Spring brings a little extra zest in our step ,despite the constant rain. The increase in daylight hours lifts our mood and brings hope of a fruitful year
The increasingly severe weather bought about by climate change brings both risk and opportunity. We as a large organisation have to review these non-financial risks and opportunities annually and report on them. We need to understand both the impact of our operations on the environment, and also the environments impact on us. From this we produce an action plan not only to reduce our impact on our environment but also to have a positive impact on our people, our communities, and our environment.
One recent example was our support through volunteering of a charity that regenerates urban areas through tree planting, this time in our head office city of Salford. It was a great event to participate in along with volunteers from Vital and other companies in the Morson Group. Along with the local litter picking last month we aim to have a positive impact in our communities such as creating local employment, supporting local, small suppliers (SME), and engaging with local schools, colleges and university. Congratulations to all who volunteer, without you none of this would happen. Long may it continue
Thank you, take care
Gareth Morris Group Director, Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental Compliance
What do we mean by Work Safe, Home Safe?
We mean that we are fit and prepared for work At work we work safely with our colleagues and follow the rules We go home in a safe condition, free from harm How
we go about it?
HSEAdviserandSafetyUnit (South)
How would you improve safety?
What are your ideas for innovation?
What would you change? To be in with the chance to with £100 worth of gift vouchers, email us your ideas at:
Our environmental campaign is well underway with colleagues litter picking within our local community Within 30 minutes of starting the task, the team had filled 6 large bags of rubbish collected off the streets around Ordsall, Salford There were lots of local people passing and thanking us for what we were doing. An elderly couple who live in Ordsall chatted with us said it was wonderful to see a local company taking time out to do something good for the environment and the community
The plan is to litter pick at least once a week! Regular litter picking not only keeps these area clean but also sets a positive example for others to follow Extending the efforts to areas like canals and parks will further enhance shared spaces for everyone to enjoy Keep up the great work! Shout out to our team of litter pickers Calli Creacal, Lorraine Reece, Kim Almond, Adam Collier and Awais Ali
Octavius One Team Wessex colleagues safely and successfully completed a 52 hour-weekend possession between Farncombe and Petersfield – on time for the customer and without a single accident or incident The team carried out preparation works to facilitate the installation of modern signalling systems to renew and replace systems the original systems that were installed in the 1970s
Octavius Infrastructure recognise that carrying out complex works within a short period can be very demanding on the health and wellbeing of their workforce To help alleviate the team, Octvavius deployed Vital's state of the art mobile safety bus onsite throughout the 52 hour weekend possession. Equipped with cutting edge technology, hosted by safety advisor Alex Wilson, our welcoming rolling classrooms provided a dynamic training space to enable safety conversations
During breaks, colleagues joined our safety team onboard the bus to discuss the importance issue of fatigue and shared strategies for recognising and managing fatigue
A huge well done to the team for completing the works successfully and caring for the health and wellbeing of everyone.
In our working environment, we must be always be prepared for what our working day will bring Being fit for work can mean many things to different people so please read this brief to get a better understanding of the term
Exploring the term ‘’fit for work’’
Are you fully prepared and ready to travel to and from work?
Is the vehicle you are driving in a roadworthy condition?
Are you free from illness?
Are you on any medication that can effect your working ability?
Are you free from drugs and alcohol?
Do you have the right frame of mind for the day ahead?
Do you have all right tools and equipment for the work to be undertaken?
Have you received a full task brief?
Lessons learned from 2 recent accidents
A person injured their ankle when they fell over after climbing out of a van.
To try and prevent this happening again please remember;
Before stepping out of the vehicle, check for uneven surfaces such as potholes/kerbs or other tripping hazards which may cause you to fall
DON’T jump down – this is bad for your knees, and you are more likely to fall.
Always use steps and handholds if provided
A person injured their knee while walking on ballast.
To try and prevent this happening again please remember;
Always used approved walkways where possible – not only are they safer, but they also reduce the need to walk on ballast and uneven surfaces
Individuals when leaving the infrastructure may not consider risks within the changed walking conditions, which leads to slip, trips and falls
New team members under mentorship – i e Blue Hats may hold little experience walking on ballast, resulting in them taking a little longer to walk to and from sites of works so additional consideration may be considered for them.
During the week you should call your local office contact number during the following times and these numbers are diverted to the person
The speed limit is the absolute maximum you may travel if the conditions and situations are perfect. The speed limit is not a target to achieve.
Do you know your speed limits?
Please remember to always follow the Highway Code, observe speed limits and be aware of variable speed limits and smart motorways
It is your responsibility to know the speed limits for the classification of vehicle you are driving This includes 4x4 pickups such as the Ford Ranger and small vans such as the Ford Transit Connect, which are both classified as a ‘Goods vehicles (not more than 7 5 tonnes maximum laden weight)’
The speed limit is the absolute maximum you can travel at. This doesn’t mean it is safe to drive at this speed in all conditions. You should also note road, traffic and weather conditions and adjust your speed accordingly
Please plan your journeys, do not rush, and leave in plenty of time.
The Northbound Tyne Tunnel is set to be closed on 36 weekends for scheduled maintenance which will ensure the longevity of the tunnels for generations to come. The maintenance will begin on 3 May for one weekend of initial works, then recommence on 7 June and end on 3 March 2025 - with the exception of the Great North Run weekend and the three weekends across the festive period when the tunnels will remain fully open To cause minimum disruption, both tunnels will remain open as usual, from Monday to Friday during peak times
Why this is happening:
The operator of the tunnels, TT2, was appointed by the local authorities that own the infrastructure to manage the toll road in 2007 - during the construction of the second tunnel, and the refurbishment of the first This management contract is now halfway through its 30-year term and as with all major infrastructure projects, periodic maintenance is required
What to expect:
On the weekends when maintenance is being carried out on the Northbound tunnel, drivers will cross the river using the Southbound tunnel which will act as bi-directional - a single lane carrying traffic north, and a single lane going south
Closures will begin at 8PM on the Friday of each scheduled weekend with normal operation resuming on the following Monday at 6AM.
Information and updates on the scheduled works can be found by visiting the website below https://www tt2 co uk/northbound-works/ 7
Little By Little, A Little Becomes A Lot. The theme of stress awareness month highlights the transformative impact of consistent, small positive actions on over-all wellbeing
We encourage you to focus on making manageable adjustments to your daily routine While the impact of small actions on their own may seem little, the cumulative effects of these habits can end up being profound!
Use Stress Awareness Month to make it routine to prevent stress and support mental health at work, and encourage others in the industry too
Manchester (Head Office)
T: 0161 836 7000
E: HeadOffice@vital uk com
The Mill, South Hall Street, off Ordsall Lane, Salford, Manchester, M5 4TP
Cardiff
T: 029 2083 9955
E: Cardiff@vital uk com
The Laurels, Heol Y Rhosog, Springmeadows Business Park, Rumney, Cardiff, CF3 2EW
Derby T: 01332 982 470
E: Derby@vital uk com
Ground Floor, Room 30 Derwent Caxtor House, RTC Business Park, Derby, DE24 8UP
Abercynon T: 01443 809 950
E: Abercynon@vital uk com
G16/17 Ty Cynon, Navigation Park, Abercynon, CF45 4SN
Birmingham
T: 0121 809 3010
E: birminghamrail@vital uk com
Olton Wharf
7-9 Richard Road
Solihull
West Midlands B92 7RN
Bellshill T: 01698 840 950
E: BellshillRail@vital uk com
10 James Street, Righead Industrial Estate, Bellshill, Lanarkshire ML4 3LU
Crewe
T: 01270 906 130
E: Crewe@vital uk com
6 Solway Court
Crewe Business Park
Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 6LD
T: 01302 308 080
E:
Doncaster T: 01302 244450
E: Doncasterrail@vital uk com
First Floor Offices, Carr House, Heavens Walk, Doncaster, DN4 5HZ
Newcastle T: 0191 300 0433
E: Newcastle@vital uk com
Farnham T: 01252 964 020
E: Farnham@vital uk com
Unit 10, Guildford Road Trading Estate, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 9PZ
London T: 0203 963 5080
E: CanningTown@vital uk com Unit 10, Canning Town Business Park, Stephenson Street, London, E16 4SA Market Rasen
Spaceworks, Benton Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE7 7LX
