Jun 2022
SAFETY NEWSLETTER
vital.uk.com
Contents Jun 2022
Section Introduction Welcome Safety Matters / HSQE Team
Page 3 Page 4
News Network Rail fined £1.4m after ORR prosecution
Page 5
Hot topic CIRAS reporting Safety in the sun
Page 6 Page 7
Health and Wellbeing Are you dehydrated?
Page 8-9
Driving AdBlue: Important information
Page 10
Compliance Network Rail's Worksafe Procedure
Page 11
Charity
Page 12-13
VHRL Notices Offices
Page 14 Page 15
External Alerts & Notices NR Safety Bulletin - Test before Touch on OLE NR Safety Advice - Rigid worksite fencing AECOM Safety Bulletin / Alert SRSA Engineering Notice COLAS Rail Safety Alert - Line blockage COLAS Rail Safety Alert - RRV collision COLAS Rail - Near miss at Liverpool St Station
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Welcome Group Director, Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental Compliance, Gareth Morris Welcome to our June newsletter. Plan to work Safely, work safely to the plan As we commence national celebrations to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee it is worth reflecting on the manner in which these many complex and detailed events have unfolded. There are thousands of events large and small throughout the UK. The planning for all these events has been long, detailed and meticulous to offer the participating public a seamless experience of the highest quality.
As key workers, you keep the industry moving. A fact that is deeply appreciated by your colleagues within Vital and by the clients. We would welcome your input to make the delivery of works safer, more effective and, if possible, enjoyable to deliver. Please share your good ideas with your colleagues and branch staff. Any initiative that helps improve how we deliver is most welcome. Stay safe Gareth Morris
There are many similarities to what we do on behalf of the travelling public in the Rail Industry. Planning for most work starts months before. A key element of this planning is planning a safe system of work. If you are a Safe Work Leader, you should have some input into the safe system of work whether during the planning stage or approving the safe system protection of workers when on or near the line. We recently were involved in 2 near miss incidents. Fortunately, no one was hurt on site, but it could have been different. In both instances, the safe work systems were not safe. Despite knowing them to be unsafe, no one spoke up. When work is planned it is with your safety uppermost in mind. Please follow the plan and if using your experience and expertise, you find a flaw, speak up. By doing so, you will make the workplace safer and make a positive difference. Your hard work professionalism and dedication, in keeping the trains running safely and efficiently, is largely unseen by the ultimate customer, but is noticed by the customer, and we recently received a letter of commendation for everyone’s safe efforts over the last Bank Holiday. 3
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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Network Rail fined £1.4m after ORR prosecution NETWORK RAIL has been fined £1.4 million for a health and safety breach after an investigation by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). ORR found failings that led to a worker being crushed between the conveyor of a 25 tonne ‘Superboss’ ballast distributor (see image) and Kubota people carrier. The worker suffered catastrophic and life-changing injuries to his legs and spine. He lost 12cm of bone to his left leg and 4cm to his right leg. The tendons and nerves of his right leg were also irreparably damaged, causing permanent disability. A second worker suffered minor injuries to his wrist and shoulder from the collision. The incident happened on 19 September 2018 on a 19 mile stretch of track between Crewe and Chester. ORR’s investigation led to it prosecuting Network Rail under the Health Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Network Rail was fined after pleading guilty at Chester Magistrates Court. ORR found failings in Network Rail’s management of the worksite, including poor planning, failure to provide adequate supervision of the works, poor communication at all levels and failure to provide adequate information, instructions and training to safety-critical staff. District Judge Sanders on sentencing Network Rail stated the subsequent accident was a result of many layers of failure within Network Rail. Judge Sanders said there was a lack of clarity in planning and as to what was going on, insufficiently robust supervision, and operating failures by Network Rail. ORR's HM chief inspector of railways Ian Prosser CBE said, “The injuries sustained to a Network Rail employee on 19 September 2018 were horrendous and have had a devastating impact on him and his family, to whom we offer our heartfelt sympathies. “The incident was caused by totally inadequate supervision of the task at all levels. “Nobody was making sure that those under their supervision had been following safe working practices, which led to this incident that could easily have been avoided.”
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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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Safety in the sun Advice for adults and children on sunscreen and sun safety in the UK and abroad. Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. Sunburn does not just happen on holiday. You can burn in the UK, even when it's cloudy. There's no safe or healthy way to get a tan. A tan does not protect your skin from the sun's harmful effects. Aim to strike a balance between protecting yourself from the sun and getting enough vitamin D from sunlight. Sun safety tips Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest. In the UK, this is between 11am and 3pm from March to October. Make sure you: spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm make sure you never burn cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses take extra care with children use at least factor 30 sunscreen What factor sunscreen (SPF) should I use? Do not rely on sunscreen alone to protect yourself from the sun. Wear suitable clothing and spend time in the shade when the sun's at its hottest. When buying sunscreen, the label should have: a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect against UVB at least 4-star UVA protection UVA protection can also be indicated by the letters "UVA" in a circle, which indicates that it meets the EU standard. Make sure the sunscreen is not past its expiry date. Most sunscreens have a shelf life of 2 to 3 years. Do not spend any longer in the sun than you would without sunscreen. What are the SPF and star rating? The sun protection factor, or SPF, is a measure of the amount of ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) protection. SPFs are rated on a scale of 2 to 50+ based on the level of protection they offer, with 50+ offering the strongest form of UVB protection. The star rating measures the amount of ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) protection. You should see a star rating of up to 5 stars on UK sunscreens. The higher the star rating, the better. The letters "UVA" inside a circle is a European marking. This means the UVA protection is at least a third of the SPF value and meets EU recommendations. Sunscreens that offer both UVA and UVB protection are sometimes called broad spectrum.
How to apply sunscreen Most people do not apply enough sunscreen. As a guide, adults should aim to apply around: 2 teaspoons of sunscreen if you're just covering your head, arms and neck 2 tablespoons if you're covering your entire body while wearing a swimming costume If sunscreen is applied too thinly, the amount of protection it gives is reduced. If you're worried you might not be applying enough SPF30, you could use a sunscreen with a higher SPF. If you plan to be out in the sun long enough to risk burning, sunscreen needs to be applied twice: 30 minutes before going out just before going out Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin, including the face, neck and ears, and head if you have thinning or no hair, but a wide-brimmed hat is better. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied liberally and frequently, and according to the manufacturer's instructions. This includes applying it straight after you have been in water, even if it's "water resistant", and after towel drying, sweating or when it may have rubbed off. It's also recommended to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, as the sun can dry it off your skin. Swimming and sunscreen Water washes sunscreen off, and the cooling effect of the water can make you think you're not getting burned. Water also reflects ultraviolet (UV) rays, increasing your exposure. Use water-resistant sunscreen if it's likely you'll sweat or have contact with water. Sunscreen should be reapplied straight after you have been in water, even if it's "water resistant", and after towel drying, sweating or when it may have rubbed off. Children and sun protection Take extra care to protect babies and children. Their skin is much more sensitive than adult skin, and damage caused by repeated exposure to sunlight could lead to skin cancer developing in later life. Children aged under 6 months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight. From March to October in the UK, children should: cover up with suitable clothing spend time in the shade, particularly from 11am to 3pm wear at least SPF30 sunscreen Apply sunscreen to areas not protected by clothing, such as the face, ears, feet and backs of hands. Source: NHS
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Are you dehydrated? Water makes up two thirds of our body. It is vital we drink enough fluid to maintain a healthy balance. Many people get dehydrated by not drinking enough fluid or by losing fluids and not replacing them. If it's not treated, it can get worse and become a serious problem. Who is at risk of dehydration? Anyone can become dehydrated, but some groups are particularly at risk. These include: babies and infants – they have a low body weight and are sensitive to even small amounts of fluid loss older people – they may be less aware that they are becoming dehydrated and need to keep drinking fluids people with a long-term health condition – such as diabetes or alcoholism athletes – they can lose a large amount of body fluid through sweat when exercising for long periods How you can reduce the risk of dehydration Drink fluids when you feel any dehydration symptoms. If you find it hard to drink because you feel sick or have been sick, start with small sips and then gradually drink more. You can use a spoon to make it easier for your child to swallow the fluids. You should drink enough during the day so your pee is a pale clear colour. Drink when there's a higher risk of dehydrating. For example, if you're vomiting, sweating or you have diarrhoea. Check if you're dehydrated Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include: feeling thirsty dark yellow and strong-smelling pee feeling dizzy or lightheaded feeling tired a dry mouth, lips and eyes peeing little, and fewer than 4 times a day Dehydration can happen more easily if you have: diabetes vomiting or diarrhoea been in the sun too long (heatstroke) drunk too much alcohol sweated too much after exercising a high temperature of 38C or more been taking medicines that make you pee more (diuretics) Potential complications of untreated dehydration Untreated dehydration can lead to life-threatening complications, such as: heat exhaustion heat cramps heatstroke seizures due to electrolyte loss low blood volume kidney failure coma
Source: NHS
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AdBlue: Important information Why do I need AdBlue, what is it and where can I find it? Your vehicle is fitted with an environmentally friendly Euro VI engine which requires AdBlue to operate. AdBlue is an exhaust fluid (not a fuel additive) and is a colourless, non-toxic mixture of urea and de-ionised water. It is available from most petrol service stations plus other retailers such as Halfords and Euro Car Parts. How will I know if I need to refill my AdBlue tank? It is extremely important that AdBlue levels are maintained in your vehicle. The amount of AdBlue that the vehicle requires can vary substantially depending on conditions. Drivers are strongly advised to refill the AdBlue tank to full at least every 3000 miles and in advance of the lowlevel warning light activating. Failure to follow this guidance may lead to non-start and the vehicle needing to be recovered to dealer. It is the driver's responsibility to ensure there is sufficient AdBlue in the vehicle, as with checking and topping up engine oil and screen wash. How do I top up AdBlue? AdBlue is stored in a separate reservoir and is usually topped up via a blue filler cap located either next to the fuel filler, in the boot or under the bonnet. Do not insert directly into the fuel tank - this will cause expensive damage to the fuel tank, pump and injection system. To refill the AdBlue tank, the engine must be off and the vehicle parked on a level surface.
You should fill your tank to full on each occasion by following these steps: 1. Remove key from ignition lock 2. Close all doors to avoid ammonia fumes getting inside the passenger compartment 3. Pull fuel filler flap at the recess and open 4. Unscrew protective cap from the filler neck 5. Open AdBlue canister 6. Mount one end of the hose on the canister and screw the other end on the filler neck 7. Lift the canister and continue to pour until tank is full (may require more than one canister) 8. Unscrew the hose from the filler neck 9. Mount the protective cap and turn clockwise until it engages 10. After starting the vehicle wait at least 10 seconds before driving What happens if my AdBlue runs too low? If the AdBlue runs too low whilst you are driving, the engine's power and performance will be reduced to the limit the vehicle's emissions. Once you have stopped, you will not be able to restart the engine. Your vehicle will need to be recovered and costs will be incurred. If AdBlue has been allowed to run too low, your vehicle may require a dealer software reset even if you, the AA or the RAC have managed to temporarily restart your vehicle
THE ADBLUE TANK MUST BE FILLED TO FULL EVERY 3000 MILES EVEN IF THE "LOW LEVEL" WARNING IS NOT YET ACTIVE DO NOT MOVE THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY AFTER SWITCHING ON THE IGNITION - WAIT AT LEAST 10 SECONDS BEOFRE DRIVING 10
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! 11
VHRL Charity Abid Uddin, Associate Director of Vital Human Resources, Solutions Division, has made a commitment on behalf of Vital to raise money for charity. He kicked off his challenge earlier this year in the freezing month of March by joining the charity Railway Children in their Big Station Sleepout held at Piccadilly Station. A night where you swap your warm bed at home for the cold floor of a railway station and help Railway Children raise awareness, as well as vital funds, to support the thousands of children who face this ordeal every day around the world. The Railway Children charity have been fighting for children alone and at risk on the streets for over 22 years. During that time, they’ve reached more than 275,000 children in India, the UK and East Africa. Railway Children race to reach children as soon as they arrive on the streets and intervene before an abuser can. After a cold night spent on the floor alongside other rail colleagues and companies Abid raised over £695 for the charity. “This is a wonderful charity that supports children in the UK and around the world and to spend a night on the floor of a railway station with colleagues from across the industry gave us all a glimpse into the lives of these poor and extremely vulnerable children. Although, we may not be able to eliminate these conditions completely, I am hoping that by raising awareness and funds will hopefully alleviate these conditions.” Abid’s next challenge came on Sunday 22nd May. The Great Manchester Run which was taking place again for the first time in Spring since 2019. With no training, Abid ran alongside thousands of others stomping the streets of Manchester on a warm afternoon. Cheered on by his family and supported by colleagues, clients, and friends, Abid raised over £600 for Teenage Cancer Trust, a Group chosen charity which Abid is forever grateful too as it supported members of his family. Abid finished the run in 1 hour 11 seconds and said “Teenage Cancer Trust goes above and beyond in supporting the patient and everyone in their circle to get them through this very confusing and unpredictable journey. To give something back is the least I could do having had first-hand experience of their support and I hope to do more in the future for them such as the half marathon and even full marathon!”
NEXT UP!
Abid is looking to encourage or persuade (!) some of his fellow colleagues onto his next charity challenge later this year in the form of a Tough Mudder event for a charity called ‘Refuge’. This charity is another Group chosen charity for 2022 and Refuge is a specialist support mechanism for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Watch this space.
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VHRL Notices
Service Leaver Virtual Insight Day - Rail Industry (Blue Collar Jobs) About this event Meet the team and discover the roles, opportunities and training that we have available Vital Human Resources Ltd (Vital), is a member of Morson Group and a dedicated recruitment business. Our three operating divisions, Vital Rail, Vital Resources and Vital Solutions, deliver high calibre blue-collar and white-collar Personnel. With 13 strategically positioned offices located across the country, we provide our clients with the benefit of a national network of skilled personnel combined with local expertise, filling over 100,000 shifts per year. Event Content: Team Introduction Overview of our roles and opportunities Where your skills and experience could fit in Details of the recruitment process Opportunity to ask any questions (Q&A) Click here to register for free Prep for summer The seasonal swing in temperature can be sudden and dramatic. It is important to plan for changeable weather and ensure you have the correct kit to mitigate problems. Driving Ensure your vehicle has been properly services, fluids topped up and you carry adequate supplies of water, food and spare clothing. A pair of sunglasses is also useful for drivers as the sunset and sunrises are at times which can impact travelling to and from shifts On Track Layers of clothing are worth considering as you can remove or add as the weather dictates Water Stay hydrated. Your body can lose fluid very quickly if you are exposed to humid and dry conditions Useful source: www.netoffice.gov.uk
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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 Jun 2022
vital.uk.com