The Shield
GOGGLE BLOCKS
Taking a new look at safety
THE SAFETY NEWSPAPER FOR RAIL PEOPLE
SEE PAGE
4&5
ISSUE 36, JUNE 2022
ACCESS ALL AREAS
It was more than just station improvements that built bridges with the local community COLLEAGUES delivering a station upgrade in Kent have proved they are great neighbours – by helping transform a charity HQ. While delivering access improvements at Canterbury East, workers from Network Rail and BAM Nuttall also helped revamp facilities belonging to Catching Lives, a homeless charity next door. Read the full story on page 7.
Taking a stand
Bug trouble PAGE 6
Holiday works PAGE 8
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southernshield.co.uk
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THE SHIELD ISSUE 36, JUNE 2022
First Person
I AM pleased to introduce this edition of The Shield for the first time as Octavius Infrastructure Ltd rather than Osborne!
While we have a new name, our heritage, values and culture are firmly embedded within our business. Our number one priority continues to be ensuring that all our people go home safely, and the public are protected from the work that we undertake. We have a renewed focus on providing safe and assured delivery, being one of four pillars of our new customer focused strategy that also centres on leaving a sustainable legacy, delivering exceptional value, and enabling our people and our suppliers to learn, grow and thrive together. I have always been passionate about health and safety, and the Safety Stand Ups in this edition are a great example of the collective effort needed to help us all to deliver our projects more safely,
SUPPLIER SCOOPS FAIRNESS AWARD
to feel confident to challenge unsafe behaviours and to know that you will always be supported for doing so. I was also delighted to read the article on nutrition for night workers. A healthy diet is so important to counter the impact of stress, fatigue and anxiety, but can be so much harder to achieve when working nights. This article gives some great tips to achieving the right balance so please do take a look. The open sharing of such best practice is critical to continuously improving how we work across our railway network. Thank you all for your hard work and I hope you all enjoy this edition.
ONE OF the Southern region’s key labour suppliers has become the first in the construction sector to gain a prestigious inclusion mark. Danny Sullivan Group (DSG), which works closely with BAM Nuttall among others, has attained ‘Embedded’ level status against the Supply Chain School’s fairness, inclusion, and respect (FIR) assessment. DSG’s processes and procedures were reviewed and assessed through a rigorous check, which confirmed that everything from strategy, leadership and governance to recruitment and retention supported the organisation’s FIR values, which are now fully embedded within the business. Gareth White, BAM’s operations manager, said: “As a leading long-term provider to BAM of skilled, professional labour, Danny Sullivan Group has always been passionate about fairness, inclusion and respect, so it’s no surprise that they were selected to pilot the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s new FIR accreditation. BAM looks forward to collaborating with DSG to ensure that fairness, inclusion and respect remain central to the way the industry operates in the future.”
John Dowsett, CEO, Octavius Infrastructure
The Shield This paper is produced for:
LESSONS LEARNED FROM HIDDEN CABLE STRIKE
POSITIVE FEEDBACK FOR NEGATIVE SHORTCIRCUITING DEVICE
Written and designed by:
beetroot.co.uk
THE ROLL out of NSCDs across the region is set to continue following the successful go-live with Works Delivery in Wessex and Sussex in January. Feedback from the first eight weeks was positive, meaning the use of NSCDs was opened up to the rest of the supply chain from 2 April as planned. An NSCD (negative short-circuiting device) provides protection to staff working on or around the conductor rail by electrically shorting an isolated section.
Should an isolated section fitted with an NSCD be re-energised in error, the NSCD prevents the conductor rail becoming live, protecting staff from danger of electric shock. The roll out of NSCDs supports the Track Workers Safety Programme. As they are operated from a position of safety, they are considered safer, easier and quicker than the traditional application of straps. Tom Wong, assistant asset engineer (E&P), said feedback from
Wessex and Sussex had been very encouraging so far. He added: “Frontline workers have praised the safer system of work and have recognised the headline benefits, such as reduced exposure to infrastructure and the reduced risk of potential electrical contact. “Teams have also realised that where previously applying short circuiting straps would be an additional hoop to jump though in the process, negating the need for straps means setting up worksites is made simpler.”
A BROKEN cable that led to severe delays went unreported because an operator was unaware it had been damaged. The alarm was only raised following a cable strike that led to 3,704 delay minutes on the DN Sussex Fast and Slow Lines. The damage happened during vegetation clearance on a nighttime possession as part of the earthworks sheet piling project at Sydenham Spur. Operatives were using hedge cutters with a metal blade, and the area had been checked for cables at the start of the project and again before the shift started. An investigation found that the cable had likely not been located because it was buried under thick undergrowth, although it was raised above ground level. It had also been laid outside of the trough route, with no protection in place. The planned works were in accordance with Network Rail Standards however, and the agreed methodology had been followed. Once the cable strike was reported, a response team was sent out and were able to make the repair on site. Among lessons learned from the incident include the need to track unprotected cables from cabinets and equipment, to ensure they are not running through an area where vegetation clearance is taking place. When working in areas known to have unprotected cables, a metal blade brush could also be replaced with a nylon cord. This would mitigate the risk of damage. For more details on lessons learned from the incident, visit www.southernshield.co.uk
Want us to feature your team? Get in touch at shield@networkrail.co.uk
ISSUE 36, JUNE 2022 THE SHIELD 3
TAKING A STAND Rail staff join online conversation about safety culture on track THOUSANDS of frontline workers from across the region have been sharing their thoughts and feelings about safety culture on the railway, at a series of online events. The Safety Stand Up sessions, held throughout February and March, also provided an opportunity for individuals to reflect on their own role in ensuring they and their colleagues go home safe every day. The event – some held in-person, some virtually and some a mix of both – all opened with a specially recorded video.The 15-minute film featured colleagues from across the Southern region discussing issues from better training and more welfare facilities – particularly for women – to the right and wrong responses when a call is made to stop work because something is unsafe. In the round table discussion Sam Puxley from the Sussex safety team recalled that when he badly injured his finger after trapping it under rail, he was immediately asked: “Who’s going to finish the weld?”.
He added: “I thought: ‘That shouldn’t be the first thing said in an accident’ and after that there was time when I wasn’t very confident going to work or of people taking care of each other.” Paul Boggis, shift station supervisor, said: “Some people won’t challenge because they think they won’t be listened to unless it’s a whole group. If we challenge more as a group, then people take more notice.” P-way apprentice Brooke Hill added: “We were told from day one: ‘challenge, challenge, challenge’ but for [someone] coming with little experience, it is very hard to challenge especially if you are just one voice.” At each session, the video was followed by an open forum in which participants were invited to share their experience of safety and raise examples of good practice, or areas where it could be improved. Darren Colderwood, capital delivery director, Southern region, said a lot was learned from the “rich conversations” at the events and that the discussions
had been analysed to come up with proposals that can be shared and addressed. He added: “Wow – what a great turnout we had for the Stand Ups – thank you to everyone who took part. We learned a lot about how we think and feel generally about our safety culture. For instance, some of us still don’t feel empowered to raise a Worksafe Procedure, and we also talked about mental health, welfare provision, shift pattern swaps, fatigue and long drives home after a long shift. “All of this will be discussed at the follow up sessions from the Safety Stand Up event called Walk the Walk, where we will be talking to you about how we move this forward. “You will be able to see recordings of these events at www.southernshield.co.uk very soon.” You can watch the safety video here tinyurl.com/43599cth
RAISE YOUR GAME – 10 TOP TIPS WHEN WORKING WITH MEWPS A RECENT safety bulletin following an incident where a worker suffered serious injuries, offered a reminder of how to stay safe when using a mobile elevated working platform (MEWP). The following tips should reduce the risk for anyone working on or around a platform:
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FIT FOR PURPOSE – Ensure any MEWP selected is capable of satisfying the site requirement – IPAF’s (International Powered Access Federation) ‘MEWPs for Managers’ course offers recognised training in this area.
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GUARDED – Ensure secondary guarding systems are fitted (such as Sky Siren, Sanctuary Zone).
COMPETENCE – Ensure operators are competent, to IPAF’s Powered Access Licence Category 3b standards for example.
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FAMILIARITY – Ensure competent operators are familiar with the controls of make/model of MEWP supplied.
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TRAINING – Ensure individuals are trained and familiar with emergency lowering requirements.
MORE TRAINING – For more complex structures or locations, consider operators trained to the higher IPAF PAL+ standards.
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RISK ASSESS – Ensure that dynamic risk assessment has and will continue to be undertaken, notably by those operating the MEWP.
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HARNESS – Ensure the operator is wearing a full body harness and is appropriately secured by lanyard to designated anchor points only within the basket.
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EXCLUSION – Ensure that appropriate plant and pedestrian exclusions zones are set up around the operating envelope of the MEWP.
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INSTRUCTIONS – Ensure that the MEWP is operated only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
NEVER UNDERTAKE ANY JOB UNLESS YOU HAVE BEEN TRAINED AND ASSESSED AS COMPETENT
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THE SHIELD ISSUE 36, JUNE 2022
ON SITE Fun and games came with a serious message at wellbeing roadshows for night shift teams
EYES ON WELLBEING ‘BEER GOGGLES’ are not something you’d normally associate with rail safety. But these specially adapted sight-skewing spectacles were one of the props at an event to raise awareness of health, wellbeing and safety issues. The goggles are designed to disorientate the wearer in a way that mimics the effect of alcohol – providing a sobering indication of how working under the influence can affect your ability to stay safe and keep others out of harm’s way. The wellbeing event at Norwood Junction in April was one of a series being held at railway sites throughout the Southern region aimed at sparking conversations among night shift workers about health – both mental and physical. Other attractions included a reaction testing machine, a range of healthy snacks to promote a balanced diet and on-the-spot cholesterol checks. Colleagues from Network Rail’s occupational health partner Optima were also on hand to provide further information and health advice. STARTING CONVERSATIONS “It can be a challenge encouraging people to talk about their health, so having this very informal setting, with
some fun ice breakers, can be an important way of starting those conversations,” said Emily Mayers, Network Rail Health & Wellbeing specialist. “People have their three-yearly medical, which is around fitness for task, but these events are very much about highlighting behaviours and healthy lifestyles. We promote the idea that even small changes can make a difference to long-term health – things like not turning to sugar and caffeine when you are tired but choosing a healthier snack or going for a short walk every day.” The wellbeing roadshows are just one of the initiatives which have seen the team engage with thousands of rail workers across the Southern region, encouraging them to think about their own health and speak up about any issues they have or think they might be at risk of developing. Emily added: “Getting people talking means they are more likely to get something that seems relatively minor, like increased blood pressure or raised cholesterol, checked out properly. This means there’s more chance of catching things early before they become serious health issues. That’s important because ultimately a healthy workforce, mentally and physically, is a safer and better workforce.”
Emily Mayers
Never work or drive while under
ISSUE 36, JUNE 2022 THE SHIELD
And the winner is… Network Rail Southern region’s Hearts and Minds’ work in promoting its wellbeing campaign was recognised with an award at the Rail Business Awards earlier in 2022. Among the successful initiatives recognised by the award were the 12 in 12 roadmap of events – including a rail workers’ football tournament around World Mental Health Day, and a 30-day
Move for Mind challenge involving DUs from Dover, Ashford, London Bridge and Orpington. The team was also praised for supporting line manager training and promoting Health, Safety and Wellbeing medicals.
It’s good to talk The Southern Shield Employee Assistance Programme is a confidential care service available free to everybody who works in the Southern region. Tier two and three supply chain and agency staff can call the 24-hour freephone number:
Network Rail staff can also contact PAM Assist on
0800 3584569
08081 964 505
or go online at Validium.com Username: southernshield Password: homesafe
by email at counsellingteam@pamassist.co.uk or via webchat at PAM-assist.co.uk (access code NWR1).
Z-cards A series of fold out ‘z-cards’ offering information and advice on mental and physical wellbeing are available from the team by emailing:
12in12@networkrail.co.uk
the influence of drugs or alcohol
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THE SHIELD ISSUE 36, JUNE 2022
LITTLE MONSTERS A guide to some of the beastly bugs that spell danger for track workers SUMMER may bring the sunshine but it also marks the emergence of some creepy-crawlies with sinister secret weapons. While they be small and look relatively harmless, they have the power to cause some fairly nasty injuries and illnesses. Among them is the Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) caterpillar. As the name suggests, having hatched in their thousands on the branches and trunks of oak trees, they march noseto-tail in their hunt for food during the summer, fattening up ready to transform into moths. That may sound harmless enough but the caterpillars are covered in tiny, barbed hairs and contact with them or their nests can cause quite serious health issues in humans. This can include skin irritation and rashes, eye and throat complaints and, occasionally, breathing difficulties. What’s more, it’s not just contact with the caterpillar that can transfer the hairs – they can become airborne. The Southern region is prime Oak Processionary Moth territory, so to help keep yourself and
colleagues safe, any sighting of OPMs or their nests, should be reported immediately to Forest Research at treealert.forestresearch.gov.uk using the Reporting Tool on the home page. Areas where OPM infestation is recorded can be checked using a map found here: https://tinyurl.com/2p8v7b56
TICK ATTACK Another creature to watch out for are blood-sucking ticks that can transmit Lyme disease. If a tick bites an animal carrying Lyme disease bacteria, the tick can also become infected. The tick can then transfer the bacteria to a human by biting them. They don’t jump or fly but climb on to your clothes or skin if you brush against something they’re on. They then bite into the skin and start to feed on your blood. Ticks can be found in any areas with deep or overgrown vegetation. They’re common in woodland but can also be found in urban areas with overgrown vegetation. So, people who spend a lot of time
working outside are at greater risk. Many people with early-stage Lyme disease develop a distinctive circular rash at the site of the tick bite, usually around three to 30 days after being bitten. Some also experience flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, a high temperature, chills and neck stiffness. You should see your GP as soon as possible if you develop any of the symptoms described above after being bitten by a tick, or if you think you may have been bitten. It can be treated effectively if it’s detected early on. But if it’s not treated or treatment is delayed, there’s a risk
you could develop severe and longlasting symptoms. To reduce the risk, wear long-sleeved PPE, use insect repellent on exposed skin and inspect your skin and hair for ticks, particularly at the end of the day. If you do spot a tick taking a bite, it’s important to remove it quickly and correctly. Some vets and pet shops sell inexpensive tick removal devices, which look a bit like a credit card with a forked edge. If no tools are available, use cotton thread or dental floss. Tie a single loop around the tick’s mouthparts, as close to the skin as possible, then pull upwards and outwards without twisting.
TICK ATTACK
WASP WATCH
DO
DO
Clean the wound and the tool with antiseptic after removal. Wash hands thoroughly afterwards.
DON’T
Squeeze the body of the tick, as this may leave it in your skin or splatter infected blood! Use your fingernails to remove a tick. Infection can enter via any breaks in your skin.
WASP WATCH Wasps are a more familiar foe, with large numbers of stings reported on our sites every year. If they are disturbed or feel in danger, wasps release a chemical alarm which alerts the nests and causes them to swarm and react. Nests can carry up to 10,000 wasps and can be found anywhere, from underground or inside bricks to on walls or in hedges. The most common symptoms of a wasp sting are pain in the area stung, minor swelling and redness, and itchiness. However, some may suffer a more severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, which can cause symptoms including difficulty breathing and swallowing, an increased heart rate and fainting.
Report any harm or injury by wasps, or if you suspect there’s a nest nearby Stop works near a nest and cordon off the area until the nest has been treated Tell your supervisor immediately if you’re allergic to stings.
DON’T
Make any sudden movements near wasps Scratch or rub the area which has been stung Remove a sting with tweezers, as this spreads venom. Use a credit card or something similar to scrape it out sideways Approach or attempt to destroy a nest.
Always be sure the required plans and permits are in place, before you start a job or go on or near the line
ISSUE 36, JUNE 2022 THE SHIELD
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GOOD NEIGHBOURS Rail workers inspired to help make charity facilities a home from home THEY SAY charity begins at home, but for colleagues delivering a station upgrade in Kent, it began at work. During a project at Canterbury East station – where a range of access improvements were being made – workers from Network Rail and BAM Nuttall got to know the neighbours, including staff at Catching Lives, a homeless charity next door. As they got to know a bit more about the charity it inspired them to start raising funds – and to lend some practical
help with a spot of interior decorating. “Their centre is immediately opposite the station, and they sometimes set up a stall selling tea and coffee,” explains BAM site agent, Robert Pike. “We would often chat to them during breaks, so our team got to know the people at the charity quite well. We all felt we wanted to do something to help.” PERSONAL CHALLENGE It was Network Rail scheme project manager Patrycja Grzesik who first
approached the charity about fundraising. That resulted in her setting herself a gruelling personal challenge to cycle 500 miles in four weeks. “I never saw myself as the fundraising type before, but I thought even if I get £100 that would be a big help for them. I set myself the deadline as a motivation to go out every day. I raised over £500, so it was painful but worth it! “I got a real sense of achievement from helping other people and I’m quite proud of having pushed myself to achieve it.” Meanwhile, Rob spoke to the charity about how the rail team could support them using its available resources. Catching Lives offers practical help and support for homeless and vulnerable people in the local area. Its day centre
offers clients help with accessing accommodation, mental health support, looking for work, daily meals, showers and laundry facilities. It was the laundry room that required attention. “They had a lot of damp issues and it was badly in need of some decoration,” says Rob. “We allocated three days to help them clear out the whole room and then we removed all the old flaky paint, treated the walls and repainted.” PART OF THE COMMUNITY With almost 20 years’ experience between them on rail construction projects, both Patrycja and Rob know that getting on well with neighbours shows that we care about the people who live and work near our sites. “We had been working in the area for
quite a long time with the trucks coming and going. The community had been very patient, so this was an opportunity to give something back,” says Rob. “It’s very satisfying to be able to help out in any way we can and the centre users really appreciated our efforts.” For Patrycja, the fundraising and community support backs up the work being done in her day job, to improve access at stations across the region. “It’s very satisfying to be involved in these schemes,” she says.“Something Carl Martin, the accessibility lead for GTR, said about this really inspired me. He uses a wheelchair himself and said that to some people a lift is just a lift, but for others it means access to transport, which means access to life. That made me feel quite proud of the work we do.”
Want us to feature your team? Get in touch at shield@networkrail.co.uk
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THE SHIELD ISSUE 36, JUNE 2022
EASTER SUN DAYS
A variety of projects in and around at Clapham Junction station were among work carried out during Easter
Warm weather a welcome bonus as planned work was delivered safely over the Easter weekend NEVER MIND bunnies and chocolate, across the Southern region the Easter weekend was all about hi-vis and heavy plant as track teams tackled a range of improvement work. Bank holiday sunshine and blue skies meant it was warm but dry work as dozens of key projects were completed safely. Among the major work was gantry, signal post and track monitoring installations at Clapham Junction station – part of the Victoria resignalling and recontrol project. Also on Sussex Route, work continued on the high profile revamp of Gatwick Airport station, as well as demolition of an old
Royal Mail sorting office next to East Croydon station. The demolition forms part of long-term plans to relieve congestion at one of the country’s most notorious rail bottlenecks. On Wessex Route, a series of level crossing work and cable installations were carried out as part of phases 2 and 3 of the Feltham resignalling project. Other work over Easter included ballasting work in Buriton Tunnel and a points refit at Eastleigh. The Easter weekend was also an opportunity to carry out important plain line track work, such as on Kent Route, where 812 yards was renewed with 26 yards of re-railing between Gravesend and Higham.
What do you think? Get in touch – shield@networkrail.co.uk