Dec 2023
SAFETY NEWSLETTER
vital.uk.com
Contents
December 2023 Welcome
Page 3
Safety Matters / HSQE Team
Page 4
Work Safe, Home Safe
Page 5
Vital News
Page 6-7
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month November
Page 8
Financial Wellbeing
Page 9
VHRL Fleet Briefings
Page 10
Introducing 20mph Speed Limits in Wales
Page 11
Fleet Safety - Winter
Page 12-13
Driving When You Are Tired
Page 14
CIRAS - Confidential Reporting For Safety App
Page 15
CIRAS - Road Safety Tips For Safer Driving
Page 16
Safety Alerts
Page 17
Office Locations
Welcome Hello, I hope you are well? Another year is nearly over so I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of all the management team at Vital to thank you for all your hard and safe work this year, and we look forward to working with you again next year. The environment in which you work can be very challenging, and very dangerous at times if things go wrong. Our safety team, Alex, Keith, Kieran, and Jane work extremely hard with you and our clients to create safe working environments.
In this cold weather, please take extra care. Driving may become extremely hazardous so here are 4 basic tips for safe driving in winter weather. Do not rush Stay alert Stay calm Keep a safe distance Take care out there, and thank you again for all your hard and safe work. Thank you, Gareth Morris
Unfortunately, this year accidents have happened, and Vital workers have been hurt at work. Accidents often happen when rules are not followed. Typically, it is not because of skills fade, but attitude fade. It is important not to take short cuts or deviate from the rules because the consequences when it goes wrong are terrible. For many Christmas time is a time for meeting with family and friends. However, for some, for various reasons it can be a difficult time. It is never too late to reach out for help, and help is at hand from many sources. At Vital we have in house Mental Health First Aiders, and they may signpost you to further help elsewhere.
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Safety Matters Created specifically for our workforce; a multi platform mobile app that has been designed for users to ensure they can report a close call at any time and any place.
Features Include: Simple - Add the information to the form provided and submit Direct - All close calls reported through the app are sent instantly to our Health and Safety mailbox Photograph - Upload supporting images Offline - No network connection required, use the app anywhere
Safety Matters The Close Call Reporting App Available to download NOW!
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
HSE Adviser and Safety Unit (North) Jane Hepburn – Manchester, Solutions, Milton Keynes (North) Doncaster, Market Rasen and Birmingham 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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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
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Vital news Combat2Coffee It's heartening to see initiatives like the one organised by Combat2Coffee alongside Vital and Network Rail at Liverpool Street Station, during the week leading up to Remembrance Sunday. Providing support to Armed Forces veterans and fostering community engagement through simple yet powerful acts, such as sharing a cup of coffee and having conversations, can make a significant difference. The recognition that times can be challenging and that reaching out for help may be difficult, underscores the importance of creating safe and supportive spaces. Projects like Combat2Coffee play a crucial role in offering a support outlet for veterans transitioning to civilian life. The focus on reminding individuals that they are not alone, and the communal aspect of sharing a hot drink can be a comforting and inclusive way to encourage conversations.
Food Bank Collection Vital staff who have been working on a key project at Bletchely Super Depot are supporting Kier Group's Food Bank Collection. We have been donating food for the local community in support of the local food banks in Milton Keynes.
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Vital Trespass and Vandalism Patrollers It’s truly inspiring to hear about the important work that our trespass and vandalism patrollers are doing across the country. We see the dedication and commitment of our staff and how they go above and beyond to make a difference to the safety and security of the public. Their nominations for the RailStaff Awards in the #Samaritans Lifesaver category highlight the significant impact they've had on the well-being and safety of individuals in their communities. The recognition by Network Rail and of course by all at Vital, underscore the value of their efforts and the positive impact they're making. Click here to watch Vital Patrollers
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Fire Walking Challenge On Monday 6th November colleagues from across Morson Group showcased their bravery by participating in a fire walk to raise money for our two Morson Group charities Brain Tumour Research and the British Heart Foundation. We are so proud of our colleagues for surpassing their aim of raising £6,500, with currently £6,947 raised on the JustGiving page! Firewalking, a barefoot walk over red-hot wood embers measuring around 800 degrees, is not just a physical challenge; it's a powerful metaphor for overcoming fears and obstacles. It's about stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing bravery in its truest form and we are very proud of #teammorson #teamvital Thank you to Kirsty Hodgson, our Head of Bids at Morson Group for organising this fundraiser. If you haven't already donated and would like to, click here: https://lnkd.in/e3AA5WMc
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Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month November There’s still a stigma around men’s mental health, making it more difficult for men and boys to reach out for help. Some men might still feel as if people expect them to hide their emotions and “man up,” or be strong for others. Having or acknowledging a mental health condition is still seen as a sign of weakness or lack of masculinity among some men. But mental health conditions aren’t signs of personal weakness ― they’re health conditions just like any other. You wouldn’t feel shame about getting a doctor’s help with a broken arm, and reaching out for professional help isn’t any different. As part of our ongoing commitment to mental health, Vital and men's suicide prevention charity ANDYSMANCLUB have partnered together. ANDYSMANCLUB are making it their mission to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation by providing face to face support groups all over the country. Suicide is the biggest cause of death in men under the age of 45. The charity offers free-toattend peer-to-peer support groups across the UK and online, aiming to end the stigma and help men through the power of conversation. They have reached over 100 million people including Hollywood stars, professional sports people and more. The club has over 120 free support groups nationwide, running every Monday from 7pm except bank holidays. In these groups, men can open up about the storms affecting their lives in a safe, judgement-free and non-clinical environment. Their clubs are designed to be free of pressure, there is no obligation for men to speak, they can simply listen if they wish. So, if on any day you feel you have nowhere to turn or nobody to talk to, these support groups will always be there, so please reach out. Click the links below to find out more or find your nearest group. ANDYSMANCLUB YOUR NEAREST GROUP
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Financial wellbeing The beginning of December marks the countdown to Christmas, so in order to avoid spending a fortune over the festive period you should start planning now. This isn't about early celebration, it's about preparation. There are lots of ways you can reduce the financial stress and avoid debt in January! Plan before you spend! Making a budget will not only help you to limit your spending, but knowing what exactly you need and how much it will cost can help to reduce your financial anxiety. Keep track of your spending Once you've set a budget, keeping track of your spending means you're less likely to bust the budget. Whether it’s by using a notebook, an app on your phone or an excel spreadsheet on your laptop, choose a system that works for you. Pounce on discounts when you see them Make a list of who you need to buy for and whenever you see goods at decent prices, grab, wrap, and stuff them in a Christmas cupboard. Make a list – and check it twice Christmas shopping on impulse is dangerous. So make an old-fashioned shopping list and stick to it. Remember, shops spend a fortune on targeting your spending impulses – a list helps you beat them. Even if you're shopping on the high street, remember to benchmark the prices using shopbots first. Avoid 'buy now, pay later' Tempting as these schemes are, try to avoid them unless you have a plan in place for repaying the loan within the interest-free period. Otherwise, after the 0% phase ends, you’ll be charged an aggressive interest rate and that new sofa, outfit or TV could end up costing you far more. And it could have a negative impact on your credit score if you default on payments. If you really need to borrow, check out cheaper options, such as 0% credit cards or 0% overdrafts. Debt worries over Christmas? Get help If you're struggling with debts, and it's giving you sleepless nights, then free one-on-one debt help is available. They're there to help, not judge. The cost-of-living crisis means more and more people are struggling with debt. But even if you're struggling to make ends meet, your debt problem isn't unsolvable. It might not be easy or quick to resolve, but there's always a route. And the earlier you tackle your debts, the easier they are to deal with. Contact citizens advice for help, click here - debt solutions
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VHRL Fleet briefings Penalty Charge Notice (PCNs) Our fleet department are receiving more and more PCNs where our vehicles are going into railway stations/camera entrances and they are not registering their vehicles with the relevant company who are managing the car parks or the person in charge of the job they are on. There will be signs on all entrances advising that you need to register or pay to enter the area. When accepting any work from our clients can you please make sure you supply them with the registration number of our vehicles allocated to the job so these can be added to the list and stop us receiving the fines. These fines are usually £60.00 for each offence. Your help would be appreciated to save on unnecessary costs and admin. If you have any questions please contact our fleet department fleet@vital.uk.com
Idling Effects and AdBlue Many modern vehicles are fitted with a DPF (Diesel Particular Filter) which removes diesel soot from the exhaust emissions of a diesel engine, and like any other filter, it slowly gets clogged up with the soot that it traps and if not serviced when required most likely fails. There are several ways to ensure the DPF remains in good working order. AVOID IDLING Extended engine idling can cause the DPF to cool down. AVOID ONLY SHORT JOURNEYS Regular short trips can also prevent the engine and exhaust systems from reaching optimal operating temperatures. AVOID STOP-START TRAFFIC IF POSSIBLE Constant driving in heavy traffic with frequent stop-start movements can also hinder the engine and exhaust systems from achieving ideal temperatures. To protect our environment by reducing exhaust emissions, vehicles are fitted with an Adblue tank which will require topping up periodically The frequency of this depends on your driving style and vehicle loading. When the light comes on to advise that fill up is due then you must not ignore this and a top up must be done. Failure to do this will cause the engine management system to reduce engine performance, or in some cases will not allow the engine to start to protect itself from further damage. It is the drivers’ responsibility to check the Adblue level and keep it topped up at all times.
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Introducing 20mph speed limits in Wales The evidence from around the world is very clear – decreasing speeds will reduce collisions, save lives and reduce injuries – helping to improve quality of life and make our streets and local communities safer for all. A public health study estimated that the 20mph default speed limit in Wales could result – every year - in: 40% fewer collisions 6 to 10 lives saved 1200 to 2000 people avoiding injury The change will also: make streets safer for playing, walking and cycling encourage more people to walk, wheel or cycle makes our communities safer improve health and wellbeing reduce noise pollution This is not a blanket change. These changes will affect most 30mph roads, but not all. The law changes the default speed limited on restricted roads. These are usually residential or busy pedestrian streets with streetlights.
How do slower speeds increase safety? The World Health Organisation states that the most effective way to improve pedestrian safety is to reduce the speed of vehicles. In 2022, police force figures indicate that 51% of collisions happened on 30mph roads. A Transport for London report report shows that since 20mph limits were introduced on key roads in London in 2020: the number of overall collisions reduced by 25% collisions involving vulnerable road users decreased by 36% collisions involving people walking decreased by 63% collisions resulting in death or serious injury reduced by 25%. By reducing the default speed, it will make it easier for drivers to stop in time to prevent collisions. According to the Highway Code, in the distance a 20mph car can stop, a 30mph car will still be doing 24mph. Evidence shows a person is around five times more likely to be killed when hit by a vehicle travelling at around 30mph than they are from a vehicle travelling around 20mph.
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Fleet Safety - Winter Winter is coming and it's important to be prepared - and that doesn't just mean making sure your vehicle is ready. Your own driving behaviour and style is just as vital to staying safe on the road when the bad weather hits. In normal dry road conditions, the two-second rule to the car in front still applies, but in wet weather you need to double this, while in icy conditions this should be up to 10 times greater. These extended distances are crucial in poor conditions where the road is slippery. Never think that your reaction times will save you when you're driving too close to the vehicle in front. Remember while you might be comfortable with adverse conditions, others around you might not. Drink driving With Christmas approaching, the number of social events that we attend during the festive period increase. Remember that the alcohol limit for drivers in the UK is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. There is no fool proof way of drinking and staying under the limit. How much alcohol you have to push you over the limit will vary from person to person and depends on various factors: Weight, gender and age are just a few. Remember, if you have had a drink the night before you could still be over the limit! The only safe way of knowing that you are underneath the legal limit is simple. Do not drink and drive at all! Before you set off Allow extra time for winter journeys. Try to get up at least 10 minutes early to give you time to de-ice the car. Check fuel levels - keep at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delay.
Don't drive off like a tank-commander, with a tiny hole cleared in the windscreen. Clear all windows using a scraper and deicer. Where possible plan routes to favour major roads which are more likely to be cleared and gritted Low sun Low sun, especially during sunrise and sunset, can create intense glare that significantly impairs visibility on the road. The angle of the sun during these times aligns perfectly with our line of sight, causing a blinding effect that makes it difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles ahead. Use sunglasses: Invest in high-quality sunglasses with polarized lenses to reduce glare. Keep them within easy reach in your car, ensuring you can quickly put them on when needed. Keep windshield clean: A clean windshield is essential to minimize glare. Make sure your windshield is free from dirt, streaks, and smudges, both inside and out. Dirty glass can intensify the blinding effect of the sun. Increase following distance: Maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This extra space provides you with more reaction time in case the vehicle in front suddenly stops. Adjust your speed: Drive at a speed that allows you to react quickly to unexpected situations. Slowing down slightly in low sun conditions gives you more time to assess the road ahead and make necessary manoeuvres. Use your visor: Lower your car's sun visor to block out direct sunlight. You can also angle it to the side to further reduce glare coming from the side windows. 12
Snow and ice Take it slow - with stopping distances 10 times longer, gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving in ice and snow. High winds Gusts are more likely on open stretches of road, when passing bridges or gaps in hedges, or when overtaking high-sided vehicles. Wind can bring down tree branches, blow you off course or blow other vehicles into your path. Keep your speed down, take extra care when around Cyclists and Motorbikes Heavy rain & floods Driving fast through water is dangerous, inconsiderate and can end up being very expensive. Your tyres can lose contact with the road, causing you to lose steering control - called aquaplaning. If you feel it happening, hold the steering lightly and lift off to slow down gently until your tyres grip again. At anything above a slow crawl you'll throw water onto pavements, soaking pedestrians or cyclists. It is not only a lack of care from Pedestrians and cyclist it could also get you a fine and points on your licence for this. If you break down don't prop the bonnet open while you wait. Rain-soaked electrics can make it harder to start the engine.
Be prepared! Breakdowns are more common in the winter and road conditions can be really challenging, especially when snow and ice strike. No matter how well equipped your own car is, if a lorry jack-knifes ahead of you, you'll be stuck along with everyone else, so if you're driving, pack a winter emergency kit, just in case. Keep in your car throughout the winter: 1. Warm clothing, hat, gloves, scarf & footwear 2. Water proof jacket 3. in car charger or power pack 4. Sunglasses 5. "First Aid' kit 6. Blanket, rug or sleeping bag 7. Shovel 8. Ice scraper and de-icer 9. Torch and batteries 10. Snacks - chocolate or cereal bars 11. Drinks - water or juice 12. Extra screen wash Modern cars come with climate control, heated seats and powerful windscreen wipers, so its easy to be lulled into a false sense of security.
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Driving when you are tired The Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency facts you should know about excessive sleepiness/tiredness and driving. There is no excuse for falling asleep at the wheel and it is not an excuse in law. Up to one fifth of accidents on motorways and other monotonous types of roads may be caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel. All drivers who fall asleep at the wheel have a degree of warning. 18 to 30 year old males are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel when driving late at night. Modern lifestyles such as early morning starts, shift work and late night socialising, often lead to excessive tiredness by preventing adequate rest. Natural sleepiness/tiredness occurs after eating a large meal. Changes in body rhythm produce a natural increased tendency to sleep at two parts of the day: midnight to 6am and 2pm to 4pm Prescribed or over-the-counter medication can cause sleepiness as a side effect. Always check the label, if you intend to drive. What should I do if I start feeling tired when driving? Winding down the window or turning the radio up aren’t effective at combatting tiredness. If you find yourself doing these things, it’s a sign you are sleepy and need a break. At the first sign of tiredness, stop and take a break Stop in a safe place – don’t stop on a motorway hard shoulder Drink two cups of coffee or an equivalent caffeinated drink Take a short nap of around 15-20 minutes
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CIRAS - confidential reporting for safety app You can now download the new FREE CIRAS reporting app to your phone! CIRAS has launched the new reporting app so you can report health, safety and wellbeing concerns in confidence simply and quickly. Just download and use the form on the app or press the quick-dial button to call our reporting hotline. You can also save your details on the app to make reporting quicker next time. They will protect your identity and pass your concern to the relevant company – whether it’s your employer or another business. Want to get started? Download the app to your phone and watch the app demo video below. The website reporting form, hotline and our Freepost CIRAS address are all still available to use too.
Wellbeing Work can impact your sense of wellbeing, and if negative, this can affect you as well as the quality or safety of your work. You may also be concerned about working culture, hours, workload and the systems to support you in challenging times. Change Any change can increase risk. For example, changes to the structure of a team, or how it communicates with other business areas. Or new equipment, rolling stock or new procedures. And new technology (think drones and e-scooters) might affect public safety. CIRAS cannot take forward concerns with an immediate safety risk – please use appropriate alternative reporting channels instead.
You can report many types of concern including: Asset issues Lots can fail on equipment, vehicles and infrastructure assets. If you see something that’s not right, you may not know if it has been reported. CIRAS allows you to do so confidentially. Cyber security If technology is hacked it can seriously impact safety, whether it’s a business’ IT system or operational technology. If you notice a system, equipment or rolling stock behaving unusually, you can flag this as a concern using CIRAS and this could prevent or reduce harm. Environment CIRAS take environmental concerns that can affect health and safety, such as about toxic spills or storage of hazardous materials, waste management (fly tipping or bins not being emptied), air or water quality, asbestos, gases or diesel or welding fumes. 10
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CIRAS - road safety tips for safer driving No need for speed Speed contributes to one in five fatal crashes in the UK. Small increases in speed lead to bigger increases in stopping distances, and a crash at 30mph involves twice as much energy and destructive potential as a crash at 20mph. At slower speeds, drivers have better vehicle control, more time to see and avoid hazards, and greater ability to stop in time and avoid a crash. Never exceed local speed limits. Adapt speed to 20mph in built up and residential areas. Drive at safe and appropriate speeds in adverse weather conditions. Take longer to look Failing to look properly is a very common cause of road accidents, but is a relatively easy fix. Take an extra moment to have a proper look at what's around you and what's coming before pulling out of a road, changing lanes or opening your car door while stationary. Try the Dutch Reach: Open the car door with the hand furthest from the handle so that you turn your head to look behind you, helping you to see approaching cyclists. The more you do this, the more it will become a habit. Boost your energy levels There’s a clear relationship between the food and drink you consume and your energy levels. The right food and drink can help to reduce fatigue and increase concentration Staying hydrated, eating nutritious food and sticking to a balanced diet, can keep your mind focused on the road. Think: is your lunch going to boost your energy levels or leave you feeling sluggish?
Anticipate other road users The Highway Code says: “Wait until there is a safe gap between you and any oncoming vehicle.” Try to judge the path and speed of other vehicles when on the road. Many accidents occur because a driver misjudges a gap when merging onto a motorway, pulling on to a roundabout or thinking that another road user will accommodate a risky move. Maintain safe following distance from the vehicle in front. Don't get distracted Distractions inside your vehicle, as well as outside, can reduce your concentration. Using a mobile phone while driving (even if it’s hands-free) is a factor in many accidents. Park up to make or respond to a call. Resist the urge to respond to an incoming text message – it’s not worth the risk. Reading or tapping out texts while driving can be lethal. Bring your mind back to the road instead of attempting to multi-task. Consider emotional wellbeing To prevent accidents, the wellbeing of drivers is critical. Stress has been linked with risktaking on the roads – 71 per cent of drivers admit to losing their concentration after getting annoyed. If we can learn to look after ourselves better, we can remain calm and focused while driving. Source: CIRAS
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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
Bellshill T: 01698 840 950 E: BellshillRail@vital.uk.com
The Mill, South Hall Street, off Ordsall Lane, Salford, Manchester, M5 4TP
G16/17 Ty Cynon, Navigation Park, Abercynon, CF45 4SN
10 James Street, Righead Industrial Estate, Bellshill, Lanarkshire ML4 3LU
Cardiff T: 029 2083 9955 E: Cardiff@vital.uk.com
Birmingham T: 0121 809 3010 E: birminghamrail@vital.uk.com
Crewe T: 01270 906 130 E: Crewe@vital.uk.com
The Laurels, Heol Y Rhosog, Springmeadows Business Park, Rumney, Cardiff, CF3 2EW
Office G08 First Floor, Fairgate House, 205 Kings Road, Tyseley, Birmingham, B11 2AA
6 Solway Court Crewe Business Park Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 6LD
Derby T: 01332 982 470 E: Derby@vital.uk.com
Doncaster T: 01302 244450 E: Doncasterrail@vital.uk.com
Farnham T: 01252 964 020 E: Farnham@vital.uk.com
Ground Floor, Room 30 Derwent Caxtor House, RTC Business Park, Derby, DE24 8UP
First Floor Offices, Carr House, Heavens Walk, Doncaster, DN4 5HZ
Unit 10, Guildford Road Trading Estate, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 9PZ
Market Rasen T: 01302 308 080 E: MarketRasen@vital.uk.com
Newcastle T: 0191 300 0433 E: Newcastle@vital.uk.com
London T: 0203 963 5080 E: CanningTown@vital.uk.com
Unit 2, Gallamore Lane Ind. Estate, Market Rasen, LN8 3HZ
Spaceworks, Benton Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE7 7LX
Unit 10, Canning Town Business Park, Stephenson Street, London, E16 4SA
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Safety Newsletter
December 2023
vital.uk.com