Welcome
Work Safe, Home Safe / HSQE Team
Complacency: the silent safety killer
Close calls, faults & incidents
Collaborative site visit & safety stand down
Testicular cancer
Stay safe in the sun
Walk to boost your mood
Driving in Spring tips
Parking fines and penalty charge notices
Safety alerts
Charities & support services
Office locations
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This month, I want to talk about something that doesn’t always get flagged in a safety briefing but is often behind the most serious incidents we face - Complacency.
It’s not a broken procedure. It’s not a missing tool. It’s that quiet voice in your head that says, “I’ve done this a hundred times. It’ll be fine.”
That’s the trap. Whether you are trackside, lifting or planning the shift ahead. The biggest risk often isn’t the task itself, it’s our mindset when we carry it out.
When something becomes familiar, it starts to feel safe. When it feels safe, we stop questioning it and when we stop questioning it, we open the door to assumptions, shortcuts, and unchallenged habits, until one day, something small changes and we’re not ready for it.
The truth is, most of the incidents we investigate don’t happen because someone didn’t know better. They happen because someone stopped seeing the risk, they got comfortable, they got caught out, even the best planning doesn’t reduce risk if we allow our mindset to drift into “It’ll be fine” territory when we’re out there doing the job.
But here’s something just as importantcomplacency doesn’t only put us at risk, it puts everyone around us at risk too.When we notice someone drifting into that “I’ll be fine” space and say nothing, the danger grows. One person taking a shortcut is risky enough but when that attitude spreads across a team, each “It’s only once” adds up. Before long, the real risk isn’t just the task it’s the culture we allow.
This month’s issue is about calling that out. About spotting complacency in ourselves and in others, challenging it, and staying sharp especially when the job feels routine Because safety isn’t just about following process it’s about staying present, staying aware, and looking out for each other.
So, here’s a question..
What task do you know so well, you’ve stopped thinking twice about it?
And what would it take to look at it with fresh eyes not just for yourself, but for your team?
Stay safe, stay vigilant, and let’s make a difference.
Adam Jones, Head of
Safety
What do two world famous magicians have in common with railway workers?
Siegfried and Roy performed with wild animals for decades
They trusted their routines
Controlled the risks
Until one day, it all went wrong Familiarity made them feel safe
But comfort is not control Railway workers face the same hidden danger When we stop questioning what we do, we start creating risk
Are we getting too comfortable with risk?
Complacency doesn’t appear on inspection sheets
It builds quietly through habits, assumptions, and routines
Most incidents don’t happen because people don’t know better
They happen because people stop seeing the risk Over time, shortcuts replace procedures.
“Nothing’s ever gone wrong before” becomes the norm. Until one day it does. What task have you done so manytimes; you no longerthink about it? When was the last time you really questioned your own process? How do you keep complacency from creeping into your shift?
Will you recognise complacency before it becomes the cause of an incident?
Ensuring a safe working environment is a collective responsibility. This safety alert provides essential information on identifying and reporting Close Calls, Faults, Incidents, and Accidents within the railway infrastructure.
Have you ever encountered a situation that felt unsafe but wasn’t reported? Could speaking up today prevent a serious accident tomorrow? Understanding the differences between these categories and taking immediate action can help prevent harm, improve workplace safety, and contribute to a proactive safety culture
Everyone has a role to play in identifying risks, challenging unsafe practices, and ensuring that safety standards are upheld By reporting hazards, unsafe conditions, and safety breaches through the appropriate channels, we can work together to reduce risks and maintain the highest safety standards
Timely and accurate reporting of close calls, faults, incidents and accidents is essential in preventing minor hazards from escalating into serious safety risks Every report submitted helps to identify trends, improve risk management, and strengthen safety measures across the railway network
If a hazard goes unreported, what could be the consequences? By fostering a culture where safety concerns are openly communicated and addressed, we empower individuals to take an active role in keeping themselves and others safe. Your vigilance and commitment to reporting can make a real difference in preventing harm and ensuring the wellbeing of all workers and passengers
An incident/accident is the occurrence of an event which has resulted in a safety loss incident, injury, accident or collision involving people and equipment
Examples include (not limited to):
Derailments
Injury as a result of an accident (minor cuts or major hospital stay)
Injury caused as a result of slips, trips and falls
Oil spills (environmental incident)
Theft
Train striking objects
Trespass where individuals are on or near the infrastructure
Unauthorised working beyond agreed hours, no risk assessment
Fly tipping or non-NR rubbish/materials
Endangered species found i e crested newts
Overloaded wagons that have gone out to traffic
Cut cable as a result of current works (not found)
Life Saving Rule breaches (Operational Close Call / Irregularities)
Unauthorised movement of train within a possession
Person trapped inside a crossing
Working with no valid PTS
Walking on open lines
A fault is identified as an unsafe condition within the railway infrastructure/property that could cause harm or damage and needs to be reported through the correct channels
Examples include (not limited to):
Cracked/broken rails
Hypodermic needles left on a walkway or lineside
Signals not displaying the correct or any aspect
Track defects
Trees or branches leaning dangerously close to operational railway, OHL or restricting view of trains
Wrong side signal failures
Escalator at a station with damaged teeth
Fire door damage or blocked
Unsecured access gates (Once resolved and where there is a behavioural element identified, report as a Close Call)
Broken fencing with direct access to the railway in a high traffic location
Animals/vermin or droppings
Asbestos found/potential asbestos
Japanese Knotweed
Damaged cables with the potential to restrict services
Wasp nests
IT/Software/System/Phone issues must be reported to the IT helpdesk/telephone provider
A Close Call is defined as anything that could have the potential to cause harm or damage but has not done so on this occasion
Examples include (not limited to):
Scrap rail, materials or tools obstructing access points/walkways
Slip/trip hazards across railway infrastructure (i e troughing/sleepers) / office environment
PPE not being worn
Life Saving Rule breaches (Record as an incident/accident first for investigation)
Essential details missing from SWP prior to planned work
Wires left exposed, causing an electrical hazard
Individuals walking up/downstairs using their mobile phone
Liquid spilt on the floor (Report after making the area safe)
Computer/laptop left unattended with screen unlocked
Signage displaying incorrect details (i e chemicals stored incorrectly in the wrong place)
Design Close Calls – Incorrect design documentation produced/incorrect information showing on plans
Station planning – potential train planning crash/duplicate head codes/train too long for platform
Overgrown vegetation, not restricting views
Contracts Manager, John Terry, had the privilege of organising a collaborative site visit and safety standdown with our valued client and our highly skilled civil workforce led by Tony Dryland in Micheldever, working on the 2064 feeder, which spans approximately 5000 meters The session sparked many insightful discussions around near misses and improvement opportunities, with key messages being delivered by our HSE Advisor, Alex Wilson, from our health and safety vehicle
They had the opportunity to join a collaborative site walk with the E&P Framework director James Buckley to observe the progress made so far
John said “I believe it is crucial for senior members from both the client and supplier teams to participate in regular site visits, as it provides the workforce with a platform to voice concerns and engage in open discussions These interactions are vital in ensuring the safety and well-being of our teams, helping them return home safely each day Well done to all involved, please keep up the great work ”
A special thanks to James Buckley, Ryan Keating and Alex Wilson for dedicating time from their busy schedules to make this event possible
April is testicular cancer awareness month and around 2,400 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year in the UK. That’s more than 6 people a day!
Testicular cancer can affect anyone who has testicles including men, trans women and people assigned male at birth It is more likely to happen between the ages of 25-40 but can happen at any age
Testicular cancer is usually curable Being aware of symptoms, how to check for them, and seeing your GP sooner rather than later can help find testicular cancer earlier when it is easier to treat
The main symptom of testicular cancer is a lump or swelling in the testicle
But there may also be other signs and symptoms: swelling in a testicle – this is usually painless, but it may sometimes suddenly get bigger and become painful a dull ache, pain or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
If the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body, it may cause other symptoms such as pain in the lower abdomen (tummy) a cough breathlessness lump in the neck
Are there any causes or risk factors?
Doctors do not yet know what causes testicular cancer But we know some of the risk factors that may increase the chances of developing it These include: Being born with an undescended testicle – Having an undescended testicle as a child increases your risk of testicular cancer The risk may be higher if you did not have surgery to bring the testicle down Family history - Having a brother or father who had testicular cancer gives you a slightly higher risk of getting it Research is looking into whether certain genes may increase the risk Carcinoma in situ (CIS) - Carcinoma in situ (CIS) is when there are abnormal cells in the testicle. If it is not treated, it increases the risk of testicular cancer developing.
From puberty onwards, it is important to check your testicles regularly, for example, every month Doing regularly checks means you will soon get to know what feels normal for you A normal testicle should feel smooth and firm, but not hard It can be easier to check your testicles during, or right after, a warm bath or shower when the scrotal skin is relaxed
Hold your scrotum in the palm of your hand Use your fingers and thumb to examine each testicle You should feel for: lumps or swellings anything unusual differences between your testicles
For more information and how to check for testicular cancer please visit Macmillan’s website www macmillan org uk/cancer-information-and-support/testicular-cancer/how-to-check
May is skin cancer awareness month. So let’s look at the types of cancer, risk factors and how to prevent it.
What is skin cancer?
There are several types of cancer that may start in the skin They can be split into 2 groups depending on the cell they develop from: melanoma non-melanoma, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Melanoma skin cancers
Melanoma skin cancers include superficial spreading melanoma, nodular melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma and acral lentiginous melanoma These types develop from skin cells called melanocytes We have separate information about melanoma It is treated differently to non-melanoma skin cancers
Non-melanoma skin cancers
Non-melanoma skin cancers include basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
BCC is the most common type of skin cancer in the UK It starts in skin cells called basal cells SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer in the UK It develops from the squamous cell layers of the skin
Skin cancer symptoms
Skin cancers can vary in how they look. Always make an appointment with your GP if you have: a new or changing mole any other unusual or unexplained skin changes an itch or sore that will not go away
It might help to take a photograph of anything unusual, so you can check for any changes Remember that there are many other skin conditions that are not cancer, especially in older people
Skin cancer risk factors
The biggest risk factor for skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet light (UV light) This can be through sunlight, or indoor tanning devices such as sunbeds
What can I do to prevent skin cancer?
The best protection is to cover up and be safe in the sun It’s important to check your skin regularly and tell your GP if you notice any unexplained skin changes Using sunbeds or sunlamps also increases your risk of developing skin cancer These devices use high levels of the same harmful UV radiation found in sunlight They are not recommended by healthcare professionals except for specific skin conditions where UV therapy can be used as a prescribed treatment
How can I be safe in the sun?
You can protect your skin by wearing the right clothing, staying in the shade and using suncream Soltan and Macmillan recommend 5* UVA with at least an SPF 30 Usually, the instructions are to reapply every 2 hours, or more often if you have been swimming or exercising Drink plenty of water Cover up with a hat and long sleeves Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck.
Wear UV blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes. In the UK, sun damage to the skin is most likely between 11am and 3pm between March and October But sunlight can be strong enough to cause sunburn at other times of the day and year, and sometimes even on cloudy days Do not use a sunbed or sunlamp If it is important for you to look tanned, use fake tan lotions or sprays
Source: macmillan org
Walking is a simple yet effective exercise that can do wonders for both your physical and mental health Apart from being a great way to stay fit, walking can also boost your mood and make you feel happier and more energised.
Walking can have a profound effect on your mental health, helping to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress Walking outdoors, in natural environments, has been shown to be particularly effective at reducing feelings of anxiety and depression Studies have found that spending time in nature can help to improve mood, increase feelings of well-being, and reduce negative thoughts Walking gives you time to yourself, to collect and distract yourself in a positive way and it’s completely accessible to everyone
Walking is a low-impact exercise that is easy on your joints and can help to improve your cardiovascular health With walking helping to strengthen muscles, improve balance and coordination, as well as keeping bones strong, it’s a great way to get moving
Walking can increase the production of endorphins, which are the natural feel-good chemicals in the brain Endorphins can help to reduce pain, improve mood, and promote feelings of wellbeing Walking can also increase the release of other neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, which can help to improve mood and reduce anxiety
Walking helps to lower levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can build up in response to daily pressures, replacing them with endorphins to boost mood While exercising, blood flow is diverted to the muscles which can help clear the head and make us feel in the here and now, rather than worrying about what’s next. Regular exercise not only helps to get rid of the stress build-up, it can also prevent stress levels from rising in the first place. Making time for something as simple as walking can be beneficial, not only for your work-life balance, but also for your physical and mental well-being. In order to get the best out of your work, you have to be in the right frame of mind and walking is something that can help with this
Winter undoubtedly brings some pretty challenging driving conditions, but spring in the UK is the one season that can subject you to every weather condition on the same day. Hopefully, you can wave goodbye to early mornings spent defrosting the car, but the lighter evenings and warmer days can bring some dangers of their own
April Showers
After heavy use during the winter, the start of spring is the perfect time to give your windscreen wipers a health check Make sure your wipers are clean and check the blades for wear and tear If they leave streaks of water across the glass or judder, they need replacing You should also use screen wash rather than just water to help maintain your visibility
Potholes
Slow down The faster you hit a pothole, the more damage it will do If you do hit a pothole, avoid the temptation to brake as that places extra stress on the suspension and increases the likelihood of damaging your car. Keeping your tyres inflated will also reduce the risk of a puncture or blowout.
Low Sun
Keeping your windscreen clean, wearing sunglasses and using the overhead visor can all reduce the glare and improve visibility at sunrise and sunset The most important tip is to slow down to give yourself more time to react to potential hazards you might not see until the last minute
Aquaplaning
Keeping your speed low in wet conditions will help to reduce the risk of aquaplaning However, if you find you have lost control of your car, try to keep calm You should ease off the brakes, take your foot off the accelerator, keep a firm grip of the steering wheel and try not to steer Once the tyres regain traction, you will feel the steering return to normal
Changes to Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) from 7th April 2025
Please see below information which relates to penalty charge notices issued by the London boroughs Higher Level Charges
Until 6 April Band A: £130 00 Band B: £110 00 th
From 7 April Band A: £160 00 Band: £140 00 th
Lower Level Charges
Until 6 April Band A: £80 00 Band B: £60 00 th
From 7 April Band A: £110 00 Band B: £90 00 th
All parking fines and penalty charges will be deducted and paid for by the driver
Ifyou or someone you know is struggling,there are many organisations that offer free, confidential support:
Andy’s Man Club – A men’s mental health support group providing peer-to-peer conversations in a safe space.
Lighthouse Charity – Supporting the mental health and well-being of construction and rail workers. Call UK: 0345 605 1956, ROI: 1800 939 122, ortext HARD HATto 85258 (UK) or 50808 (ROI).
Samaritans – 24/7 helpline offering emotional support forthose in distress: Call 116 123.
Mind – Mental health charity providing advice and support forthose experiencing difficulties. Get urgent help
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – Focused on suicide prevention, particularly in men: Call 0800 58 58 58.
Rethink Mental Illness – Offering advice, services, and support groups forthose living with mental illness.
Mental health matters just as much as physical health. Ifyou are struggling, know that help is available, and you are not alone.Take the first step—talkto someone, reach out to a support group, or seek professional advice. Small steps can lead to big changes in yourwell-being.
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