SAFETY
Welcome
Work Safe, Home Safe / HSQE Team
World Suicide Prevention Day
New patrollers enhance safety and wellbeing on Scotland’s Railway
Quick tips for working outside during summer
Vital’s near-term science-based targets validated by the SBTi, reinforcing our commitment to a sustainable future
Safety alerts
Charities & support services
Office locations
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Welcome
Why Behaviours Matter Lessons from Recent Incidents
Over the past few months, we have seen how small behavioural choices on site, whether it is a shortcut, unclear communication, or an assumption about access, can escalate into incidents with serious consequences
These events remind us that safety is not only about the rules or the information detailed within our SSOW or site documentation It is about the decisions we all make in the moment Choosing to double check, to challenge, to stop and think
These behaviours protect not only your own safety but also the wellbeing and livelihoods of those working alongside you A single misstep can lead to investigation, suspension, or in the worst cases, life changing injuries
Equally, a single safe choice can prevent these outcomes The responsibility is shared by all of us, every shift
Recent investigations across the industry have highlighted some recurring themes: communication not being clear enough, protection or access arrangements being assumed rather than confirmed, and people to taking shortcuts
None of these decisions are made with the intention of creating harm, but the outcomes can be severe
What may feel like saving a few minutes can quickly lead to an unsafe situation that affects an entire team, and put everyone at risk
Safety leadership is not defined by job title It is about demonstrating safe choices, speaking up when something does not look right, and supporting those around you to work correctly
Every member of our workforce has the ability to influence safety culture by modelling the right behaviours
By focusing on the simple habits of checking, communicating, and challenging, we can prevent incidents before they occur
As we move forward, let us commit to learning from recent events and applying those lessons in our daily work
Small, positive behaviours add up to safer outcomes, stronger teams, and greater confidence in the way we deliver our projects.
If you ever feel unsure or need support, please reach out to one of the VHRL HSQE team
We are here to help you work safely and with confidence
Adam
Jones, Head of Safety
Work safe, Home Safe
What do we mean by Work Safe, Home Safe?
We mean that we are fit and prepared for 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
Head of Safety
Adam Jones
Adam Jones@vital uk com
07717 306 852
Health and Safety Champion
Leon Richards
Leon Richards@vital uk com
My Idea
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:
World Suicide Prevention Day
Suicide is not inevitable. You can interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts. You can save a life.
This World Suicide Prevention Day, Wednesday 10 September, we ’ re helping to share Samaritans one important message: If you think someone might be suicidal, take action, interrupt their thoughts and show them you care Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK or Ireland dies by suicide and 1 in 4 of us has had suicidal thoughts
Suicidal thoughts can be interrupted
We surveyed people with lived experience of suicide and the majority told us that their suicidal thoughts have been interrupted
60% said their suicidal thoughts had been interrupted by someone close to them, like a friend or family member
14% said their suicidal thoughts had been interrupted by a stranger or someone they didn’t know
Anyone can interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts
Small interruptions you make and actions you take could help someone who is suicidal
You don’t have to be an expert to save someone ’ s life
In response to a survey carried out by Samaritans, many people with lived experience recalled times when those close to them, such as family members or friends, had interrupted their suicidal thoughts
“A close work friend said they had noticed I was looking quite down and they were worried that I might be at risk of suicide again It made my thoughts pause ”
Others talked about times when people they were less close to, even total strangers, interrupted their suicidal thoughts.
“What stayed with me? A total stranger cared enough to speak kindly to me at a time when I was at my lowest.”
You don’t have to be an expert or know the exact ‘right’ thing to say Being there and showing that you care can make all the difference Try to listen with empathy and without judgement to help the person open up about how they’re feeling, and don’t be afraid to ask someone if they’re feeling suicidal
Be there for them in the moment
If you ’ re worried about someone, stay with them and let them know you ' re there for them
Listen without judgement
Conversations about mental health and suicide can feel daunting, but when someone is burdened with carrying around worries and difficult thoughts, having someone there to listen can make all the difference
Show that you really care
Asking how someone is feeling shows that you really care You don’t have to be an expert to help someone when they’re feeling suicidal By simply asking how they’re feeling you can show them that they’re not alone and that someone cares
Let’s prevent suicide today. Because tomorrow’s too late.
Need support? Call 116 123 to speak to a Samaritan
Source: Samaritans
New patrollers enhance safety and wellbeing on Scotland’s Railway
A new Vital Team is being introduced to strengthen our safeguarding patrollers across central Scotland The team will be deployed at stations identified as priority locations, with a focus on enhancing safety, supporting vulnerable individuals, and promoting wellbeing This initiative reflects our continued commitment to ensuring that stations remain safe, welcoming, and supportive environments for all passengers
The team, introduced by Network Rail Scotland and provided by Vital, is specially trained to respond to a range of situations including mental health crises, trespassing, and antisocial behaviour These incidents not only pose a serious risk to those involved but can also lead to disruption across the rail network
Patrollers have already been introduced at a station in Glasgow Since October 2024, their presence has helped reduce incidents at the station by 40%, boosted train performance significantly, and improved the overall passenger experience
Neil Cook, route crime manager at Network Rail Scotland, said: “The introduction of this new team is an important step in how we care for people across our railway, giving us greater flexibility to respond quickly and effectively to situations where support is needed most
“Our safeguarding patrollers are trained to recognise when someone may be in distress and to step in calmly and with empathy. Their presence can make a real difference, not only by helping to prevent incidents from escalating, but also creating a more welcoming and supportive environment at our stations.
“We want everyone who uses the railway to feel safe, respected and looked after, and this team plays a significant role in helping us achieve that ”
The safeguarding team will operate across key locations and be able to respond quickly to areas experiencing increased incidents or requiring additional support As well as providing a frontline presence, they’ll work closely with the British Transport Police and other relevant organisations such as the Samaritans to ensure a coordinated response where more specialist intervention may be required
Danielle Rowley, head of policy and communications at Samaritans Scotland, said: “One aspect of our vision is that everyone in Scotland is able to access the right help and support when needed, and we work closely with Network Rail to assist people who may be vulnerable and in need of help
“It’s important to have trained personnel who can recognise when someone may be in distress and be able to offer the right support We’re glad to see the implementation of new patrollers at key stations as a positive step towards ensuring people can receive help where and when they need it most.”
Quick tips for working outside during summer
Working outdoors in summer brings extra health and safety risks Most problems can be avoided with simple precautions, but knowing how to respond quickly is important
Ticks – These small insects live in grass and vegetation and sometimes carry Lyme disease They attach to the skin, often in warm areas like behind knees or underarms After outdoor work, check your body and clothing carefully If you find a tick, remove it slowly with tweezers or a removal tool, clean the area, and monitor for a red bullseye rash or flu-like symptoms Seek medical help if these occur Protective clothing helps reduce risk
Wasps – Active in warm months, especially around food, drink, and rubbish A sting is painful but usually clears up with washing, cooling, and antihistamines. However, allergic reactions are serious: swelling of face or mouth, breathing problems, or dizziness require a 999 call. Prevent stings by keeping food covered and reporting wasp activity
Adders – The UK’s only venomous snake They are shy but may bite if disturbed Bites cause swelling and pain and need urgent hospital treatment Call 999 immediately, keep the person calm and still, and remove tight items near the bite Do not cut, suck, or tourniquet the wound Adders are legally protected never harm or handle them Stay safe by watching where you step and avoiding undergrowth with your hands
Sun and UV Protection – UV rays damage skin even on cloudy days and increase cancer risk over time Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen (UVA and UVB) every two hours, especially to exposed areas like neck, ears, and arms Hard hats and safety glasses help but don’t replace protection Keeping sun cream handy is important for long shifts
Hydration and Heat – Working in PPE increases dehydration risk Drink water regularly, not just when thirsty Check urine colour as a guide pale is healthy, dark means you need more fluids Avoid energy and high-caffeine drinks
Heat Illness – Early signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, faintness, headaches, cramps, or nausea Move to shade, loosen clothing, cool down, and sip water. If untreated, this can develop into heat stroke, which is life-threatening. Warning signs include confusion, collapse, or very hot dry skin call 999 immediately.
Look Out for Each Other
Watch colleagues for confusion, unsteadiness, flushed skin
Plan tasks around hottest parts of the day when possible Use shade/mess rooms for breaks
Apply sun cream before going outside Keep hydrated and encourage your team to do the same
Vital’s near-term science-based targets validated bythe SBTi, reinforcing our commitment to a sustainable future
We are proud to announce that Vital Human Resources Ltd has reached a major sustainability milestone. Our near-term targets have officially been validated by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi).
This validation reflects our deep commitment to meaningful climate action and aligns us with global efforts to keep temperature rise below the critical 1 5°C threshold According to the latest IPCC report - described by the UN as “code red for humanity” - staying within this limit is still possible, but it demands urgent and substantial reductions in emissions
With this validation, Vital joins a growing number of over 8000 organisations committed to science-based emissions reductions that support global climate targets
What this means for Vital
SBTi Services has classified Vital’s scope 1 and 2 target ambition in conformance with the SBTi Standards and Guidance. This means, we ’ ve committed to set near-term company-wide emission reductions in line with climate science with the SBTi
To gain SBTi approval, Vital conducted a comprehensive carbon inventory over the past year, evaluating emissions across all scopes and subcategories in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol This allowed us to establish a clear and accurate emissions baseline From there, we identified our highest-emitting areas and explored actionable strategies to reduce them Using these insights, and with support from the SBTi targetsetting tool, we were able to set science-based targets aligned with climate goals This structured, data-driven approach led to the validation of our near-term targets by the SBTi
Vital’s approved near-terms science-based targets:
Reduce absolute Scope 1 emissions by 58 8% by 2034 from a 2023 baseline
Increase sourcing of renewable electricity to 100% by 2030
Reduce absolute Scope 3 emissions by 35% by 2034 from a 2023 base year
Josh Stodel, PISEP REnvP, Sustainability Manager at Vital, said:
"At Vital, sustainability means acting today without compromising tomorrow We go beyond compliance, with environmental care at the core of our zero-harm goal The validation of our near-term science-based targets by the SBTi is a significant milestone and marks a key step in our commitment to real climate action "
About the SBTi
The SBTi is a corporate climate action organisation that enables companies and financial institutions worldwide to play their part in combating the climate crisis In 2021, the SBTi launched the first ever science-based NetZero Standard to address the inconsistencies in net-zero targets, and allow companies to decarbonise at the pace and scale required to align with the goals of the Paris Agreement and maintain the 1 5°C target
The SBTi establishes and promotes best practices for setting science-based emissions targets, and independently verifies companies' goals This empowers organisations like Vital to align our emissions reduction targets with the latest climate science
Through its comprehensive framework, the SBTi supports committed companies in setting clear, credible, and transparent net-zero targets that are aligned with the goal of limiting global warming to 1 5°C
The SBTi operates as a registered charity, with a dedicated subsidiary responsible for delivering target validation services Its founding partners include CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
This achievement reinforces our ongoing efforts to operate responsibly, reduce our environmental impact, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for everyone
For more information, visit the SBTi website: https://sciencebasedtargets org/
Charities & support services
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.
Office Locations
Manchester (Head Office)
T: 0161 836 7000
E: HeadOffice@vital uk com
The Mill, South Hall Street, off Ordsall Lane, Salford, Manchester, M5 4TP
Bellshill
T: 01698 840 950
E: BellshillRail@vital uk com
10 James Street, Righead Industrial Estate, Bellshill, Lanarkshire
ML4 3LU
Derby
T: 01332 982 470
E: Derby@vital uk com
Ground Floor, Room 30
Derwent House, RTC Business Park, Derby, DE24 8UP
Farnham
T: 01252 964 020
E: Farnham@vital uk com
Unit 10, Guildford Road Trading Estate, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 9PZ
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
Doncaster
T: 01302 244450
E: Doncasterrail@vital uk com
First Floor Offices, Carr House, Heavens Walk, Doncaster, DN4 5HZ
London T: 0203 963 5080
E: CanningTown@vital uk com
Unit 10, Canning Town Business Park, Stephenson Street, London, E16 4SA
Ashford
T: 01233 344 6443
E: Ashford@vital uk com
Eurogate Business Park
Ashford TN24 8XW
Crewe
T: 01270 906 130
E: Crewe@vital uk com
6 Solway Court
Crewe Business Park Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 6LD
Doncaster DNR
T: 01302 496 550
E: ThorpeHouse@vital uk com
Thorpe House, Sidings Court Lakeside, Doncaster DN4 5HZ
