The shield May 17

The Shield

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POWER UPGRADE PROJECT

THE PAPER FOR RAIL PEOPLE IN THE SOUTHERN REGION

GOING LIVE

New protocol introduced across the region A NEW Live Conductor Rail Protocol will help keep people who are working within one metre of a conductor rail safer.

The new protocol was briefed to staff working at a Brighton site ahead of it becoming mandatory on 29 April.

This now means that anyone working or walking within one metre of a live conductor rail must be pre-authorised to do so.

Staff at Brighton, who are part of a huge project across the area to install new cabling, were introduced to the new protocol on site by Senior Construction Manager Paul Burr.

Full story on page 4-5 >>

Test before touch

Closing a call

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www.southernshield.co.uk

A good cause PAGE 8

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ISSUE 12, MAY 2017

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THE SHIELD ISSUE 12, MAY 2017

First Person Janice Crawford Regional Director Infrastructure Projects Southern Network Rail

FOLLOWING the fantastic improvement we had in our safety performance in the previous year, it has been really disappointing for me that we have not continued to build on that success in this last year. Recently, we have had a spike in accidents and incidents and the number of lost time accidents we are suffering has increased.

These are not just numbers – each incident represents a person injured so badly that they could not carry out their normal working duties the next day. We need to address this as a matter of urgency and stop sending people home injured. I will not be satisfied until we are send-

ing everyone home safe every day and I hope you won’t.

So, what do we need to do? The simple answer is everything we can but I need your help if we are going to be successful. We need to stop tolerating poor safety just to get the job done. Why should anyone go to work and then go home injured as a result? Please remember that if it’s not safe you, will always have my backing and support if you stop work or take a ‘Time Out Take Five’ to address the issue. If we all work together I am sure that we can create the right working environment that allows everyone to get home safely, every day.

The Shield TOUCHY SUBJECT This paper is produced for:

Written and designed by:

www.beetroot.co.uk

TWO OF the Lifesaving Rules that help everyone to get home safe every day are dedicated to safe practices around working with electricity.

It is never safe to assume that equipment on the railway is electrically isolated – it could be too late if you do.

Where electricity is present, everyone should always ‘test before touch’.

This will make sure that the lineside equipment is not live before work begins for both non-intrusive and intrusive tasks.

AECOM has implemented its own measures that are in line with the Network Rail requirements but are tailored to the type of work the company delivers, which are applicable for anyone working on its sites.

“We put together a flow chart which is tailored to the work we do, so that anyone who is working with us can understand it at a glance,” said Sri Ram Palakurthi, Associate Director. “It identifies what Network Rail-approved equipment is needed to carry out test before touch, as well as the steps they should take and what to do if the equipment is live.”

These new procedures are mandatory across AECOM and all relevant staff are briefed on them.

It is vital to test the conductor rail before applying earthing straps – it will make all the difference. Keith Stiles, Senior Possession Manager at BAM Nuttall, said: “It is so important that, even before any work commences, all staff are trained, certified and have the correct equipment, including a live line tester and a proving unit, that have all been tested and are working

correctly. They should also be wearing correct PPE, including goggles and insulated gauntlets.The earthing straps should always be in very good condition and the gauntlets and short circuit bar should be examined for any flaws before use.”

A Safe System of Work (SSOW) should always be in place which covers the access/egress points and strapping locations to prevent staff from strapping any incorrect line.

Keith added: “Within a possession with isolation, it is the COSS’ responsibility to ensure that the equipment has been tested, as well as the conductor rail, before operatives go out on site. The live line tester and proving unit should also be re-checked again by the COSS before work begins.

“I have worked within DC electrification areas for many years and I know that testing and re-testing is the most important part of working within this environment. If you don’t have the assurance that the conductor rail is isolated then no work can begin.”

Sri added: “Some people really don’t realise the potential risks of not following procedures. Even if people have been doing a job for many years, they can become complacent and that’s when incidents happen.

“Test before touch is so important to do. If there is a fault the equipment may be live, and you won’t know until it’s too late.”

A Southern Shield DC Isolation strapping guide includes information on equipment, PPE and what to do in an emergency. Contact shield@networkrail.co.uk for more information.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I’VE LEARNED

Nadia Green THE MOST important thing I’ve learned is to triple check.

“This is vital when it comes to working with electricity. It’s easy to forget that electricity is all around us when we are working on the railway. We are always surrounded by that risk.

“It’s important to triple check that when we are looking at jobs, and the details of those jobs, the correct people are in place who understand electricity, its risks and the correct measures are taken. We mustn’t become complacent or presume that someone else has checked.

The responsibility to question

Never assume equipment is isolated – always test before touch

EVERYONE HOME SAFE EVERY DAY

and to triple check sits with each and every one of us, not just on site, but in offices and at home too.

“When I did my PTS (Personal Track Safety) training, I was taught to triple check to make sure our people were qualified to deal with what was expected of them when working with such a risk. This includes triple checking CSCS cards and Sentinel training cards, which have a bar code to show relevant and up-to-date qualifications.”

Nadia Green, Assistant Quantity Surveyor, Osborne

Always test before applying earths or straps

ISSUE 12, MAY 2017 THE SHIELD

ENDING A CALL It’s not just about raising a Close Call, it’s about what happens after it’s been reported CLOSE CALLS are continuing to be raised by staff across the southern region and by doing so, you could stop an incident from happening, and potentially, someone getting hurt.

But what happens once a Close Call is raised? They must be closed out, and when necessary, to do that, Close Calls need to be actioned.

AN OBSERVATION

AT BAM NUTTALL, staff are given feedback on the outcomes of any Close Calls raised.

Close Calls are raised on Observation Cards that record both good practice and areas for improvement, which can be anonymous.

Each week, time is given on sites to discuss any observations. Hazards can also be gathered through the site safety committee meetings, Time Out Take Fives and Safety Officer Inspections.

At the end of each week cards are collected, sorted and placed on the RSSB system. Key observations are recorded on You Said, We Did board at sites.

All Close Calls are then individually assessed by the safety office to ensure consistency, risk grading, status and accuracy. A Close Call action plan is also put together for each period.

All staff are issued with Close Call results and trends as well as action plans for the upcoming period and key targets. It also appears in the monthly newsletter and communication board.

Changes have happened across sites thanks to the Close Calls that you have raised, showing that contractors are acting on them and demonstrating, through feedback, that staff are being listened to.

Here are just some examples of what happens when a Close Call is raised.

A Close C all poster is now avail able to download , visit southern shield.co .uk for more details

ON THE FLY NOT ONLY did Peter Brown raise a Close Call when he saw fly–tipping on site, he also closed it and did some investigative work to find the culprit.

When Siemens Site Manager Peter was told by the civils teams at Pangdean substation that some household items, including a bath, an old settee and some garden furniture had been fly-tipped, he raised a Close Call and organised for it to be removed with a dumper alongside COSS Mark Graham.

Peter and Mark reported it to the British Transport Police and the land sheriff, who has organised more patrols in the area.

“We are taking extra precautions by putting extra locks on,” said Peter.

“This was so important to make sure it didn’t happen again. I couldn’t just leave it – it really needed to be cleared so the work could carry on.”

tor Hybrid genera

PLANT FOCUS

Peter Brown Scene of the fly-tipping

NEIGHBOURS around Costain’s River Stour and Sevington schemes have had silent nights thanks to a new hybrid generator.

Used to power the sites overnight, including the welfare units, offices and drying rooms; it runs in conjunction with diesel generators during the day. Not only do the Firefly generators produce no noise emissions, they also provide significant fuel and carbon savings.

In fact, in 18 weeks at the River Stour site, the hy-

IN BRIEF

FOR MATT Thomasson, Associate Director, Ground Investigator at AECOM, a database of Close Calls helps to brief staff on potential hazards on live sites.

Although AECOM has been logging Close Calls through different mediums for some time, the company now can access the RSSB Close Call system.

“The Close Call database is a pretty powerful tool,” said Matt. “What I would like to see is a database that can be used during the planning process of our works, where we can check the area that we’re working to see if hazards have been reported but not addressed. This way we can brief the site crews of hazards that are live and not only what has been covered in the hazard directory.”

CHARITABLE DONATION DID YOU know that at companies across the southern region by raising a Close Call you could also help someone in need?

For each Close Call card submitted, VolkerFitzpatrick donates £1 to charity, while Siemens donates £1 to the Railway Children for every Close Call raised. In addition, McNicholas donates money to the Lighthouse Charity whenever a Close Call is reported.

Throughout Osborne, many sites have decided to incentivise their Close Call reporting. At the Portsmouth Harbour site, every time someone submitted a near miss or improvement opportunity, they were entered into a weekly draw to win a gift voucher.

brid generator saved 13.04 tonnes of CO2, £2,448 of fuel savings and 749 silent running hours.

“We have been using the hybrid power systems on site for several months at both our River Stour and Sevington schemes,” said Callum Mair, Environment Manager, Costain. “These have shown considerable savings in diesel, reduced CO2 emissions and had the added benefit of zero noise emissions which is perfect for sites that sit next to residential premises.”

Do you have a BRIGHT idea you can share? Email shield@networkrail.co.uK

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THE SHIELD ISSUE 12, MAY 2017

METRE RULE The Shield was on hand to see the new Live Conductor Rail Protocol being briefed for the first time

out, they can become complacent. By putting in this change, we can make sure that we have THE NEWLY-INTRODUCED Live Conductor Rail appropriate safeguards before the guys start Protocol could help make people safer when work- working.” ing or walking in close proximity to the third rail.

The McNicholas site in Brighton is part of an exSenior Construction Manager Paul Burr went tensive project to install DC cabling for powering along to a McNicholas site in Brighton to talk more new trains due to be used on the line. about the Protocol.

The cables are being doubled up to increase the He said: “We have developed this safety power to trains along the east and west coast protocol for working around live rail and we between Chichester to Bexhill, Three have introduced a need to pre-authorise Bridges to Billingshurst and Streatham working or walking within one metre of a to Leatherhead. live conductor rail.

Track Isolation Switches (TIS) are “This has come about from two recent also being installed, which removes the occasions where staff working around the need for staff to go on the track, as the Paul Burr live conductor rail were injured. power can be switched off and on more “We wanted to have a safer working environsafely. The team are also installing a number ment for anyone working within one metre of the of under-road crossings, under-track crossing and live rail. Of course, for the rail to be isolated is al- various buried duct routes to accommodate the ways preferred, but that is not always possible.” additional cables.

Although the protocol is not relevant for Staff have been on site at the purpose-built anyone working further than one metre away, it compound since June last year, and the project will be helpful for people who do need to be with- is due to finish in early 2019, when everything needs in one metre of it to work in the safest possible to be completed ahead of the new timetable way, with the least amount of risk. coming into force.

The Live Conductor Rail Protocol and authori“In the coastway area alone, we have three sation was made mandatory from 29 April and gangs out in different worksites every week with includes a checklist of things that must be consid- the portable welfare vans moving along the line ered before starting work. as we go,” said Darren Charman, Site Manager.

“There are people being injured out there and “We also work many weekends, which does mean this protocol is about trying to make them a lot of advance planning and ensure that the as safe as can be,” said Paul. “When people public and residents are fully informed of what are working around the third rail day in and day is going on.”

PROJECT BRIEF

JACK LEGALLAIS, PTS LABOURER “I have only recently left the army, so this is one of my first jobs on the railway. I have done an OLEC, a DC volt and overhead line course, and I have been on site since February.

“I think that the protocol is a good idea. It is so important to take more precaution, especially when working that close to the line, particularly in wet or windy situations. You can never be too safe.”

Any advice for working on third rail? “I think that is a good idea for people to constantly remind themselves of the dangers of working around the third rail and what the consequences are of not staying switched on.”

NICK SHARMAN, SUPERVISOR “I have always worked on third rail on different lines. Even before this new initiative, we have been a lot warier of the third rail. Before the Southern Shield, we used to dig underneath the live rail with shrouds, which we no longer do.

“I think the new protocol is going to be of real benefit for us, it is something that is definitely needed. On this site, the only time we really get within one metre of the rail is when we are accessing the track, so it will make our night time access a lot safer.”

Any advice for working on third rail? “When you are stepping over the third rail, make sure you have a good footing, cross the track in the safest way and always step from ballast to ballast.”

LUKE BATCHELOR, PTS LABOURER “I have been working on the railways for around 16 months before joining this site in October.

“Although most of the work that I have faced so far is more than a metre away, I think that any initiatives that reduce the risk when we need to get close to the rail, can only be a positive thing. If I have to step over the third rail, I always check and recheck that is safe to do so.

I want to go home at the end of the day, so I am always cautious.”

Any advice for working on third rail? “ I would say to always take your time and if you see someone else working dangerously, then don’t be afraid to stop and tell someone.”

Never assume equipment is isolat

ISSUE 12, MAY 2017 THE SHIELD

DAN COSTAN, COSS “Before Southern Shield came into existence, I used to work a lot of red zone, which allowed you to work in the vicinity of the working rail.

“Now that this protocol is in force, it will give us that little bit of extra safety, it can be a worry when you work so closely to the rail. To get a system in place that can help you work safer can only be a good thing for everyone on site.”

Any advice for working on third rail? “If you are within one metre of the rail, always be aware of your surroundings and be careful of what you are doing.”

TONY COSTAN, PTS LABOURER “I have done a lot of cabling under possession as well as substation work – it seems I always work around power. It’s so important that you take precautions and do a CAT scan before you start digging.

“I think the protocol is a good idea.

If it is running properly then it can help to keep everyone safe – I haven’t seen any incidents happen personally, but you do hear of some terrible incidents that have happened.”

Any advice for working on third rail? “Presume it is live at all times, unless specifically told otherwise and if you are unsure, always speak to the COSS.”

lated – always test before touch

KEVIN MATTHEW, PTS LABOURER “I have been working around electricity for 17 years and once you get the hang of working with it and the precautions you need to take, it’s not that scary.

“I think that having the protocol in place will give us extra protection when we get close to the third rail.

Anything that makes our jobs safer can only be a good thing. I have always been quite lucky, I work with gangs who have worked closely together for a long time and know what the hazards are.”

Any advice for working on third rail? “Don’t be complacent – always be aware that it could be a killer.”

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THE SHIELD ISSUE 12, MAY 2017

HEALTH CHECK

AIMPROVEMENT BIG Staff across the southern region are getting fitter and, in some cases, managing to raise money for good causes along the way

WANDERING STAR

THE WEIGHT IS OVER

A BIGGER SPLASH

KEITH BLOWES, Safety, Health, Environment, Sustainability and Quality Manager, J Murphy & Sons, is doing his bit to tackle poverty by taking on the gruelling Trailwalker challenge.

As part of a team of four, Keith will tackle the tough 100-km course over the South Downs. Participants have 30 hours to cover the distance between Queen Elizabeth Country Park and Brighton Racecourse, which includes following grass flint tracks across the undulating countryside.

“We will start on Friday evening, and walk all the way through the night and through the Saturday,” said Keith.

“I’m not particularly fit, I haven’t been to the gym in six months but I walk in to work and I have been walking at the weekends.”

The event, in late July, also requires participants to navigate their route. Keith will not be taking responsibility for that part of the adventure.

“If I’m responsible for reading any maps we’ll end up in France!

“We have committed to raising £2,000 between us. I am hoping to raise way more than that. I have had a promise from Murphys to donate £1,000.”

All money raised goes to Oxfam.

A KNOW Your Numbers assessment prompted staff working at Spurstowe Road bridge to make significant changes in just six weeks.

After the assessment, by VolkerWessels Occupational Health Technician Rebecca Goyder-Smith, revealed that changes needed to be made, the team took action.

Ron Strutt, George Shoebridge, Kiran Gurung, Greg Radko and Lok Bahadur-Gurung have already lost a combined weight of more than three stone (20.1kg)! They have also reduced their blood pressure and their cholesterol levels.

As the Hackney-based team is quite small, they have all worked together and supported each other, swapping bacon sandwiches for porridge and bringing in fruit and veg.

Steelworker Greg Radko said: “After six weeks, I am a completely new man. I feel fantastic, I wish that I made changes years ago.

“I have changed my diet and instead of eating unhealthy foods and takeaways, I am trying to cook every day. I am trying to steam foods, rather than frying, and eating salads.

“It has really helped to have all of us eating together and supporting each other. I am determined to stick to eating better.”

PETER JONES is going to great lengths to raise money for Diabetes UK. Deputy Head of Safety, Health and Environment for Osborne, Peter is taking part in Diabetes UK’s Swim 22. Participants are challenged to swim the length of the English Channel by mileage in a local swimming pool. They have 12 weeks between the end of February and the end of May to cover the 22-mile distance.

“In the Health and Wellbeing group we were having discussions about being champions and possibly encouraging others to do things as well,” he said.

“This came up and I thought it was something I could do. I’m a strong swimmer, but more of a leisure swimmer and I have a membership to the gym.

“I’ve just been going regularly and doing between 60 and 120 lengths. I’m currently just over 20 miles.

“One of my colleagues said that it has inspired her to get back into the pool. That is a great thing to me.”

As well as the swimming, diabetes is a cause which resonates with Peter.

“There is a history of diabetes in my family,” he said. “I’ve set a target of raising £500.”

60 SECONDS Rex Dickinson, Site Engineer, Wessex Capacity Alliance

THE SHIELD: Explain safety in 10 words.

REX DICKINSON: An environment where nobody is at risk undertaking their job.

TS: What do you think of safety in the southern region?

RD: Safety standards are very high with all procedures covered with varying levels of guidance.

TS: How do you think it can be improved?

RD: Sometimes guidance from the Southern Shield and Network Rail can overlap. Some contractors are not always aware of the difference, which can lead to confusion. A leaflet of specific differences and responsibilities would be useful – especially when a subcontractor is moving from a different network.

TS: Give an example of a time when you would stop work and call a Time Out Take Five.

RD: When operatives are rushing at the end of a shift to get the work finished.

TS: What is the best safety motto you have heard?

RD: I believe an injury-free environment is possible.

Steve Crow, Health and Safety, Kelly Formwork

THE SHIELD: Explain safety in 10 words.

STEVE CROW: Looking after yourselves and others around you.

TS: What do you think of safety in the southern region?

SC: Where I am working at Waterloo, I’m quite impressed. They take safety seriously and the IFE (Injury Free Environment) is very good. I do believe they would back you up if you had any concerns.

TS: How do you think it can be improved?

SC: Maybe having big group sessions now and then to discuss any problems, or if anyone has any good ideas to share to improve things.

TS: Give an example of a time when you would stop work and call a Time Out Take Five.

SC: I would call a Time Out for heat exhaustion, especially with the summer months coming up. Another time maybe if things weren’t going quite to plan and you needed to take a step back to re-evaluate.

TS: What is the best safety motto you have heard?

SC: Never take safety for granted.

NEW CHARTER A NEW version of the Southern Shield Charter was released on 29 April.

The new updated version has guidance on the use of bladed articles on site and the Live Conductor Rail Protocol. You can download a copy of the Southern Shield Charter from the library page on the Southern Shield website.

Have you made a change to your lifestyle? shield@networkrail.co.uK RAIL LIVES–Email page 8

ISSUE 12, MAY 2017 THE SHIELD

WILLING AND CABLE

Increased power to London Waterloo means more capacity for the future

THE WESSEX Capacity Alliance Power Upgrade Project – to enhance the power distribution in and out of London Waterloo – is now underway.

The project will allow increased capacity, in particular for the new 10-car trains that are due to start running in 2018. It will ensure the power is sufficient for the new stock.

Electrical upgrade work is taking place from Wimbledon to Guildford via Woking and via Effingham Junction. Staff will be working up and down the lines from the end of March to the end of November.

The project is just one part of the Waterloo renewals work that also includes upgrading platforms 1 to 8 to accommodate 10-car trains and bring-

ing the former Waterloo International Terminal platforms back into service.

“We are doubling up the cabling in the track sections along the whole length of the Woking line,” said Peter Bonsell, Contractor Responsible for Engineering. “There are lots of different locations – covering more than 30 stations and around 50 track miles, which includes lots of different teams and activities. It brings its own safety issues, including keeping track of people on site, particularly as we will have a lot of temporary staff.

“We are making sure our contractors are fully tuned into the Wessex Capacity Alliance safety culture and Southern Shield ethos.”

Cable doubling along the other part

of the line will also be completed at all the TP huts and substations – 14 locations in total.

Although not yet mandatory, a number of planned training sessions have been held at Wessex Capacity Alliance to deliver the Southern Shield Electrical Hazard awareness training.

The first session generated much discussion from those who attended and there were requests for more briefings to take place.

“The training will serve as a reminder of what staff could encounter working out on the track and the potential dangers they are working alongside,” said Peter. “If it can make people more aware, it will hopefully make a difference.

“The job is relatively straightforward

– it’s the size of it and the time constraints that mean we have to be incredibly organised. We have some real experts on site, which is going to make all the difference.”

The site team is also making traction current disconnections safer by replacing the hook switches, both live and track based, with disconnection equipment that is based away from the tracks. This means tracks and trains will not be exposed to any live parts.

It’s not just electricity that the site team is faced with. In Oxshott, a road will have to be dug up to access the power lines. The team is already working with local residents and lineside neighbours well in advance to try and reduce any potential

problems ahead of the work.

This summer, as part of the Power Upgrade Project, the team will be upgrading the switchgear at the substation at Hampton Court to further enhance the power.

“We are going to be adopting the Southern Shield Substation Matrix for isolating and working safely around live equipment at substations, making sure that all track workers, that may be working in and around live cable tracks, are aware of the hazards,” said Peter.

“By using the Power Upgrade Project and the great expertise we have on site, we are going to try and develop this so we can use it across the southern region as best practice in the future.”

want us to feature your team? Get in touch – shield@networkrail.co.uk

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THE SHIELD ISSUE 12, MAY 2017

RAIL LIVES ork Before w

began

After the renovatio ns

HEARTS OF GOLD

EX-TRANSPORT staff now have better outdoor areas to relax in, thanks to volunteering efforts of staff across Wessex.

Volunteers from Network Rail, Osborne and other supply chain partners, including McNealy Brown and Oliver Connell & Son, took part in supporting Golden Oldies, a charity for ex-transport and ex-NHS staff, based at Walworth Methodist Church in Camberwell, London.

The church has been available for various charities in the local community since 1970 but the outside facilities have deteriorated over the years, making it difficult for elderly people to use.

“The charity is run by volunteers and provides a day centre where, for one day a week, lunch and activities take place,” said Sherena Kranat, Business Improvement Analyst. “Although our office staff started work last year in the day centre, we saw that there was more work to be done than we could manage, so that’s when we got our colleagues from Osborne involved.”

The team tidied and repainted the room where the charity is based, putting in cupboards and shelves.

Two outdoor spaces were also transformed.

“One area is used for the charity during the summer for eating outdoors,” added Sherena.“We have made it more pleasant by updating the poorly maintained planting.

“There is a more formal outdoor area that we also worked on.”

Volunteers cleaned and tidied as well as repaired broken paving slabs and steps. A broken shed was replaced, a set of double doors were reinstated and trees and flower beddings tidied and replanted.

Additional seating was also installed to make the area more enjoyable for visitors.

The team also prepared an area for a new sculpture that the church will be installing as part of an anti-knife campaign. The Southwark Peace Sculpture has been designed by local university students.

“We have had a chance to help in the community thanks to volunteering days that Network Rail give to us and it would be waste not to use them,” said Sherena. “There is a great opportunity for us to give something back to the community and we

How staff volunteered to help make a day centre more enjoyable for older residents should grab it with both hands.

“Osborne, one of our principal contractors, also give staff development days, so it was great that they could get involved as well.”

Justas Janulevicius, Graduate Engineer from Osborne, spent two days volunteering for the charity.

He said: “It went really well, we finished everything we set out to achieve. We refurbished the outdoor area used by the charity, put in benches and even built two flowerbeds from new untreated timber sleepers.

“We also fixed steps, replaced the rainwater downpipe, installed hand rails and refurbished the office.

“It was a really great couple of days, I was so tired afterwards! They were also so happy and came up to thank us afterwards, which was the most rewarding thing.

“Some of the people who visit the charity are elderly and have difficulty in getting around. If the areas they use are inaccessible or poorly maintained, they aren’t able to use them. Now it looks really pleasant and they can enjoy it.”

And it’s not just Wessex...

A strip of Network Rail land has been transformed into an area where all the community can enjoy.

After the opening of a new footbridge at Tovil, near Maidstone, Costain decided to give something back to the local community by upgrading the land near the footbridge.

A new hedgerow with local shrubs was installed, additional trees were planted, winter bee houses were built alongside a rock garden which used recycled material from the work site, and bird and bat boxes were also installed.

Local primary school children also lent a hand in planting and building. It also gave Costain the opportunity to show the children what construction could be like as a future career.

“IT’S NOT AGE SELECTIVE. IT DOESN’T CARE, BUT YOU SHOULD” Stuart Higgins shares his personal experiences of prostate cancer A ROUTINE health check proved to be a saving grace for Stuart, when tests showed up a major problem with his prostate.

“I was only 50, healthy with no medical problems or previous history,” said Siemens Programme Manager Stuart. “They said that at my age

and condition, I should have no problems.

“My father, on the other hand, was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years previously and had undergone medical treatment, including massive radiotherapy. He only survived on pure strength and courage.

“Sadly, the disease finally caught up with him and he passed away in 2012.”

Just two days after Stuart’s routine health check, his doctor contacted him to say they had spotted an anomaly. Although the doctor reassured him, he had further tests and a biopsy – which showed something much more sinister,

despite the fact that he had no symptoms, or any sort of cause for alarm.

Stuart had to have his prostate removed during a robotic surgery procedure. Eight years on, he is now in good health.

“My world changed, never to be the same,” said Stuart. “I knew what to expect because I saw what my dad had to go through.

“My dad was 80 and had lots of symptoms but he hated going to the doctor, so just buried his head in the sand and didn’t tell anyone, not even my mum. He survived five years, but it should have been 15. I miss my dad. He saved my life, quite by chance.

“I went for my medical as part of a routine health check, but there is always a chance that these rou-

tine checks could show up a condition that you don’t know you have. It could save your life.

“Prostate cancer is a killer but with awareness and early checks, it can be picked up and potentially cured. I thought it was an old man’s disease but it’s not age selective. It doesn’t care, but you should.

“Your life is in your hands, not your head – get checked out. You owe it yourself and your family.”

Where can I get help?

If you have any concerns or would like to have your prostate checked, visit your GP. For more information visit prostatecanceruk.org

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