Feb 2024
SAFETY NEWSLETTER
vital.uk.com
Contents
February 2024 Welcome
Page 3
Work Safe, Home Safe / HSQE Team
Page 4
How to make hitting the recommended fluid intake easy
Page 5
Drug and alcohol information
Page 6-7
Idling effects and AdBlue
Page 8-9
Fatigue reduction - driving
Page 10
Safety Alerts
Page 11
Office Locations
Page 21
Welcome We have all heard of the January Blues. January is well known as a tough month. The weather is poor, daylight limited, and finances tight. It feels like such a long month. One comfort is that the January Blues is normal, and we are not alone in feeling this way. But what can we do to beat the January Blues?
If you need help dealing with these feelings then there is help available through your GP or through various charities. Please remember, you are not alone. Take care Gareth Morris Group Director, Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental Compliance
Keep active. Many of you will keep active with your work, but for those in roles where you sit down all day, it is important to keep active as it helps lift our mood. Get outside. Again, many of you will work outside, but for those who do not it is important to get out and about. Keep warm. Feeling cold makes us feel miserable, so where appropriate clothing for the weather at the time. Eat healthily. Eating rubbish may give an instant high through excessive sugar, or E numbers but after that comes the fall as the spike subsides, and you will feel worse than before. Socialise. It is important to speak with or meet people. We are naturally social beings, so it is important to mix, and not isolate yourself. Sleep well. If you can, then try and get enough sleep. Most of us suffer from sleep disorders at some point in our lives, and they can be difficult to break, but if we are able to sleep well, then we will feel so much better. Get enough daylight. Daylight gives us vitamin D which we need and makes us feel better. If you work nights, it is extra important that you try and get some daylight. 3
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
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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How to make hitting the recommended fluid intake easy If you often forget to drink enough throughout the day, you’ll be pleased to know that glugging glasses of water isn’t the only way to stay hydrated. The human body is around 60% water. Not only does this fluid prevent us from overheating, it also lubricates tissues and joints and is important for digestion – among other functions. So, it’s vital that the water we’re constantly losing through breathing, sweating and waste removal is replaced. The NHS recommends we drink six to eight cups of fluid a day (though the amount varies depending on your circumstances). Not getting enough water leads to dehydration, whose symptoms range from headaches and fatigue to having a dry mouth and even experiencing issues with vision. Yet, making sure we reach our fluid quota isn’t something we all focus on. In fact, a YouGov study revealed 31% people pay little or no attention to the amount of water they consume. Of course, it’s not only water that can keep you hydrated – all kinds of drinks contribute to maintaining your fluid levels, including tea and coffee. But did you know you can also reach your fluid target by eating certain foods? “Lots of foods have a very high fluid content,” points out Bridget Benelam, a nutrition scientist and nutrition communications manager at the British Nutrition Foundation, such as apples. Clare Thornton-Wood, registered dietitian, and British Dietetic Association spokesperson, says a rough rule for a healthy daily fluid intake is 1.6 litres for women and 2 litres for men. Around a quarter of that is expected to be derived from what you eat rather than what you drink. Handy to remember if you always forget your water bottle or often neglect to refill your glass. Here are some tips for upping your water game: Flavour it. Add fruit to your water. Lemons, limes and oranges are tried and true. Cucumber, watermelon, strawberries and herbs also are delicious options. Tie it into a routine. Drink a glass of water every time you brush your teeth, eat a meal or use the bathroom. Eat it. Many fruits and vegetables have a high water content, including melon, cucumbers, lettuce and celery. Take it to go. Drinking enough water when you are the go can be challenging. Fill your water bottle before you leave home, and bring it along on your daily travels. 5
Drug and alcohol information Taking prescription medication in an unauthorized manner resulted in the loss of Rail Sentinel competencies and a five-year ban. During a recent incident, Vital were made aware of the use of a drug called Pregabalin (Lyrica). Vital then undertook an unannounced testing, in addition Pregabalin was also tested which resulted in several individuals having their Sentinel competencies suspended for a minimum 5-year period. What is Pregabalin? – In a controlled manner it is used to treat numerous ailments including but not limited to epilepsy, nerve damage and fibromyalgia, users of pregabalin advise giving initial feelings of euphoria, relaxation & calmness, which quickly lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, and agitation Side effects include dizziness, uncontrollable shaking, forgetfulness, difficulties with speech, blurred vision, shortness of breath, chest pain, heart damage which results in loss of consciousness resulting in resuscitation being required if in time. Uncontrolled medication when taken for recreational use becomes an extremely dangerous drug when used in the wrong doses, by the wrong person, or when it is mixed with other medication in a way that we cannot really predict what the outcome will be. In August 2023 BBC news reported an increase in Pregabalin related deaths. Deaths in the UK from Pregabalin abuse (Figures from BBC August 2023) 2013 – 1 2016 – 9 2019 – 71 2022 – 98 Please remember the Vital Drugs and Alcohol policy/testing requirements Random / unannounced testing As part of the contingency labour supply framework Vital are required to carry out random Drugs & Alcohol testing on 20% (minimum) of its work force annually. Vital Human resources currently sponsor 3246 people –therefore Vital will complete a projected 649 random D&A tests in 2024 alone.
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Network Rail Panel – 9 Tested Drugs (Category A & B) Under present testing Network Rail currently identify the following as substances or controlled medication that you must not have in your system when working on or near the line: Ketamine Hallucinations, distorts perception, loss of control. Tramadol Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, Low energy MDMA (Ecstasy) Changes in perception, euphoria, sensitivity to touch, high energy. Opiates – Heroin, morphine & methadone Physical dependence, sleepiness, dizziness, depression, confusion, itching and sweating. Methadone Sweating, itchy skin, sleepiness – dependence on the drug. Cannabis / Marijuana Serious impairments in learning, associative processes & psychomotor behaviour. Benzodiazepines – Most common Valium (Xanax, Halcion, Ativan & Klonopin) Depressants that produce sedation & hypnosis. Amphetamines – Speed, Crystal, Pep Pills, Uppers Stimulant drugs which speed up nervous system and act like adrenaline Many of the above substances are known to cause serious illness and, in some cases, certain death when taken as non-prescribed medication without medical supervision/intervention and as such carry a class A&B drug status of illegal substances, which may lead to a criminal conviction if found in possession without being medically prescribed to do so. Refusing to undergo drug/alcohol testing: Vital will support individuals during a D&A testing process and offer assistance and guidance where required, however we must advise a refusal to provide a sample when requested to do so may result in a Sentinel take down being applied. Drugs & Alcohol dependency support: Vital has a Drugs & Alcohol policy in line with working requirements within our business, however any individuals advising they may have a dependency for Drugs and Alcohol and seeking support will be treated with empathy, discretion and offered guidance to assist them during that process. To enable Vital to offer this support the individual must reach out to their local operations manager prior to undertaking allocated duties on or near the line and outside any requested testing requirements.
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Idling effects and AdBlue Warning lights (left to right) First 3 are showing: DPF (Diesel Particular Filter) is blocked. Passive regeneration has failed and the driver needs to actively regenerate the filter. This is done by driving at speeds above 40mph (where legal and safe) for between 10 – 15 minutes. This should allow the exhaust to reach the correct temperature to burn off the soot and clear the filter. Once the light goes out the process has been completed and the filter is clear. Engine Management Light. If illuminated when the engine is running, this indicates a malfunction. If flashing, then immediately reduce speed and call the breakdown. Continued driving could cause more damage. Adblue level: If this illuminates then the Adblue level is low and needs filling up. This will then go off once Adblue has been added and the level is correct. If still illuminated after re-filling then there is a malfunction and breakdown needs calling to check the system.
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, which can prevent proper regeneration of the filter. This means the filter then clogs and will go into limp mode AVOID ONLY SHORT JOURNEYS Regular short trips can also prevent the engine and exhaust systems from reaching optimal operating temperatures, which can again impede the DPF’s passive regeneration process and result in a build-up of soot. In the system AVOID STOP-START TRAFFIC IF POSSIBLE Constant driving in heavy traffic with frequent stopstart movements can also hinder the engine and exhaust systems from achieving ideal temperatures, negatively impacting the DPF regeneration process. 8
DPF maintenance and further information Under certain driving conditions especially on short (stop-start) journeys the exhaust filter ill need to regenerate (clean itself). During this operation, the engine must not be switched off and the vehicle must be allowed to complete its cleaning process. (Details for each vehicle will be in the vehicle handbook). Engine management lights will show when this process is being initiated. Failure to allow the process to finish can result in serious engine damage. Idling can also stop this process from being initiated as the engine and exhaust system doesn’t get hot enough to clean the system. This again can result in serious engine damage and engine management lights coming on. Any damage caused due to the above information could be re-charge to the driver or branch if the hire company find evidence that shows that driver error has caused it. Adblue Information 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. Some vehicles will have a menu that lets you see the level others will have a light that comes on when filling is required. 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. Charges may result, and may be passed onto the driver if these warning lights have been ignored. It is the drivers’ responsibility to check the Adblue level and keep it topped up at all times.
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Fatigue reduction - driving What impact does fatigue have on driving? According to the Department of Transport's THINK! campaign, nearly a fifth of accidents on major roads are sleep-related. Crashes caused by drivers falling asleep typically involve vehicles running off the road or into the back of another vehicle. Crashes involving drivers falling asleep, or having microsleeps, result in a high risk of death or serious injury, as drivers don't brake before crashing. Microsleeps are short bouts of unintentional sleep that can last for several seconds, which occur when we are very tired, or when all the conditions are right. Did you know… The most common time to fall asleep behind the wheel is between 2:00am–6:00am, when alertness is at it’s lowest. There is another dip in alertness around 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Motorways and dual carriageways are the most common roads for sleep-related crashes, due to the monotonous road environment and lack of interruptions or driver stimulation. Regular breaks help relieve the monotony. There isn't a specific law that states that it is an offence to drive when you are tired, but the chances of a driver committing a driving offence while tired are increased; this is mentioned in the Highway Code (rules 91 and 262). If you are found to have been asleep when an accident occurred, depending on the severity of the collision and any injuries sustained, you could find yourself charged with dangerous driving, the penalties for which can be severe. What can I do to reduce the risk? Plan your journey to allow time for breaks. Plan for at least 15 minutes, at least every two hours. Share the driving on a long journey, if you can. If possible, time your journey to avoid driving when your alertness is naturally at it’s lowest. Consider the effect of any medication on your driving. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Make sure you know what emergency countermeasures you can take if you find you’re having problems maintaining alertness mid-journey. 10
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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
Olton Wharf 7-9 Richard Road Solihull West Midlands B92 7RN
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
February 2024
vital.uk.com