Issuu

Safety Newsletter

Nov 2021

vital.uk.com

Contents Nov 2021 Section Introduction Welcome Safety Matters / HSQE Team

Page 3 Page 4

Health and Wellbeing Stress busters

Page 5

Hot Topic Workplace bullying, harassment and racism

Page 6-7

Compliance Your rail safety handbooks latest updates

Page 8-9

Environment Quick tips to save energy

Page 10

Driving Poor weather conditions Fleet charter

Page 11 Page 12-13

VHRL Notices Offices External Alerts & Notices Colas Rail – Train struck a marker board left on the up main at Old Oak Common Network Rail – Near miss with two track workers near Kettering Lessons learned - Runaway trailer incident RAIB - Near miss with track workers at Eccles

Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19

Welcome Group Director, Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental Compliance, Gareth Morris Welcome to our November Safety Newsletter. We are settling into the delivery of our new contracts and doing what we do best, maintaining the UK’s Rail Network. It is appropriate to reference the huge event in the UK this month, COP26. November is known for fireworks and big blazes, however, in Glasgow world leaders, from most of the major economies, converge seeking solutions to put out fires by dealing with the impact of climate change. The scale of this threat is enormous. Some of the more dramatic outcomes were seen, during this summer, in the form of drought, fires and floods over vast areas. All very interesting, however, what connection does this lofty gathering have to do with the UK’s Railway network? Simply put our work, supporting Network Rail and our clients, is helping to keep the trains moving. By transporting freight and passengers on rail, that may otherwise have travelled by road, we are helping prevent generation of enormous amounts of polluting emissions that would have added to the problem. Travelling by train emits far less carbon dioxide per person than travelling by road or air. Rail is also helping to keep the economy functioning.

Ultra-Low Emission Zones operate just like Clean Air Zones and Low Emission Zones, 24 hours a day, midnight to midnight, every day of the year. Although there is currently only one Ultra-Low Emission Zones in the UK, others will follow. There were plans for Clean Air Zones to be brought into Bristol, Cardiff, Coventry, Hull, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and Stoke. Against such measures, travelling by train makes even more sense when you also consider the avoidance of hefty parking charges (if you are fortunate enough to find a space). Thank you for your contribution to our efforts in supporting our clients to maintain the railway network and in doing so you are helping to reduce negative impact on the atmosphere by offering a reliable, safe transport alternative to road use. Take care, Gareth Morris

One clear example of the personal impact of climate change is the recent introduction of an Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London Ultra-Low Emission Zones are areas where all vehicles must meet strict emission requirements, or drivers will face a daily travel charge. These zones are designed to encourage people to drive less polluting vehicles or use other methods of transport, such as public transport, cycling or walking to tackle high pollution levels in our big cities.

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

Stress Busters If you're stressed, whether by your job or something more personal, the first step to feeling better is to identify the cause. The most unhelpful thing you can do is turn to something unhealthy to help you cope, such as smoking or drinking. "In life, there's always a solution to a problem," says Professor Cary Cooper, an occupational health expert at the University of Lancaster. "Not taking control of the situation and doing nothing will only make your problems worse." He says the keys to good stress management are building emotional strength, being in control of your situation, having a good social network, and adopting a positive outlook. Be active Exercise won't make your stress disappear, but it will reduce some of the emotional intensity that you're feeling, clearing your thoughts and letting you deal with your problems more calmly. Take control There's a solution to any problem. "If you remain passive, thinking, 'I can't do anything about my problem', your stress will get worse," says Professor Cooper. "That feeling of loss of control is one of the main causes of stress and lack of wellbeing." The act of taking control is in itself empowering, and it's a crucial part of finding a solution that satisfies you and not someone else. Connect with people A good support network of colleagues, friends and family can ease your work troubles and help you see things in a different way. "If you don't connect with people, you won't have support to turn to when you need help," says Professor Cooper.

The activities we do with friends help us relax. We often have a good laugh with them, which is an excellent stress reliever. "Talking things through with a friend will also help you find solutions to your problems," says Professor Cooper. Have some 'me time' Here in the UK, we work the longest hours in Europe, meaning we often don't spend enough time doing things we really enjoy. "We all need to take some time for socialising, relaxation or exercise," says Professor Cooper. He recommends setting aside a couple of nights a week for some quality "me time" away from work. "By earmarking those 2 days, it means you won't be tempted to work overtime," he says. Avoid unhealthy habits Don't rely on alcohol, smoking and caffeine as your ways of coping. "Men more than women are likely to do this. We call this avoidance behaviour," says Professor Cooper. "Women are better at seeking support from their social circle." In the long term, these crutches won't solve your problems. They'll just create new ones. "It's like putting your head in the sand," says Professor Cooper. "It might provide temporary relief, but it won't make the problems disappear. You need to tackle the cause of your stress." Work smarter, not harder Working smarter means prioritising your work, concentrating on the tasks that'll make a real difference. "Leave the least important tasks to last," says Cooper. "Accept that your in-tray will always be full. Don't expect it to be empty at the end of the day." For more tips or advice on managing stress click here NHS Resource - Stress

Workplace bullying, harassment and racism Bullying and harassment is behaviour that makes someone feel intimidated or offended. Harassment is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010. Racial injustices and ingrained inequalities are apparent in society and evident in UK workplaces. To address the root causes of racial inequality (racism), Vital supports a zero-tolerance approach to workplace discrimination and commit to positive action. This will have the aim of ending end systemic bullying and racism and address all inequalities at work. Examples of bullying or harassing behaviour include: spreading malicious rumours unfair treatment picking on or regularly undermining someone denying someone’s training or promotion opportunities Bullying and harassment can happen: face-to-face by letter by email by phone The law. Bullying itself is not against the law, but harassment is. This is when the unwanted behaviour is related to one of the following: age sex disability gender reassignment marriage and civil partnership pregnancy and maternity race religion or belief sexual orientation Guidance for employees and workers The following will be helpful if you feel you or someone else has been bullied or harassed at work. Think about what your concerns are and why you feel bullied or harassed. Think about how you want this to be resolved and be willing to discuss solutions. Report to the correct person to action, such as the On Call service. Be mindful of the potential adverse effect on your mental health and wellbeing and seek support where necessary. If you are comfortable at the time or soon after the incident, talk to the person you feel bullied or harassed by and ask them to stop. If you can’t speak to the individual concerned, try, and resolve the issue informally with your supervisor or manager. However, this may not always be possible, especially if your manager is involved in the bullying/inappropriate behaviour. If this is the case, try to raise the issue with your line manager’s manager or other senior leader or another appointed person. Reporting bullying and harassment can be difficult whether you are staff or an Operative. Keep a written record of what is happening and make notes if you feel you are being treated differently from other Operatives. Establish a clear order of incidents – this could be useful to help with any formal action further down the line. If you’re working in less formal work environments, this is even more important. You could report it formally and raise a grievance through a formal procedure. If there is any form of physical threat, abuse, or criminal activity, we advise that you contact the police.

What operatives should do if they’re bullied or harassed Employees should see if they can sort out the problem informally first. If they cannot, they should talk to the: Manager or supervisor Human resources (HR) department If this does not work, they can make a formal complaint using the Vital grievance procedure. It is against the law to treat someone less favourably than someone else because of a personal characteristic such as religion, sex, gender reassignment or age. Tackling inappropriate behaviour Recognise and challenge inappropriate behaviour immediately when you see or experience it. Intervene if you see others being treated inappropriately – challenging can give people the chance to change their behaviour. People can shy away from tackling behaviour because they are scared that it might disrupt the team. However, it is possible to challenge behaviour in a way that results in improved workplace conditions for all. Clearly describe the behaviour you find unacceptable. Use clear language such as ‘that is not appropriate’, ‘it makes me feel uncomfortable’, and ‘you didn’t have to speak to that person that way’. It might be useful to talk about effects of behaviour – i.e., rather than say ‘you are dismissive’, say ‘when you don’t let me speak, it makes me feel as if you aren’t interested in my point of view’. Offer colleagues practical advice and strategies about what to do when things go wrong, e.g., who they can report to. Encourage them to think about what they would like to happen in the future. If you see poor behaviour, and you are in the midst of a pressing deadline, without time to address the issue there and then, tell those involved that that behaviour is unacceptable, and that you want to meet with them to discuss it after the work is finished – show that bad behaviour is noted, has consequences, and will be dealt with robustly. Further reading: https://www.cipd.co.uk/knowledge/fundamentals/relations/diversity/anti-racism-strategy#gref

Your rail safety handbooks latest updates reminder Handbook updates are effective from December 2021 Please remember to read what is changing and to accept electronic notification of Handbooks when sent. This will ensure that you have the latest information to safely deliver your shifts. The latest Handbook updates published September 2021 are as follows: GERT8000-HB1 Issue 7 - General duties and track safety for track workers This handbook is for those personnel who need to go on the operational railway to carry out their duties, except for a train driver, guard, shunter, signaller, crossing keeper or designated person (DP). Summary Of Changes The definition of 'lineside' has been simplified in section 1, but there is no change to any requirements associated with this term. A new series of definitions of 'positions on or near the line' has been added in the same section, and diagram HB1.1 now shows 'cess' as an additional term. A new definition has been included for semi-automatic track warning system (SATWS). Section 5.6 has been renamed, as it now includes a reference to a semi-automatic track warning system (SATWS). GERT8000-HB6 Issue 7 - General duties of an individual working alone (IWA) This handbook is for those personnel with general duties of an individual working alone (IWA). Summary Of Changes Section 2.4 has been renamed, and now includes a reference to a semi-automatic track warning system (SATWS). GERT8000-HB7 Issue 8 - General duties of a controller of site safety (COSS) This handbook is for those personnel who have the general duties of a controller of site safety (COSS). Summary Of Changes Section 4.7 has been renamed, and now includes a reference to a semi-automatic track warning system (SATWS). GERT8000-HB7 Issue 8 - General duties of a controller of site safety (COSS) This handbook is for those personnel who have the general duties of a controller of site safety (COSS). Summary Of Changes Section 4.7 has been renamed, and now includes a reference to a semi-automatic track warning system (SATWS). GERT8000-HB8 Issue 8 - IWA, COSS or PC blocking a line You will need this handbook if you carry out the duties of a IWA, COSS or PC blocking a line. Summary Of Changes A new requirement has been introduced at section 2.4 to allow a lock-out device to be used as a means of additional protection. A new requirement has been added at section 2.6 to permit the use of a remotely-activated T-COD as a means of additional protection. As a result of the introduction of new sections 2.4 and 2.6, cross references in section 2.2 have been revised and sections 2.4 to 2.7 in issue 7 have been renumbered in issue 8. A full description of what is meant by detonator protection for a line blockage has been included at section 2.8 (previously section 2.6). Section 5.1 has been amended to make it clear that a T-COD must be removed before a line blockage is given up, and to refer to the use of remotely-activated T-CODs.

GERT8000-HB11 Issue 9 - Duties of the person in charge of the possession (PICOP) You will need this handbook if you carry out the duties of the PICOP. Summary Of Changes A new instruction on ‘back-to-back’ possessions has been introduced at section 4.3 describing the situation where the only signal separating successive portions of line under possession is both the signal ahead of one possession and the protecting signal for another. A new diagram has been included. Sections 4.3 to 4.7 in issue 8 have been renumbered in issue 9 as a result of the above change. Section 8.12 has been amended to require the PICOP to speak to the signaller when moving towards the detonator protection on all occasions where two possessions are back-to-back. GERT8000-HB21 Issue 5 - Safe work leader (SWL) blocking a line You will need this handbook if you carry out the duties of a IWA, COSS or PC blocking a line. Summary Of Changes A new requirement has been introduced at section 2.4 to allow a lock-out device to be used as a means of additional protection. A new requirement has been added at section 2.6 to permit the use of a remotely-activated T-COD as a means of additional protection. As a result of the introduction of new sections 2.4 and 2.6, cross references in section 2.2 have been revised and sections 2.4 to 2.7 in issue 4 have been renumbered in issue 5. A full description of what is meant by detonator protection for a line blockage has been included at section 2.8 (previously section 2.6). Section 5.1 has been amended to make it clear that a T-COD must be removed before a line blockage is given up, and to refer to the use of remotely-activated T-CODs. HANDBOOKS ARE SENT TO YOU BY EMAIL. PLEASE REMEMBER TO ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF YOUR ELECTRONIC HANDBOOKS AS FOLLOWS: (1) YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED BY SMS IN ADVANCE THAT YOU ARE DUE TO RECEIVE AN EMAIL (2) AN EMAIL WILL ARRIVE IN YOUR IN BOX FROM peoplesoft@vital.uk.com AND WILL ASK YOU TO CLICK ON LINK Your new handbooks (3) IN THE ‘ACKNOWLEDGE HANDBOOK’ PAGE CLICK ON LINK View Handbook BEFORE CLICKING ON THE ‘Acknowledge’ <BUTTON> TO CHANGE IT FROM ‘N’ (NO) TO ‘Y’ (YES). THEN CLICK THE ‘Save’ <BUTTON> (4) YOUR NEW HANDBOOKS ARE LISTED IN THE IN THE SCROLL PAGE TITLED ‘UNACKNOWLEDGED HANDBOOKS’. YOU CAN VIEW EACH HANDBOOK BY CLICKING ON THE View Handbook LINK WITHIN EACH HANDBOOK SECTION (5) YOU MUST CONFIRM RECEIPT OF EACH HANDBOOK BY CLICKING ON THE ‘Acknowledge’ <BUTTON> TO CHANGE IT FROM ‘N’ (NO) TO ‘Y’ (YES) (6) AFTER CLICKING THE ‘Acknowledge’ <BUTTON> FOR EACH HANDBOOK, FINISH BY CLICKING THE ‘Save’ <BUTTON> TO CONFIRM (7) AFTER YOU HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED AND CLICKED ‘Save’ THE HANDBOOK WILL BE EMAILED TO YOU – EACH HANDBOOK WILL BE SENT IN A SEPARATE EMAIL WITH THE SUBJECT TITLE IDENTIFYING THE HANDBOOK NAME YOU HAVE THE OPTION TO KEEP THE HANDBOOK ATTACHMENTS IN YOUR EMAIL OR SAVING TO YOUR DEVICE. YOU CAN REQUEST ADDITIONAL COPIES AT ANY TIME BY EMAILING vital.compliance@vital.uk.com PLEASE NOTE: Under the Health & Safety at Work Act you must co-operate in all matters of health and safety. Please follow the above instructions and acknowledge receipt of Handbook(s) by clicking the ‘Acknowledge’ <button> and then clicking the ‘Save’ <button> to confirm. 9

Quick tips to save energy Switch off standby You can save around £35 a year just by remembering to turn your appliances off standby mode. Almost all electrical and electronic appliances can be turned off at the plug without upsetting their programming. You may want to think about getting a standby saver which allows you to turn all your appliances off standby in one go. Check the instructions for any appliances you aren’t sure about. Some satellite and digital TV recorders may need to be left plugged in so they can keep track of any programmes you want to record. Careful in your kitchen You can save around £22 a year from your energy bill just by using your kitchen appliances more carefully: Cut back your dishwasher use by just one cycle per week and save £8 a year on energy. Cut back your washing machine use by just one cycle per week and save £8 a year on energy. Only fill the kettle with the amount of water that you need and save around £6 a year. Get a head If you’ve got a shower that takes hot water straight from your boiler or hot water tank (rather than an electric shower), fit a water efficient shower head. This will reduce your hot water usage while retaining the sensation of a powerful shower. A water efficient shower head could save a four person household (eg a family of four or even a shared student flat) as much as £30 a year on gas for water heating, as well as a further £45 a year on water bills if they have a water meter. Spend less time in the shower Spending one minute less in the shower each day will save up to £4 a year off your energy bills, per person. With a water meter this could save a further £7 off annual water and sewerage bills. If everyone in a four-person household did this it would lead to a total saving of £47 a year.

Draught-proofing Unless your home is very new, you will lose some heat through draughts around doors and windows, gaps around the floor, or through the chimney. Professional draught-proofing of windows, doors and blocking cracks in floors and skirting boards can cost around £200, but can save around £25 a year on energy bills. DIY draught proofing can be much cheaper. Installing a chimney draught excluder could save around £18 a year as well. Take control of your heating More than half the money spent on fuel bills goes towards providing heating and hot water. Installing a room thermostat, a programmer and thermostatic radiator valves and using these controls efficiently could save you around £70 a year and cut your carbon emissions by 300kg. If you already have a full set of controls, turning down your room thermostat by just one degree can save around £55 a year and reduce your carbon footprint by 300kg. Whatever the age of your boiler the right controls will allow you to: Set your heating and hot water to come on and off when you need them. Heat only the areas of your home that need heating. Set the temperature for each area of your home. Switch to LEDs You can now get LED spotlights that are bright enough to replace halogens, as well as regular energy saving bulbs (‘compact fluorescent lamps’ or CFLs). They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and fittings. If the average household replaced all of their bulbs with LEDs, it would cost about £145 and save about £30 a year on bills. For more tips on saving energy click here Energy Saving Trust 10

Poor weather conditions The most recent data shows that, on average, 13%* of all fatalities and serious injuries on the Strategic Road Network include weather conditions as a contributing factor to the incident. Of these, 78%* occurred in the rain (four times more than any other adverse weather condition). *Source STATS19 Road Safety Data www.data.gov.uk Top tips for driving in heavy rain and floods: Driving fast through water is dangerous, inconsiderate and can end up being very expensive. It only takes an egg cupful of water to be sucked into an engine to wreck it. Leave twice as much space from the vehicle in front. If steering feels light due to aquaplaning, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually. Avoid driving into flood water that is moving or more than 10cm (4 inches) deep. Be mindful of throwing water onto pavements, soaking pedestrians or cyclists. After driving in wet conditions, test brakes as soon as possible. Top tips for driving in strong winds: Strong winds can be a dangerous hazard when driving and can impact the ability to steer the vehicle and remain on a straight path of travel. Keep both hands on the steering wheel and your speed low. Prepare for strong winds and gusts on exposed stretches of road. Leave extra room around cyclists and motorcyclists as they may veer across the road. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, especially highsided vehicles, and caravans. Remain alert to possible falling tree branches and other debris. Plan your journey carefully, checking weather and traffic bulletins regularly. Top tips for driving in fog: Fog is one of the most challenging conditions to drive in as it dramatically reduces visibility and makes the road ahead difficult to read. Drivers who fail to exercise care when driving in fog can be held liable for injuries and other damages in a resulting vehicle collision. Maintain a greater distance from the vehicle in front, increase the gap to at least 4 seconds. Keep your windscreen clear and demisted. Use lights where visibility is reduced to 100 metres (328 feet) or roughly the length of a football pitch. Don’t rely on following the taillights of the vehicle in front, as these can give a false sense of security If visibility is very limited, consider ng the necessity of your journey

Fleet Charter The safety of our workforce is our number one priority. Eligibility, policies and training For an Operative to be considered an authorised driver they must fulfil the following criteria: Be 21 years or older with 2+ years driving experience Have a Full driving licence Have no more than 6 points on their licence Have no drink or drug infringements on their licence in the last five years Supply a copy of their most up to date photo driving licence (both sides) Supply authority DVLA code to branch Read, sign and adhere to all Vital vehicle policies and briefings Complete 3 IAM Road Smart driver training modules and 2 FORS Training modules within 21 days of driving Branch manager must counter sign all policies Branch send all documents to Fleet who will then review and confirm authority to drive Branch Set up Teams meet with Fleet to have face to face briefing with new driver Vehicle handover, fuel card and telematics usage All vehicles will be delivered to branch, and the operative must collect from the branch, with the exception of new vehicles delivered by the hiring companies When collecting vehicle, branch manager should carry out a walk round of the vehicle checking for any damage which should be marked on a check sheet signed by both manager and operative Operative to familiarise themselves with vehicle controls before driving off. Driver should be made aware of telematics in vehicle. This is housed for safety reasons and will be monitored at all times If a fuel card is to be issued, the driver needs to read and sign the Fuel card acceptance sheet and adhere to all rules on usage Driver will be required to complete a weekly check sheet detailing the vehicle condition and send to the branch. Technology will be rolled out to allow this to be completed via a mobile app which will be forwarded direct to the fleet dept. In life vehicle, service, MOT, ad hoc repairs, tyres and damage Fleet will assist with all vehicle maintenance and ad hoc repairs. However, it is the drivers responsibility to advise or book in required servicing or repair work Any bodywork damage must be reported to branch or fleet straight away For vehicles which exceeds its service schedule, operatives may be removed from authorised drivers list immediately To validate weekly vehicle condition check sheet the Branch Manager to review minimum of 5% of fleet on a weekly basis

Housekeeping Fleet will send emails on monthly basis to confirm authorised drivers are still sponsored Driving licences will be checked on a minimum 6 monthly basis Fleet will visit branch on a quarterly basis to discuss operations, review performance and assist with any fleet training requirements Accidents/incidents If an operative is involved in a fault accident the driver will be stood down for maximum 72 hours pending investigation by Fleet and HSQE Operative must attend branch and supply written statement including description and brief diagram within 24 hours after the event. Operative will also have an eyesight check as per policy document if driver fails check they must attend opticians and obtain a certificate confirming eyesight covers driving requirements as per Highway code and driving licence Consequences of Accident 1. .Non-Fault-Carries on driving after supplying statement and had eye check* 2. Fault (first accident): After investigation is carried out the driver will be either removed from driving or asked to attend office to have either classroom or on road driver training via IAM Road Smart/Fleet 3. Fault (second accident): Driver automatically removed from authorised list Any fault accident driver will be asked to set up a payment plan to pay back repair amount on a weekly basis. Driver cannot be de sponsored until full amount has been recouped *signed statement from branch manager or worker supervisor they have correctly read vehicle number plate from distance of 20m Speeding Notices Branch will be advised by fleet via email of any speeding notices. Branch must reply within 48hours confirming driver details including correct full postal address Consequences of Speeding notices 1. 1ST Speeding fine - operative spoken to by fleet and advised if anymore received will be removed from driving-Followed up by email 2. 2ND Speeding fine – operative automatically removed from authorised list if occurs within 6 months of previous speeding fine Parking Charge Notices (PCN) Branch will be advised by fleet via email of PCN and they need to reply within 48 hours confirming driver has been advised and that the monies will be taken from his next pay If above not adhered to then fleet will deduct from driver allocated on Fleet database Repeat offenders will be spoken to by fleet and if they still carry on with this then they will be removed from authorised list Vehicle returns-Prior to drivers final pay All vehicles must be returned to branch they were collected from Branch manager to inspect vehicle with individual and obtain a signed check sheet showing any damage No vehicles to be off-hired from home address Driver not to be de-sponsored until a vehicle check sheet has been signed and damage agreed with driver who has been informed that monies will be held back to cover repairs All fuel cards and telematic cards to be returned Branch-Fleet information Fleet will send each week a live list of vehicles with driver allocation. Branch to review and send back with 24 hours Fleet on a weekly basis to send out fuel usage/costings. Branch review and liaise with fleet if any issues Fleet will supply to branch and offending operatives weekly telematic reports with driving standards and league table 16

VHRL Notices Communications - use of mobile phones at work Only those whose role has a clear need to use a phone on track should do so. All other roles must not make personal use of mobile phones on shift. If you are walking on track and looking at your phone, you are exposing yourself to the risk of slips, trips, or falls. It is worth remembering that a rail environment is one of hard surfaces and angular edges. Falls are unlikely to result in a happy outcome. Essential calls can be made, with the consent of your COSS or Site Supervisor. It is unacceptable to be viewing social media when working as this is a distraction from your duties. Similarly, use of hand-held mobile phones whilst driving is an offence in the UK and against the Vital vehicle policy, again because of the risk of distraction. Crane/Machine Controllers attending On Track Plant (OTP) It is important to remain with your machine during the shift unless you are formally stood down. Worksites are complex places that do not always require continuous activity from individual pieces of plant. However, your machine is not expected to move without a legitimate instruction issued by you, therefore you must stay with the machine or seek permission to stand down if a long spell of inactivity is indicated by a person with appropriate authority. We have been clearly advised by key clients that breaches in the communications or OTP attendance will have the consequence of persons being unwelcome to work on worksites operated by those clients. Slips trips and falls With slips, trips and falls being the biggest causes of accidents, a tidy site is the best way to prevent this type of injury. Typical Close Calls include: Underfoot conditions that are unsafe due to poor weather. Unlocked gates and insecure fencing. Overgrown vegetation at access points. Waste skips and other equipment blocking access. Untidy work areas with scrap and rubbish lying about. Tools and materials left in walkways. Missing troughing lids and broken manholes. Is your site secure and tidy with all trip hazards identified and removed? Are all your walkways and access areas clear? Do you take account of poor weather and extended periods of darkness that people will need to work in? Remember to Take 5 and immediately make a close call to prevent injuries.

Osborne - Stop Think October The October edition of the Osborne STOP Think! Magazine can be found by accessing the following link: Osborne - Osborne Infrastructure STOP Think! Cascade October 2021 - Page 1 (publitas.com) Remembrance Day 11 November 2021 Remembrance Day was first observed in 1919 throughout the British Commonwealth. It was originally called “Armistice Day” to commemorate armistice agreement that ended the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.—on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Remembrance Sunday is the Sunday nearest to 11th November - Remembrance Day, which is the anniversary of the end of hostilities in the First World War, in 1918 at 1100hrs. The national ceremony is held at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London. The ceremony will take place on Sunday 14th November 2021. Please join us in the 2-minute silence at 11:00 on Thursday 11 November 2021

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

F03 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

Doncaster T: 01302 244450 E: Doncasterrail@vital.uk.com

Milton Keynes T: 01908 015020 E: MiltonKeynes@vital.uk.com

Farnham T: 01252 964 020 E: Farnham@vital.uk.com

First Floor Offices, Carr House, Heavens Walk, Doncaster, DN4 5HZ

Suite 532, Elder House, Elder Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 1LR

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

External Alerts & Notices

Previous similar occurrences

RAIB published its report on a class investigation into accidents and near misses involving trains and track workers outside possessions in April 2017 (RAIB report 07/2017). This highlighted that COSS distraction by other tasks was a recurring factor. It also recognised that although the provision of additional protection for line blockages had to be considered, it was often not used because it would need too much time to set up and remove. On 12 June 2011, a track worker was injured after being struck by a train at Stoats Nest Junction, south of Croydon (RAIB report 16/2012). The work site was handed back to the signaller and trains allowed to resume while work continued on the track. The COSS was not with the work group while this happened. RAIB recommended that Network Rail should expedite the improvement of safety leadership for its track maintenance staff. The Office of Rail and Road has reported to RAIB that Network Rail had started three programmes to improve safety culture and leadership for such staff. On 7 April 2017, two track workers narrowly avoided being struck by a train at Ascot station while working on a line that they mistakenly believed was blocked to trains. The circumstances are described in RAIB safety digest 09/2017. A miscommunication between staff meant that the COSS had thought that a line blockage was in place when it had not yet been taken. This highlighted the importance of effective communications within work teams when managing line blockages

Safety Newsletter Nov 2021

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