Jul 2022
SAFETY NEWSLETTER
vital.uk.com
Contents Jul 2022
Section Introduction Welcome Safety Matters / HSQE Team
Page 3 Page 4
Hot topic What is Sentinel? CIRAS reporting
Page 5 Page 6
Health and Wellbeing A guide to self care
Page 7
Driving How to: fuel saving tips
Page 8-9
Environment Plastic Free July
Page 10-11
Compliance Network Rail's Worksafe Procedure
Page 12
VHRL Notices Offices External Alerts & Notices NR Safety Advice - Shotton High level station WAH fall NR Safety Bulletin - Near miss with tamper operative NR Operational Alert - RAIB Balham Recommendation COLAS Safety Alert Clapham Asbestos COLAS Safety Alert Minster Strapping Irregularity ALLMI Safety Alert Swing-up Stabilisers Siemens SHE Alert - Working in Warm Conditions Siemens - Fast Facts Alert - Points Damage at Clapham Junction NR HO Production - Safety Footwear Balfour Beatty - Laceration Fast Facts Balfour Beatty - Toolbox Talk - De-Vegetation Activites PPE Requirements
Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25-26
Welcome Group Director, Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental Compliance, Gareth Morris Welcome to our July newsletter. I hope you are well? But what exactly do we mean by “well”? “Well” means our wellbeing. It includes both our physical and mental wellbeing. One is no good without the other.
Practice being kind to yourself and others. It is too easy to be judgemental or utter a harsh word in haste. Offer tolerance and understanding, it can pay dividends and help build a healthy, supportive culture which is a benefit for everyone. Stay safe, GM
Our wellbeing is more than moment to moment happiness. It is more about our overall feeling of life, being comfortable, healthy or happy. For any responsible employer, the wellbeing of their workforce is really important. We need to be alright in the mind and body if we are to operate effectively and safely. At Vital, we take your care and safety seriously, offering a range of support in good times and bad. Although the Company has a statutory duty of care to you, we also strive to meet a moral obligation to encourage you to take the best possible care of yourself even when you are off duty. Many of us lavish attention on our vehicle but deny ourselves the same level of care as a car. We encourage you to look after yourself to enjoy the best possible health and sense of wellbeing. To this end, you are encouraged to engage with basic wellbeing activity. What does it mean in practice? Plan activities that make you feel healthy and happy Do some exercise everyday Learn a new skill Meet up with family and friends and engage in communal, activities (sport, socialising, conversation) This has been proven to improve your mental and physical health and is a great habit to form.
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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 (Scotland) and Close Call Champion Stephen McKay - Scotland and Newcastle Stephen.McKay@vital.uk.com 07717 306 733
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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What is Sentinel? Sentinel is:
The rail industry’s Authority to Work system that enables you to confirm your credentials are relevant and valid work safely on the infrastructure. Owned and run by Network Rail, for the industry, and is supported by the Sentinel Scheme Rules.
Sentinel Scheme Rules apply to everyone who uses the system, and outline responsibilities, policies and breaches that must be adhered to. You can find a copy here. You and your Primary Sponsor are responsible for your safety whilst delivering work anywhere on or for the managed infrastructure. As a method of identification and authorisation, all individuals who access the rail infrastructure for the purpose of work, must hold a valid Sentinel card or be provided with a Track Visitor Permit (TVP). There are clear rules that must be followed as they address not only your own safety but also that of anyone else who may have reason to access the track.
Breaching Sentinel rules
Anyone found to have breached sentinel rules can face serious consequences. An independent investigation will take place over any incident. Cases where Sentinel rules were found to have been broken are referred to Sentinel for a decision. Sentinel decisions apply across the entire Rail Industry, attempting to change company does not allow rule breakers to avoid the penalty.
What is expected of me by Sentinel?
Ensure that your Sentinel card is swipe at the beginning & end of every shift. Swipe in all your team members & others for who you are responsible. Check that the card holder holds the appropriate competence for the intended task. Refuse entry to the worksite to anyone who cannot show they have either a valid sentinel card or TVP.
How do I use Sentinel?
A set of instruction videos is freely available showing all aspects of using the Sentinel system. Click on the link below for your chosen topic 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
Card checker swipe in Swiping in your team Denied access - card checker decision Denied access - automatic Fatigue risk assessment Recording a safety briefing Working at another location Swiping in a team member mid shift Swiping out your team Card checker swipe out App settings
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CIRAS reporting CIRAS - a confidential reporting service
CIRAS is an organisation offering a confidential reporting service where safety concerns can be raised. Vital support this important service through membership and active participation. CIRAS partners with the GB mainline railway industry and has seen significant improvement in safety performance over the past two decades. Their confidential reporting service cuts across organisational boundaries and continues to be an integral part of Rail’s safety management system. CIRAS will take calls on a wide range of concerns affecting the health, wellbeing and safety of staff, passengers or the public. From rules non-compliance and equipment issues through to fatigue, security and working conditions – these are all early indicators of potential harm. The concerns raised through the hotline often have common themes, allowing the industry to benefit from shared learning and good practice. Why speaking up matters If you see something that looks unsafe, or think the way you or others are working is unsafe or damaging to health or wellbeing, you have two choices: do something, or do nothing. Doing nothing is as much a choice as doing something - and we are all responsible for the choices we make. By speaking up, you are making sure that companies are aware of any issues and have all the information they need to address a concern. You might be the only person who can see that there is a problem, so it’s important not to assume that others know about it or have spoken up. And when you don’t want to raise your concerns through other channels, CIRAS can pass them on confidentially. What do people report? Exposure to fumes and poor air quality. Performing tasks without the right competence. Social distancing measures not followed. Training not suitable for the role. Regular trespass. Worn-out equipment. These are just a few examples of things people have raised with CIRAS. See their Frontline Magazine for more examples. If you have a rail safety concern that you feel unable to raise with your own employer, call CIRAS now on: Report hotline: 0800 4 101 101 Report textline: 07507 285 887 CIRAS’s quarterly magazine, Frontline Matters, is available to download for free - click here.
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A guide to self care So…what is self care? Self care is about actively taking care of yourself. This allows you to give yourself a break and focus on your health, needs and wants. It is, most importantly, not selfish. Why do I need to do it? Being a human is tough. We live in a society full of pressures whether they be from school, family, friends or the media. Sometimes, these pressures can become overwhelming and we end up prioritising them over our own physical and mental health. How can I do the self care thing? Focusing on self care is often spoken about in terms of treatment for mental health problems, but it should be practised by everyone to keep happy and healthy. Self care is totally individual. You just need to figure out what you enjoy and what keeps you feeling stress free, but there are some general ways you can take care of yourself like a pro. Be kind to yourself This is the most important one that should be on everyone’s list. Give yourself a break. You’re allowed some time to yourself to relax and recharge, and shouldn’t feel guilty or selfish for looking after number one (that’s you). No matter what your situation, your physical and mental health should always come first. You are important. Exercise Keeping your body active is a great stress-reliever. Even if you go for a 20-minute run twice a week, you can let off some steam and release those endorphins that will make you happy. Go outside It might be tempting to stay in bed all day when you’re having a self-care day but getting yourself outside even for a 10-minute walk around your area will get some fresh air into your lungs and brain. Enjoy some rest However, there’s no shame in staying your pyjamas under the duvet for some of the day. Rest your wonderful body. Stick Netflix on, turn off social media and immerse yourself in some outrageously trashy tv. Eat well It’s easy to recommend junk food, especially when the corner shop are running an extremely hard to turn down deal on strawberry laces, but in reality, making sure you eat well is more important when putting your body first. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of chocolate, but a healthy and nutritious meal should accompany it.
Have a bath Baths are less common these days. Showers get all the attention. They’re quicker, easier and in the modern world they’re just more convenient. BUT, let’s bring back the bath. Grab some bath bombs, go overboard on the bubbles, stick some music on and just lie in blissful warmth for a bit. Create a self care playlist Speaking of music, instead of just clicking ‘shuffle’ and skipping through 80% of your songs, how about you create a self care playlist to listen to when you need some me-time? Shove some calming music on there, motivational songs, songs from your childhood, and sing along to your heart’s content. Say no! It’s very easy to feel guilty when saying ‘no’ to social commitments, but sometimes it can be the best thing you can do for yourself. You shouldn’t have to come up with any “I’m pretty sure I’m gonna be sick that day” excuses. Write an achievable to-do list It can be easy to set yourself a list of big goals when writing to-do lists, but giving yourself smaller targets can make you feel more in control and proud of your day. Get up. Shower. Put clothes away. Have lunch. All the little necessary things are great to tick off and keep you motivated. Get creative This isn’t for everyone, but getting stuck in with creative activities can keep your mind focused and productive, whilst still keeping you chilled. Get yourself a mindfulness colouring book, dig out the cross-stitch you didn’t finish when you were 12, or decorate some biscuits. Basically have fun. It’s easy to get swept up in the fast-pace of life, but making sure you’re giving yourself some self care time will ensure you’re best prepared to deal with the worst that life can throw at you. Keep happy and healthy!
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How to: fuel saving tips The cost of fuel is continually rising so it is important that we drive as economically as possible. To help drivers save money filling up, the RAC and the Energy Saving Trust have compiled the ultimate guide to economical driving. Sometimes known as 'hypermiling' or eco-driving, this will help you to increase your all-important miles per gallon (mpg) figure. While the speed you drive at is arguably the most influential factor affecting fuel consumption, there are a number of other ways you can change your driving habits that will have a significant impact on the money you spend at the pump. 1. Make sure you maintain your vehicle Regular maintenance and servicing improves the efficiency of your vehicle, and therefore can improve your fuel consumption. It’s particularly important to make sure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure as indicated in your owner’s manual as underinflated and overinflated tyres both adversely affect fuel economy. Tyre pressures will vary depending on the load you are carrying: if you have four passengers and luggage then you will need your tyres inflated to the maximum recommended pressures. 2. Gentle right foot: highest gear possible within the speed limit Excessive speed is the biggest fuel-guzzling factor so having a light right foot and ensuring all acceleration is gentle is very important to fuel-efficient driving. Of course you will always have to accelerate a number of times on a journey, but that doesn't mean you have to pull away like you're on the starting line at Silverstone! 3. Anticipate: try not to lose momentum In line with the above point, keeping the car moving at the right speed is essential to fuel economy. Obviously, this depends on traffic conditions and what’s happening on the road ahead, but slowing down and having to accelerate again naturally uses more fuel. The best advice is to drive as smoothly as possible, gently using the steering, accelerator and brakes. When slowing down, it’s important to remain in gear as the fuel cut-off switch in a fuel injection engine is then activated, meaning virtually no fuel is used while braking. Try to anticipate what’s going to happen in front of you by looking well ahead. This way you’ll see the traffic lights on red meaning you can ease back on the accelerator or slow down naturally and potentially keep moving as opposed to coming to a stop. 4. Does cruise control use more fuel? Cruise control only aids fuel economy when driving on a constant flat surface, hence why it is usually best reserved for motorway driving. One of the keys to saving fuel is driving at a constant speed, cruise control can do this effectively on flat surfaces, making your driving as fuel efficient as possible by negating unnecessary acceleration. However, if you were to use your cruise control regularly, not on flat roads, you would encounter problems that would increase your fuel consumption. This is because your cruise control would be slower to react to gradient changes, meaning when reaching the brow of a hill – at which point you would normally take your foot off the accelerator to maintain more of a constant speed when descending – your cruise control will keep the power on for a little longer as it’s unable to see the gradient change in front of you. Driving in this way regularly would lead to worse fuel consumption. 5. Don’t get dragged down Don’t leave your roof bars and roof box on because they create wind resistance and cause your car to use more fuel through the ‘drag’ effect. This is increased the faster you drive. According to the Energy Saving Trust an empty roof rack adds 16% drag when driving at 75mph. At the same speed a roof box adds 39%, making your vehicle much less fuel efficient. Even those little flags you can affix to your vehicle to show support for your football team during the world cup can decrease your mpg! Driving with an open window also has a similar effect.
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6. Does the AC and heat use fuel? Yes, it does. Don’t use your air conditioning unless you really have to as it uses engine power and therefore increases fuel consumption. This goes for heat as well as cooling, so try to dress for the weather, even inside your car, if fuel efficiency is a big concern. 7. Combine journeys: a warm engine is more efficient Consider making one round trip rather than several short trips. Once the engine is warm it will operate at its most efficient whereas several cold starts will increase fuel consumption even though the total mileage could be the same. This is why the RAC’s Record Road Trip team kept going almost continuously, only stopping for 20 minutes at a time on the way to setting a world record of driving through 14 countries on one tank of fuel. That was 1,158.9 miles, driving at an average speed of 45mph and achieving an incredible 75.9mpg. 8. Lighten the load While this isn’t going to make the biggest difference to your mpg figures it stands to reason that the heavier a vehicle is, the more fuel it will use. For that reason, don’t keep unnecessary items in your boot as they all add weight to your vehicle, which is not going to help your fuel economy in the long run. What is hypermiling? In light of fuel cost increases, the technique of hypermiling has been gaining popularity as fuel economy best practice. Whilst it's got a flashy name, simply following the tips above will save you money on fuel, so don't worry too much about sticking to a specific hypermiling regimen. Source: RAC
You use 10% more fuel driving at 70mph rather than 60mph You use 15% more fuel driving at 70mph rather than 50mph You use 25% more fuel driving at 80mph (which is illegal) rather than 70mph
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Plastic Free July Join millions of people reducing their plastic waste. Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. Will you be part of Plastic Free July by choosing to refuse single-use plastics? Here's how you can do your bit! Takeaway coffee cups Most coffee cups aren’t recycled. By bringing your own reusable coffee cup, or taking the time to dine-in at your favourite café, you can make a huge difference. Fruit & vegetables Many grocery stores pre-package their fruit and vegetables in plastic, and offer plastic bags for loose items. There are simple alternatives to help reduce your impact on the environment. Choose lightweight, reusable produce bags instead of the plastic bags that are usually provided. Be sure to look for ones made from recycled plastic or repurposed netting fabric. Plastic water bottles Many people buy plastic water bottles when they’re out and about, only to discard them after one use. Avoiding buying single-use plastic water bottles is as simple as carrying your own reusable alternative with you. Be sure to choose a socially-responsible and environmentally-friendly alternative, such as a reusable bottle made from stainless steel, glass, or safe aluminium. At the bakery Most local bakeries, farmers markets and even supermarkets have sections with freshly baked goods that are yet to be packaged. By heading along with your own reusable bread bag or containers, you can easily avoid single-use plastic packaging. If you forget to bring your own, you can also ask for a paper bag (which you can recycle later on if clean, or compost or shred and feed to the worm farm). Dental care More and more people are choosing toothbrushes are made from sustainable, compostable materials, such as bamboo. Be aware though, bristles are usually still made from plastic, so you’ll need to cut them off before composting or reusing your bamboo toothbrush handle. Soap Making the switch from shower gel to bars of soap is an easy way to reduce consumption of single-use plastics. Bar soaps come in different blends to suit body washing, face wash, shampoo and shaving, so your line-up of bottles may become a line-up of bars. Plastic shopping bags Plastic bags are incredibly dangerous to our wildlife and environment. Bring your own reusable bags and help put an end to this plastic waste. Beach/park clean up You can make an immediate and real difference to the environment by cleaning up a local park or beach. Gather your friends and make a day of it! Use the Choose To Refuse Single-Use Plastic chart and see what little changes you make this July!
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Network Rail's Worksafe Procedure Network Rail’s Worksafe Procedure gives any worker the absolute right to raise a concern and refuse to carry out work if they feel there is risk of an incident or accident occurring and not be put under pressure to return to work until the matter has been addressed. Vital will fully support any worker who refuses to work in the event of health and safety being compromised whilst at work. Vital will ensure that any worker who uses the Worksafe Procedure will not be penalised, face disciplinary action, or be discriminated against for such action.
IS IT SAFE TO WORK?
SPEAKING OUT WHEN SOMETHING IS UNSAFE If you do not feel something is safe, or the risks are not appropriately mitigated for the task, remember to use the following Worksafe Procedure. This could be for anything you feel is unsafe, for example (but not limited to): incorrect or inadequate Safe Work Pack unsafe conditions underfoot working too close to live conductor rail or overhead lines inadequate tools, equipment, PPE or RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) Stop work, move to a position of safety, and immediately contact the PIC (Person in Charge)/COSS 1. The PIC/COSS must assess the situation and determine the course of action required 2. If agreement is reached and all parties are satisfied that safe arrangements are put in place subject to a suitable risk assessment the work can continue 3. Work must not continue until all parties agree that it is safe to do so 4. If agreement cannot be reached escalate further to the Responsible Manager on site and inform your Vital Line Manager You can report with confidentiality any concerns to CIRAS using www.CIRAS.org.uk Freephone 0800 4101 101, Text 07507 285887
IF IT'S NOT SAFE THE WORK STOPS! 12
VHRL Notices For Operatives involved in De-Vegetation works that require the use of a mesh visor We are happy to confirm that individuals are not required to wear both mesh visor and eye protection. The Network Rail response to this report is below and confirms our guidance in regards to this matter: Network Rail and HSE guidance do not require the wearing of both the mesh visor and eye protection for this type of work. The Task Risk Control (NR/L3/MTC/RCS0216/SP02 Issue: 3) shows the requirement to wear safety glasses unless they introduce a risk. If you have any further queries regarding this please do not hesitate to ask your safety advisor.
Sun Awareness Remember to take care of your skin this summer. Here are some tips if you are out in the sun: Wear sunscreen with a high SPF and re-apply regularly Remember the strongest sun is in the middle of the day Wear appropriate clothing, where possible cover your skin Everyone should take care in the sun but you should take extra care if you; have light skin, fair hair, tend to burn, have lots of moles or have a family history of skin cancer. Health and wellbeing tips - Prep4Summer Hydration: Remember to take on plenty of water Skin care: Use sun screen on exposed skin Heat can lead to increased fatigue, be careful not to overdo it Workload: Are we sharing the load on site or in the office? PPE: Remove Hi-vis layers as required remaining visible and cool Sleep patterns may be affected by heat and return from holidays Allergies: Be aware of increased risk of hay fever as pollen levels rise and report use of anti-histamines to your line manager.
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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
Office 2 The Dairy, Crewe Hall Farm, Old Park Road, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 5UE
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 Jul 2022
vital.uk.com