Aug 24 Vital NL

Aug 2024

SAFETY NEWSLETTER

vital.uk.com

Contents Aug 2024 Welcome

Page 3

Work Safe, Home Safe / HSQE Team

Page 4

Our new safety vehicle

Page 5

Driver fatigue

Page 6-7

It’s good to talk

Page 8-9

Sun and skin cancer

Page 10

Staying hydrated at work

Page 11

Top 10 Driving Tips

Page 12-13

Modern Day Slavery

Page 14

NR Lifesaving Rules

Page 15

Drugs & Alcohol

Page 16

Safety alerts

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Office locations

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Welcome Welcome to our August Safety Newsletter I hope you are enjoying some warmer weather and sunshine.

Please remember the Drugs and Alcohol rules for working on the railway. As you are probably aware, we have increased the random testing by 4 times, so many hundreds more of you will be subject to random / unannounced screenings.

Recently, we have had a serious road traffic accident while our frontline workers were driving home from a work shift. This accident is still under investigation to establish the immediate cause so we cannot make specific comments, but it is important that we learn lessons from our investigations to try and prevent accidents like this happening again.

Our top safe driving tips are; Drive within the speed limit.

Keep your distance from vehicles in front of you.

Driver and passengers wear your seatbelts.

Adjust your driving according to road and weather conditions.

Don’t drive distracted, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or sleepy.

Do not use your mobile phone, even hands-free.

Thank you, Go well, Gareth Morris, Morson group HSQE Director

As I am sure you are aware, driving on our roads is dangerous, and driving back to your place of rest after work is a time of great risk. We are naturally more tired driving after a work shift than we were driving before it, and it is often when we are naturally tired in the early hours of the morning.

It is important that if we feel drowsy that we stop at the earliest, safe opportunity in a place of safety and take a break and get out of the vehicle. Only start driving again when you are feeling more alert, refreshed, and fit to drive.

Every year thousands of people are killed in road traffic accidents, and thousands more suffer serious, life-changing injuries. The roads are a dangerous place, so we really need to concentrate all the time.

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Work safe, Home Safe 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 do we go about it?

We follow 5 Brilliant Basics 1. Be fit and ready for work, physically and mentally 2. Always follow the rules – no short cuts 3. If unsure, Take Five, stop work and ask 4. If anything is unsafe, Take Five, stop work and report 5. Treat each day like Day 1, do not be complacent What are we doing behind the scenes to make us successful at what we do?

1. We put people at the centre of what we do 2. We analyse mistakes very rigorously 3. We try to create an open atmosphere where everyone can speak up 4. We are willing to fix what is wrong if it is under our control 5. We relentlessly pursue new work and new opportunities 6. We never give in to complacency

HSQE Team

My Idea How would you improve safety?

HSQE Director Gareth Morris, Morson International - Manchester Gareth.Morris@morson.com 07736 657 039

HSE Adviser and Safety Unit Keith Wright Keith.Wright@vital.uk.com 07717 306 775

Health and Safety Accident and Investigation Lead Jane Hepburn Jane.Hepburn@vital.uk.com 07717 306 797

HSE Adviser and Safety Unit (South) Alex Wilson - Cardiff, Farnham, Milton Keynes (South) and Canning Town.

Alex.Wilson@vital.uk.com 07717 306 811

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: MYIDEA@VITAL.UK.COM

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Our new safety vehicle We are excited to announce the arrival of our new safety conversation vehicle, specifically designed to engage and brief our workforce more efficiently and comfortably. One of the new features includes solar panels installed on the roof, providing an eco-friendly energy source to power the facilities inside.

The new vehicle will travel to site and spend stationary time with staff from a training and health and safety perspective. The new vehicle includes a set of auxiliary batteries and solar roof panels. These elements are used to provide the necessary power to run all the ancillary electrical components, such as the water boiler for hot drinks, handwash and lighting in the vehicle. This system allows the vehicle to be stationary without the need to run the vehicle engine, in turn preventing unnecessary idling, causing wear and tear which can cause other issues such as diesel particular filter problems The new vehicle is a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in workforce safety. We look forward to using it to ensure a safer working environment for everyone.

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Driver fatigue Driver fatigue is a serious problem resulting in many thousands of road accidents each year. It is not possible to calculate the exact number of sleep related accidents, but research shows that driver fatigue may be a contributory factor in up to 20% of road accidents, and up to one quarter of fatal and serious accidents.

These types of crashes are about 50% more likely to result in death or serious injury as they tend to be high speed impacts because a driver who has fallen asleep cannot brake or swerve to avoid or reduce the impact.

Sleepiness reduces reaction time (a critical element of safe driving). It also reduces vigilance, alertness and concentration so that the ability to perform attention-based activities (such as driving) is impaired. The speed at which information is processed is also reduced by sleepiness. The quality of decision-making may also be affected.

It is clear that drivers are aware when they are feeling sleepy, and so make a conscious decision about whether to continue driving or to stop for a rest. It may be that those who persist in driving underestimate the risk of falling asleep while driving. Or it may be that some drivers choose to ignore the risks (in the way that drink drivers do).

Crashes caused by tired drivers are most likely to happen: On long journeys on monotonous roads, such as motorways.

Between 2am and 6am.

Between 2pm and 4pm (especially after eating, or taking even one alcoholic drink).

After having less sleep than normal.

After drinking alcohol.

If taking medicines that cause drowsiness.

After long working hours or on journeys home after long shifts, especially night shifts.

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How to avoid falling asleep at the wheel: The Highway Code (Rule 91) gives the following advice: Driving when you are tired greatly increases your accident risk. To minimise this risk.

Make sure you are fit to drive. Do not begin a journey if you are tired. Get a good night's sleep before embarking on a long journey.

Avoid undertaking long journeys between midnight and 6am, when natural alertness is at a minimum.

Plan your journey to take sufficient breaks. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended.

If you feel sleepy, stop in a safe place. Do not stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway.

The most effective ways to counter sleepiness are to drink, for example, two cups of caffeinated coffee and to take a short nap (up to 15 minutes).

Most of the things that drivers do to try to keep themselves awake and alert when driving is ineffective and should only be regarded as emergency measures to allow the driver time to find somewhere safe to stop.

Drinking at least 150 mg of caffeine and taking a nap of around 15 minutes are the only measures that help to reduce sleepiness. But even these are temporary measures; sleepiness will return if the driver does not stop driving within a fairly short period of time.

The safest option is for drivers to avoid driving when sleepy, when they would normally be sleeping or when they are ill or taking medication which contra-indicates driving or using machinery. It is crucial that drivers plan journeys, especially long ones involving driving on motorways or other monotonous roads.

Drivers should: Try to ensure they are well rested, and feeling fit and healthy (and not taking medication which contra-indicates using machinery), before starting long journeys.

Plan the journey to include regular rest breaks (at least 15 minutes at least every two hours).

If necessary, plan an overnight stop.

Avoid setting out on a long drive after having worked a full day.

Avoid driving into the period when they would normally be falling asleep.

Avoid driving in the small hours (between 2am and 6am).

Be extra careful when driving between 2pm and 4pm (especially after having eaten a meal or drunk any alcohol).

If feeling sleepy during a journey, stop somewhere safe, take drinks containing caffeine and take a short nap.

Take breaks somewhere safe and legal (never stop on the hard shoulder) and stop for at least 15 minutes for every 2 hours driving time. Don’t stay within your vehicle get out and walk around were ever it is safe to do so. Be aware that some service stations charge for parking over a permitted time.

Never try and tackle tiredness with eating or drinking, turning up the radio or winding the window down whilst still driving. These measures simply do not work.

In some circumstances the company shall provide you with accommodation to reduce the risk of fatigue caused by excessive driving. In such circumstances you must ensure you stay in the accommodation provided and do not choose to travel back and forth to work.

Accommodation is provided to ensure your safety. Failure to comply with this instruction will lead to disciplinary action.

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It’s good to talk When asked to explain the term “fit for duty”, most workers advised they must be physically fit, free from illness that prevent them from completing their duties, some even reference zero drugs and alcohol. Very few mention Mental Health as a reason they are not fit to complete their duties.

Being fit for duty is used to describe an individual who is in a physical, mental, and emotional state of wellbeing which allows them to complete their work assignments safely and prevent harm or injury to themselves and others.

There are many varied factors that affect our mental health and wellbeing, whether it be our personal life experiences, pressures of work, personal health, or financial worries. At one time or another most people will have experienced mental health concerns.

To enable us all to have a clearer understanding of the difficulties some of our operatives may experience with mental health and wellbeing, Vital have invested in training dedicated teams of mental health first aiders across our entire business, creating an invaluable support network to our workers to utilise where required.

The qualified Mental Health First Aiders are available to offer support/advice or even just a friendly face to listen to your concerns. They offer total confidentiality during any calls, will listen without judgement, whilst guiding you in the right direction to get you back to being you.

NEVER be afraid to bring up issues related to stress, depression, anxiety, or other mental illness.

Lots of people struggle to stay mentally healthy. Mental health does not define us as individuals, it is part of who we are.

It’s OK not to be OK You can request support from a qualified Mental Health First Aider through your local Operations Team or Health and Safety Advisers Alternatively, you can reach out to Vital Senior HR Business Partner, Lorraine Reece t: 07734 292 708 e: Lorraine.Reece@vital.uk.com

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Sun and skin cancer Did you know that skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK with over 50,000 new cases every year. Those most at risk are people who work outside, have pale skin or freckled skin that is prone to burning, people with moles or with a weakened immune system.

Too much sunlight is harmful to your skin. It can cause skin damage including sunburn, blistering and skin ageing, and in the long term can lead to skin cancer such as melanoma. Working outdoors for long periods of time increases our risk of damaging of our skin, or worse, unless proper precautions are taken.

Scan your skin It is important than you scan your skin at least once a month for signs of skin cancer if you have had exposure to sunlight, signs can include: Growth of moles.

Moles that are growing, bleeding or changing in appearance.

Scabby spots and sores that do not clear.

Skin discoloration.

How to save your skin whilst working in the sun: Plan your day - reschedule works to take place during the coolest parts of the day.

Walk and work in the shade as much as possible.

Take frequent short breaks, in a shaded cool area.

Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water.

If possible wear loose and lightweight clothing – speak to your site manager.

Always use sunscreen on all areas of your skin and reapply every two hours. Look for sun protection of at least factor SPF30.

Report any medications that can affect you in hot environment.

Causes of skin cancer Around 80% of all skin cancers are caused by UV radiation that comes with overexposure to the sun and the use of sunbeds.

Other factors that can increase your chances of skin cancer are: Skin type: Skin cancer develops in people of all colours. However, skin cancer is most likely to occur in those who have fair skin, light-coloured eyes, blonde or red hair, tend to burn when exposed to the sun and have a large number of freckles or moles.

Family history: Anyone with a family history of skin cancer has an increased risk of developing the disease.

Age: Anyone of any age can develop skin cancer, but it’s more common in older people as the risk increases with age.

Radiation therapy: Skin cancer is more likely to develop in areas of skin that have been treated with radiotherapy.

A weakened immune system: Taking immunosuppressant medications or having a condition that suppresses your immune system puts you at greater risk of developing skin cancer.

Source. Osborne/Check4Cancer

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Staying hydrated at work Water Facts Our bodies are 50-75% water – dehydration is when we lose more water than we take in.

Being dehydrated by as little as 2% of your bodyweight can have negative effects.

The recommended daily intake of water is 2 litres per day however, the average person in the UK only drinks 1.7 litres.

What happens if you don’t drink enough water?

Dehydration can affect your body and brain in a number of ways.

You may feel: tired find it hard to concentrate experience mild memory problems lack motivation find it takes more effort to complete usual work or daily activities Why do we need water?

While sugar-free drinks, tea, coffee, fruit juice and smoothies are all good ways to maintain hydration, sugar isn’t very good for us and they can also damage our teeth. Tea and coffee also contain caffeine which you may need to keep track of. Water, on the other hand, is healthy and is readily available straight from the tap. Not only is it calorie-free, but it also doesn’t contain any sugar.

Water is involved in every single process in our body.

We need it to: help regulate our temperature keep our joints, eyes and muscles lubricated get rid of waste via sweat, urine or bowel movements water is essential for life. Without it, we would only be able to survive for a few days Top tips to keep you hydrated: have something to drink when you first get up in the morning remember to drink before you get thirsty monitor your fluid intake, factoring in foods. Most of what we eat contains some water, especially fruits and vegetables packing ready-to-eat fruits in sealable plastic bags can be a great way to restore fluids and vitamins during outdoor activities staying hydrated in hot weather can help reduce the risk of heat-related illness

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Top 10 Driving Tips Tip 1: Don’t drive distracted Driver distraction is one of the major causes of road traffic accidents. Nearly 80% of all accidents have distraction as a cause of the accident. Stay focused on the task.

Tip 2: Keep your distance As our roads become increasingly congested just remember, you can’t crash into space! The more space you keep around you, both front and rear, the less chance you will have of a collision. Here’s an alarming fact from the Institute of Advanced Motorists: A sneezing driver can travel as far as 50ft with their eyes closed. Maintaining adequate distance provides a safety buffer should the unexpected occur.

Tip 3: Only a fool breaks the two second rule During dry weather conditions, you should maintain at least two seconds-worth of distance between you and the vehicle in front.

When visibility is low such as during light fog, light rain or nighttime driving, you should double the distance to the car in front to a minimum of four seconds, and in severe weather conditions such as snow and ice, then double the distance again.

Tip 4: More haste less speed In busy congested conditions or in built-up areas, give yourself time. Plan your journey and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. There’s no need to speed and you won’t get there any quicker. Don’t treat speed limits as a target and ensure you are constantly taking road and traffic conditions into account.

Tip 5: Look ahead and anticipate Widen your radar. Then widen it again. Don’t just look at the vehicle in front and in your mirror to observe what is going on immediately around. Anticipate what is happening ahead of you by looking at the furthest point along the road as well as observing the behaviours of those around you. Remember, the average driver reacts to an expected event in 0.7 of a second – but up to three times longer when the event is unexpected or the driver is distracted.

Tip 6: Watch out for road markings Road markings and signs are essential to every driver’s safety. As a general rule of thumb, the more signs and road markings the greater the chance of danger. On the open road, the presence of streetlights will indicate a junction or roundabout coming up – clearly an area of greater danger. Every roundabout in the UK is lit by streetlights at night – a fact not everyone will be aware of.

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Tip 7: Switch off your mobile phone!

It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving or while stopped with the engine running – unless it’s in hands-free mode. If you break this law, even if you are otherwise driving safely, you could face a fine of £100 and three penalty points on your licence. While it’s an offence to be seen holding a mobile phone, regardless of whether driving has been affected or not, this is not the case for phones in hands-free mode.

However, if you are seen not to be in control of a vehicle whilst using a phone in hands-free mode you can be prosecuted for that offence.

Tip 8: Eyesight – get it checked!

Ideally, you should take an eye test with an optician every two years, or immediately if you suspect you have a problem with your eyesight. Don’t let vanity get in the way. If you need prescription lenses for driving, you must wear them whenever you drive and, for summer driving, ensure your sunglasses have prescription lenses, too.

Tip 9: Don’t drive tired Driving when tired is a significant contributory factor in road crashes and you should plan your journey so you have time to take breaks. As a guideline, you should take a break of at least 15 minutes whenever you have driven continuously for two hours, or less than this if you begin to experience fatigue whilst driving.

Short, frequent, breaks should be taken when you’re fatigued. It’s always best to go for a walk to get some fresh air and stretch your muscles. A tea, coffee, or other caffeinated drink would be a wise perk-me-up.

Tip 10: Vehicle condition checks are crucial And finally – the most obvious tip of all, but arguably the most important. Ensuring that your vehicle is serviced regularly in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations will help to avoid breakdowns and accidents caused by vehicle faults. You must also check the following regularly, and before every long journey: All fluid levels including oil and water Tyre tread depth and pressures Headlights and indicators Take extra care with tyres. The legal limit for minimum tread depth on tyres is 1.6mm. If a tyre has any sidewall damage it should be replaced immediately. Worn or damaged tyres are not only dangerous, they are illegal – with a fine of up to £2,500 plus three penalty points per tyre.

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Modern Day Slavery What is Modern Day Slavery?

You might think slavery is a thing of the past. But unfortunately, modern slavery could be closer than you think and is in fact present across the UK today. There are thought to be over 130,000 people trapped in modern slavery in the UK, with almost 17,000 possible cases referred to the authorities in 2022 alone.

Modern slavery is when someone is exploited by others, for commercial, personal, or other gain.

They can be tricked, or persuaded by force or threats, but they all lose their freedom. This includes human trafficking, servitude, forced labour or debt bondage.

Although the Construction and Rail industries have made improvements in stamping out modern slavery, they are still seen as high-risk sectors.

What are the signs?

There are a range of signs that could indicate trafficking or forced labour. Not all the signs will apply in every case, and some may not be immediately apparent but may include: Restricted freedom: Victims may not be able to travel to or from site on their own or show signs that their movements are controlled. They may not have access to documents such as passports, ID or have false documents etc.

Behaviour: Victims may be distrustful or afraid of the authorities, they may not interact with others, avoid eye contact, or appear to have few personal possessions.

Physical appearance: Victims may wear the same clothes to work every day, look undernourished or unkempt and may show signs of physical or psychological abuse, such as untreated injuries or anxiety.

Victims may be reluctant to speak about their situation through fear of reprisal, not being believed, through a feeling of shame, or because they do not know their rights.

If you suspect modern slavery, report it to your manager or call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or text the BT Police on 61016. If you think it’s an emergency, always call 999. Don't leave it to someone else.

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NR Lifesaving Rules

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Drugs & Alcohol We have seen a significant increase in the number of individuals receiving a positive (fail) test result when undertaking random or for cause Drugs & Alcohol testing.

Being under the influence of Drugs or Alcohol impairs an individual’s judgement and reaction times, creating an unsafe working environment for not only yourself, your colleagues but also others working or travelling within the rail infrastructure.

VHRL are committed to complete random D&As on a minimum of 20% of our workforce to comply with NR rules. For cause testing is not considered within the committed 20%. For cause testing will continue to be completed as and when required. Prior to undertaking any activities on or near the line or within a rail office environment you must ensure you are not under the influence of Drugs & Alcohol.

VHRL Drugs & Alcohol policy advises - it is a requirement that any worker holding PTS or assigned to work in a rail office environment must not under any circumstances: Report for duty in an unfit state due to the use of drugs or alcohol.

Use, possess or supply any recreational drugs, drugs of abuse or alcohol that may affect performance and safe working whilst on duty or travelling to/from work.

Consume any drugs or alcohol that may affect performance and safe working whilst on duty or when travelling to/from work.

Any worker producing a ‘positive’ (fail) sample for either drugs or alcohol will be suspended from working on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure for five years and subject to disciplinary proceedings.

A failure or refusal to submit a sample when requested to do so will also be reported as a ‘positive’ (fail) resulting in a five-year suspension being applied.

It is important you notify your office if you are taking any form of prescribed medication, prior to attending any work allocations to allow required checks to be completed. Failing to advise VHRL you are presently taking prescribed medication may result in a positive (fail) test being recorded in the event a D&A test is required.

Attending work allocations under the influence of Drugs or Alcohol is considered to be a breach of Health & Safety regulations. Vital Human Resources Limited operates a zero-tolerance policy in regard to anyone failing to comply with Health and Safety legislation and rules – including but not limited: To take reasonable care for the Health & Safety of yourself and other people at work/travelling in VHRL vehicles.

Any event of negligence that causes or has potential to cause loss, damage, or injury.

VHRL offer confidential assistance programmes to individuals who declare drugs/alcohol dependency.

However, we can only help individuals who reach out for assistance before it’s too late. Remember testing can be conducted without warning, at any site location, either day or night. For further details on this matter or any other safety issues, please contact your local safety advisor.

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Office Locations Manchester (Head Office) T: 0161 836 7000 E: HeadOffice@vital.uk.com

Abercynon T: 01443 809 950 E: Abercynon@vital.uk.com

Ashford T: 01233 344 644 E: Ashford@vital.uk.com

The Mill, South Hall Street, off Ordsall Lane, Salford, Manchester, M5 4TP

G16/17 Ty Cynon, Navigation Park, Abercynon, CF45 4SN

Unit 12, Oak Tree Business Park Orbital Park Ashford TN24 0SQ

Bellshill T: 01698 840 950 E: BellshillRail@vital.uk.com

Birmingham T: 0121 809 3010 E: birminghamrail@vital.uk.com

Cardiff T: 029 2083 9955 E: Cardiff@vital.uk.com

10 James Street, Righead Industrial Estate, Bellshill, Lanarkshire ML4 3LU

Olton Wharf 7-9 Richard Road Solihull West Midlands B92 7RN

The Laurels, Heol Y Rhosog, Springmeadows Business Park, Rumney, Cardiff, CF3 2EW

Crewe T: 01270 906 130 E: Crewe@vital.uk.com

Derby T: 01332 982 470 E: Derby@vital.uk.com

Doncaster T: 01302 244450 E: Doncasterrail@vital.uk.com

6 Solway Court Crewe Business Park Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 6LD

Ground Floor, Room 30 Derwent Caxtor House, RTC Business Park, Derby, DE24 8UP

First Floor Offices, Carr House, Heavens Walk, Doncaster, DN4 5HZ

Doncaster DNR T: 01302 496 550 E: ThorpeHouse@vital.uk.com

Farnham T: 01252 964 020 E: Farnham@vital.uk.com

London T: 0203 963 5080 E: CanningTown@vital.uk.com

Thorpe House, Sidings Court Lakeside, Doncaster DN4 5HZ

Unit 10, Guildford Road Trading Estate, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 9PZ

Unit 10, Canning Town Business Park, Stephenson Street, London, E16 4SA

Uxbridge T: 01895 545 520 E: Uxbridge@vital.uk.com 54a Cowley Road Uxbridge UB8 2FX

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Safety Newsletter Aug 2024

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