about what’s on offer.

Network Rail is looking to make some changes to the clothing in its personal protective equipment (PPE) catalogue to provide more options for its colleagues as well as for contractors and suppliers.

Some have requested different requirements due to things like disabilities, faith, age and gender. While the main purpose of PPE is to help protect our health and safety, it’s also important that it’s comfortable and works well with the tasks colleagues need to do.

To help get a better idea of the changes needed, rail colleagues can complete a short survey about how PPE can be improved.

Responses will be anonymous so you can be open and honest – all feedback helps!

Scan the QR code to take part.

Want us to feature your team? Get in touch at southernregioncomms@networkrail.co.uk

ISSUE 37, NOVEMBER 2022 THE SHIELD 3

DON’T SNOOZE AND LOSE

SIX STEPS TO FIGHT FATIGUE Plenty of sleep Get at least seven to eight hours a day.

Cut the coffee Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks four to five hours before bed as this can cause sleeplessness.

FATIGUE is one of the biggest causes of accidents in the transport, construction and maintenance industries.

Described as a state of extreme tiredness resulting from physical or mental exhaustion, it can lead to reduced alertness, impaired decisionmaking and poor judgement of distance and speed. On a railway site that’s clearly a serious risk. It’s also bad for your general health and can cause sore or aching muscles, appetite loss and reduced immune system function.

The main causes of fatigue are a lack of sleep or poor quality of sleep with lots of interruptions, long working hours or poorly designed shift work with inadequate breaks during the working day.

There are already some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk, raise concerns and get support…

Put down your mobile Avoid using technology 30 minutes before bed.

5 1

SPEAK UP

If you are concerned that you or a colleague is suffering with symptoms of fatigue, raise this with your line manager or supervisor.

It is everyone’s responsibility to manage fatigue and part of that is being empowered to say it. You should be able to put your hand up and say “I am fatigued” or highlight concerns about others to your line manager or the person in charge of the work being done or scheduled. This will enable measures to be put in place to ensure both your safety and the safety of those you are working with and who may be affected by the things you do or fail to do.

5

1

6

2

THERE WILL BE ABSOLUTELY NO PENALTY OR BLAME FOR ANYONE PUTTING THEIR HAND UP.

3

2

Eat well to stay well A healthy diet 4 3 that promotes 6 longer-lasting energy. Avoid junk food and drink plenty of water.

5 Take a break Make sure you get frequent breaks throughout the day.

4

From 29 October a new fatigue standard has been introduced to keep you safe and well rested, so we can all work together to reduce the risk of fatigue related accidents.

5

1

6

3

2

Don’t drive drowsy Avoid driving if you feel tired, especially in bad weather 4 3 is impaired.

6 where vision

5 4 3can find this at southernshield.co.uk 1 6 A Toolbox Talk on the Southern Shield website contains information on the causes of fatigue.

You 2 5 PAM ASSIST NETWORK RAIL CRITICAL INCIDENTS 1 RAILWAY CHAPLAINS THE HUB OF 2 6HOPE 3 EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME

Call: 08081 964 505 (24/7) Webchat: www.PAM-assist.co.uk (access code is NWR1) to type rather than talk.

Support for people impacted by traumatic events such as near misses or fatalities: CI@pamwellbeing.co.uk (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm) or call 08081 964 505 for support 24/7.

Regionally-based chaplains aim to be an impartial ‘friend’ for those who work on the railways, regardless of faith, gender, sexual orientation. Call: 0203 887 7000 www.railwaymission.org

1

The UK’s leading mental health support database. It is provided by the national mental health charity. www.hubofhope.co.uk

2

NEVER UNDERTAKE ANY JOB UNLESS YOU HAVE BEEN TRAINED AND ASSESSED AS COMPETENT

4

THE SHIELD ISSUE 37, NOVEMBER 2022

ON SITE

WAD A SUCCESS!

Good planning, skilled workers and lessons learned enable tunnel project to complete quickly and safely SAFETY and performance go hand in hand. That’s been a familiar slogan on the railway in recent years, and it proved to be the case at Wadhurst Tunnel.

The latest series of works on the Kent Route near Tunbridge Wells, took place during a nine-day possession in October.

Having successfully stabilised the tunnel cutting in 2021 – as covered in The Shield this time last year – colleagues from Network Rail and Colas Rail were back on site from 23 to 30 October, renewing the track in the tunnel itself. As well as improving ride quality for passengers, the work will reduce delays due to track faults in the long term.

“The track components were coming to the end of their life and needed replacing,” said Selina Suri, project manager for Network Rail. “That meant removing rail, sleepers and ballast and renewing the whole line along 1,176 yards. Because it’s a single line tunnel we started digging from the middle and gradually worked out to either end, removing the spoil in two directions.

Being in a tunnel, working height restrictions are especially important with the plant involved. Dust is

also a safety issue, so a bespoke ventilation system was installed as part of the preparation.

“Another issue is the difficulty of communication,” added Selina. “There’s no phone signal so everything is done through radio. That’s fine but it has to be carefully managed to make sure there are no lapses.”

One of the biggest factors in keeping colleagues safe, Selina explained, was the level of planning involved and the lessons learned from previous tunnel works at Penge East. Having experienced colleagues was also important.

“Our partners here are all familiar with the safety procedures and Network Rail’s rules. We all know to challenge anything we see that’s unsafe – that’s become the culture across the business and among our partners.”

As well as the Wadhurst project, work also took place in nearby Mountfield Tunnel, where concreteset “slab track” needs repairing. Both projects formed part of work along a 15-mile section of the line.

Further work is due to take place in April 2023 to complete the programme.

Project manager Selina Suri

Never enter the agreed exclusion zone

ISSUE 37, NOVEMBER 2022 THE SHIELD

Tunnel team: (left to right) James Pearce, Fiona Taylor, George Murrell, Doug Innes, Tyrone Williams

Project manager Tyrone Williams

Tight fit: Space was at a premium in the tunnel

unless directed to by the person in charge

5

THE SHIELD ISSUE 37, NOVEMBER 2022

NOT SO FAST!

DOR WN

SPnEotEwoDrthIthNe G risk It’s

IN THE rail industry, getting home safe every day doesn’t end when we leave the track side. Accidents on the road are one the main causes of injury to railway workers – it’s why safe driving features in Network Rail’s Lifesaving Rules.

One of the primary causes for a large number of road traffic collisions that lead to serious injury and worse, is speeding.

Worryingly there has been an increase in the number of speeding incidents involving rail workers – not just in the Southern region but nationally.

For this reason, a series of posters has been developed and are being displayed at depots and worksites across the region. They carry a powerful reminder that breaking the speed limit even by a small amount can have serious consequences, not just for the driver and their passengers but for their loved ones too.

“The speeding posters really bring home the message just how detrimental speeding is,” says David Smith, senior programme manager for Network Rail.

“All of the activity involved in this campaign was developed in collaboration with representatives from external groups, such as the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), Driving for Better Business and National Highways, as this is a real industry issue.

“Speeding is against the law and is a direct breach of our Lifesaving Rules within Network Rail. If caught, you could find yourself subject to disciplinary action.”

a-side the team to 5ing able to drive be t no e in ag Im ... or worse ay at all ing there to pl Imagine not be

SKS

n you Risks go up whe down put your foot

DRIVE SAFE: Obeying the law is just one aspect of being

safe and responsible driver. Check out our Drive Safe guide on the opposite page.

Always obey the speed limit and wear a seat belt

ing able to drive to Mum’s fam ous Sunday roast ... or worse Imagine not be ing there at al l

Risks go up whe n you put your foot down

W N

ISKS

when you Risks go up t down put your foo

the risk

Imagine not be

RISKS

em on n’t drive th em you ca th ll te to g avin Imagine h holiday ... or worse t all anything a to tell them e er h g n ei ot b Imagine n

Hard hitting campaign targets speeding to drive home the message about safety on the road

DO

SPEE DING

IItt’s’s nnoott w woort rthh tthhee ririsk sk

Imagine h

aving to te ll

them you can’t drive to movie night ... or worse Imagine n ot being th ere at all Risks go up when you put your foo

W N

It’s

SPEEDING

It’s not worth

RISKS

G SPnEotEwoDrthItN e h risk

DORI WN

6

DO

t down

ISSUE 37, NOVEMBER 2022 THE SHIELD

Driving is one of the most dangerous activities that most of us undertake.

Do you always plan your journeys properly so that you get to your destination safely?

Here are some of the things you should think about before and during your journey.

AM I FIT TO DRIVE? DO I NEED TO DRIVE?

SHOULD I TAKE THE BUS?

BUS STOP

Never work or drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

TRAIN STATION

SHOULD I CATCH THE TRAIN?

LET’S SHARE THE DRIVING

SERVICES 14 MILES =

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

27 MILES = 46 MILES =

TRAFFIC ALERT: ROAD WORKS

Always obey the speed limit and wear a seat belt

30

Never use a handheld or handsfree phone, or programme any other mobile device, while driving

I’M VERY TIRED. I NEED SLEEP

AVOID DRIVING WHILE TIRED

DIVERSION

I NEED A BREAK

SERVICES WELCOME TAKE A BREAK NEXT LEFT

SERVICES

HOTEL

ARRIVE SAFELY BACK ON THE ROAD

Never work or drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

7

8

THE SHIELD ISSUE 37, NOVEMBER 2022

LISTEN TO THESE LITTLE LIFESAVERS Reggie and Teddy have an important set of rules for their dad – and all of his railway colleagues WE ALL want to get everyone home safe every day. Whether it’s our family, friends, pets, or even plants – every one of us has a reason for this.

For Jonathan Smith, a Network Rail mobile operations manager, it’s his family, especially his four children. Two of them, Reggie and Teddy, are part of a new campaign called the Little Lifesavers, reminding all us adults of the all-important Lifesaving Rules.

They feature in a video aimed at front line rail workers across the country.

“My number one priority is my family,” says Jonathan. “I follow the Lifesaving Rules so I can get home safely to my children.

“Safety is something I take seriously in my role as most of the time I am responding to an unplanned incident. In these situations, it’s down to me to set up a safe system of work to keep everyone safe, and to make sure they get home safely. I do this by following the Lifesaving Rules.

“When I’m doing anything, I always pause and make sure I’m doing everything possible to eliminate the risk of injury to anyone. This includes making sure that I’m doing what I’m trained and competent to do and challenging unsafe working practices.”

LIFE CHANGING Sadly, Jonathan has seen first-hand what can happen in an unsafe environment and how those situations change more than just one person’s life.

“It affects everyone around them, their colleagues, and their families,” he says.

“If I can help create a safe environment, to help stop this happening, I can go home happy. Each of the Lifesaving Rules helps me do this.”

Jonathan encouraged everyone to refresh themselves with these rules, the updated work safe procedure, close call app and speak

Home safe: Jonathan Smith and family

out procedure – one of the easiest ways to help keep each other safe is to challenge unsafe working practices.

He added: “Following the Lifesaving Rules while I’m at work means that when I go home to my children, I can feel proud that I’ve worked in the safest way for my family and my colleagues.”

Watch your speed: Young campaigners Reggie and Teddy

OUR LIFESAVING RULES

Always be sure the required plans and permits are in place, before you start a job or go on or near the line

Never use a hand-held or handsfree phone, or programme any other mobile device, while driving

Always use equipment that is fit for its intended purpose

Never work or drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Always obey the speed limit and wear a seat belt

Never undertake any job unless you have been trained and assessed as competent

Always test before applying earths or straps

Never assume equipment is isolated – always test before touch

Always use a safety harness when working at height, unless other protection is in place

Never enter the agreed exclusion zone unless directed to by the person in charge

What do you think? Get in touch – southernregioncomms@networkrail.co.uk