Safety NL Sept 21

Safety Newsletter Sep 2021

vital.uk.com

Contents Sep 2021 Section Introduction Welcome Your HSQE Team

Page 3 Page 4

Close Call App

Page 5

Hot Topic Stand Up for Race Equality

Page 6

A thank you to..

Page 7

Health and Wellbeing Fatigue management

Page 8-9

Safety Award

Page 10

Driving Fuelling a greener future - know your fuel

Page 11

VHRL Notices Offices Alerts & Notices

Page 12 Page 13 Page 14

Welcome Group Director, Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental Compliance, Gareth Morris Welcome to our September Safety Newsletter.

It is great for us to now enjoy more freedom as the COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed and take advantage of the summer weather.

However, we still do need to exercise some caution as COVID-19 has not gone away.

The forthcoming Autumn season has several unknowns. Waning vaccination immunity and increasing contacts with other people particularly indoors may lead to a rise in COVID-19 cases. The latest Government predictions are for a rise in cases during Autumn and Winter. This may be reduced by the continued roll-out of second doses and the predicted introduction of a booster immunisation programme.

Fortunately, during the latest peak of cases despite the rising number of infections the number of deaths has been much lower mainly due to the vaccination roll out.

The Government restrictions in the workplace have changed slightly with the removal of the social distancing but we still have an obligation to ensure there is adequate ventilation, sufficient cleaning, and good hand hygiene. If we control the controllables in the workplace and outside of the workplace we will reduce the chance of future infection.

Please keep yourself up to date with the Government guildelines and remeber to speak to our HR team if you have any questions.

Take care, Gareth

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HSQE Team 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

My Idea How would you improve safety?

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

HSE Adviser and Safety Unit (South) Alex Wilson - Cardiff, Farnham, Milton Keynes (South) and Canning Town.

Alex.Wilson@vital.uk.com 07717 306 811

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Close Call App 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!

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Stand Up for Race Equality Network Rail’s diversity and inclusion strategy, Everyone Matters, describes their ambitions to be a more open, diverse and inclusive organisation.

They are running a Stand Up for Race Equality event, where all Network Rail employees will participate in a briefing on the links between safety and inclusion. The Stand Up for Race Equality is running from 24 May to 31 December 2021, and they are inviting all industry partners to join them.

As an industry leader, Network Rail are sharing the briefing materials for the Stand Up to Race Equality, because they want conversations that recognise the link between safety, inclusion and respect to continue across the industry, amongst the supply chain, stakeholders and other organisations.

Click here to read more Network Rail’s diversity and inclusion strategy

Last year, separate investigations into two accidents on the railway, found that racist behaviours and racial tensions were contributory factors and an employment tribunal ruled that Network Rail failed to investigate allegations of racism. The Stand Up is part of their response to the recommendations from those investigations, and it represents their ambition to be a safer, more diverse and inclusive organisation.

This Stand Up is a first for Network Rail and the industry. It has been designed to be impactful, and is a moment where they are asking all colleagues to stop what they are doing and focus on the behaviours that we need in our business to improve safety and to make sure everyone is valued and treated with respect.

The Stand Up briefings will be held virtually as well as face-to-face, and have been designed to be led by line managers. The briefing is around 1 hour and involves watching a minimum of 3 short films, and then discussing the content of the films as a group/team.

There will be training materials to support line managers/facilitators to deliver the briefings.

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A thank you to..

Seán Mayle who, in addition to holding down a busy role as a Technical Clerk within the Rail Division, has recently gained an impressive result on his target toward a Railway Engineering degree.

“I’ve just completed the first two years of my Vitalsponsored programme, studying at Sheffield Hallam University, and have been awarded an HNC”, said Seán. He modestly did not mention his results had “Pass with Distinction”.

“The course is fascinating and covers just about everything relevant to railway operations i.e. H&S, S&T, electrical engineering, track, hydraulics, earthworks and drainage, structures, material science, business and management. The only major topic not included (so far) is welding!”

Having achieved the HNC qualification, a requisite to continuing to a degree course, Seán’s next target is to progress through the FdEng course. He explained “it is a large time commitment and although it’ll take a significant effort, I’m very excited at the prospect of gaining, not only a degree, but a qualification with direct relevance and knowledge that can be of immediate use to Vital from day one”.

Seán added, “this degree offers very direct benefits for the daytime job. From this point, the course is specialised, allowing me to focus on signalling, which is the key to safe control of train movements on the live network”.

Photo: Seán Mayle, Vital Projects

Brian Webb recently received high commendations for 15 years of service with Vital. Working on security gate duties at Bristol East, Brian met with Steve Featherstone.

Brian's career has mostly been on the railway, he is now 69 and has no plans to retire. He was very proud to pass his medical and although he still has a valid PTS competency, he prefers the lighter duties these days.

A great ambassador for the company!

Thank you Brian for your loyal and continued service with Vital.

“As well as gaining a valuable career boost, I can contribute to the company’s delivery with the latest knowledge and techniques. Exams and the graded unit were rough- finding 5000 words to say about a small section of railway isn’t something I was expecting to add to my skillset”, said Seán. “I’m sure the hardest part has yet to come, but however bad it gets, it can’t be much worse than re-sleepering in the Inverness rain”.

A heart congratulations Seán from all your colleagues and all the very best for the remaining challenges your course will offer.

Photo: Brian Webb, Vital Rail & Steve Featherstone

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Fatigue management A matter of life or death?

Within the rail industry we are continually bombarded with briefings or information on the need to manage fatigue. For some, it could be all to easy to dismiss the messages as melodramatic or “over the top”. After all, how big a deal can it be to get a sound sleep?

Unfortunately, driving to and from a shift (especially nights) is a known risk, especially if the driver has had insufficient rest or adequate nutrition and hydration.

High energy drinks, do they really do what it says on the tin?

There may be a serious downside to relying on high levels of caffeine and sugar. It is a common misconception, for some people, that an effective way to stave off sleep deprivation is to load up with high energy drinks and sugar-soaked snacks.

In the very short term, a person’s metabolism will receive a boost (a caffeine and sugar rush) and may believe they are energised and fit for anything.

If these stimulants are taken at the start or midpoint of a shift, their impact can rapidly wane and cause a massive energy dip when it is needed the most. This is especially true for the drive home from a busy shift, often in the early hours of the morning.

It is not unknown for a driver to experience an uncontrollable wave of fatigue causing them to fall asleep at the wheel resulting in a crash.

There is no safer and effective measure to prevent the impact of fatigue other than to ensure you have quality sleep and adequate nutrition.

Energy drinks are not the answer - listen to expert opinion Researchers at America’s Henry Ford Hospital’s Sleep Disorders and Research Centre analysed the sleep-disruptive effects of caffeine consumption at different lengths of time before bedtime.

They found that caffeine consumed even six hours before bedtime resulted in significantly diminished sleep quality and sleep quantity.

“Without adequate sleep the human body will not function at its best, physically, mentally, or emotionally”, "The principal reason that caffeine is used around the world is to promote wakefulness, But the principal reason that people need that crutch is inadequate sleep. Think about that: We use caffeine to make up for a sleep deficit that is largely the result of using caffeine.”, warned Charles Czeisler, Neuroscientist and sleep expert at Harvard Medical School.

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What action should I take?

Avoid risk where possible, manage it always There is no artificial substitute for quality sleep. There are legal and moral obligations on everyone to ensure that their decisions and behaviour do not, however unintentional, cause harm to others.

If you cause a crash, saying you fell asleep is no defence from the force of the law. You could face a criminal prosecution being fined and/or imprisoned. These are not frivolous consequences and can have an impact for the rest of your life.

Plan your nutrition and mealtimes to ensure your have the necessary energy and resource to keep your system in balance.

Ensure you eat at sensible times, a healthy balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables will help avoid highs and lows of a high sugar and caffeine intake.

Second jobs It is every individual’s personal responsibility to ensure they are fit and able for work. If you have a demanding second job it is important to manage the impact it will have on your ability to deliver safely on the rail network. Discuss your circumstances with the branch and work with them to agree a viable solution. It is your responsibility to notify Vital if you have other work.

Health and wellbeing There are numerous sources of support and advice that offer help, allowing you to develop and make sensible lifestyle choices. A healthy diet, exercise and quality rest are a proven formula for positive outcomes.

Talk to someone If there are underlying concerns that are having an adverse impact on your ability to rest and relax, seek help. The impact of COVID-19 on us all may manifest in unexpected ways, including disruption to sleep patterns.

Further reading - Energy drinks

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Safety Award Vital’s Rail Projects division can celebrate the professionalism of their colleagues for many reasons, not always in obvious ways i.e., a recent incident in Central Scotland saw prime people skills in action during rail replacement operations.

The worksite, within the station limits, involved pulling in rails on a tight curve. As the Projects Team made their preparations for the moves, a very intoxicated member of the public (MoP), accessed the station, falling from the platform on to the track.

The person crossed the tracks, standing, for an extended period, on one of the rails that had to be moved.

Vital Project’s Supervisor, Frankie Arnold, took the lead in ensuring everything stopped whilst the MoP was in the worksite, alerted the Engineering Supervisor (E.S.) on the situation allowing the E.S., to inform the PICOP, Network Rail and British Transport Police (BTP).

Meanwhile, the individual climbed back on to the platform before again falling on to the track.

Frankie, aided by Stuart Rusk recognise that the MoP was in some distress and recalling their briefings on mental health issues, decided that engaging the person in conversation was an appropriate strategy to prevent exposure to greater harm.

The team, aware that a BTP intervention was necessary, started talking calmly to the person whilst waiting for support to arrive. Vital’s Operatives managed to persuade the individual to leave track and be led to a place of safety.

When BTP arrived Frankie and Stuart returned to duty and successfully complete the works.

Frankie and Stuart have been recommended for Vital’s Safety Award which is fully supported by Executive Management and Director of Rail Projects, Scott Mayle.

The reasoning for recognition of Frankie and Stuart’s actions are that their professional behaviour and calming influence prevented the individual from further risk. Additionally, by offering an ear and listening with empathy, they managed to defuse a potentially volatile situation, get the MoP to a place of safety and complete the job without further incident.

Scott said, “I’m very proud of Frankie and Stuart for the dignified manner in which they handled a person, whom we later discovered, had not dealt at all well with lockdown”. He added, the pressure to get the rail in is always there, however, the Team recognised that another human being needed help and it was delivered in a manner that is a credit to Vital’s core values”.

“Presenting the Safety Awards to Frankie and Stuart is one of the joys of my role,” said Scott. “It is no surprise to know that we have people, such as Frankie and Scott, working in Vital, however that does not mean we should not recognise their professionalism and decency in dealing effectively with matters that could have gone very wrong” 10 7

Fuelling a greener future - know your fuel Fuel pumps across Great Britain are now greener, with the introduction of E10 as the new standard grade of petrol, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced (1 September 2021).

Pumps up and down the country will now serve greener E10 petrol which could cut transport emissions by the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road each year.

All petrol cars manufactured after 2011 can use E10, but compatibility of older vehicles should be checked online.

Most motorcycles are also approved to use E10 petrol, but you should check compatibility just in case.

For the few vehicles that need it, E5 will continue to be available at most larger fore courts in the "super" grade.

E10 will not be more expensive at the pump than current standard petrol. Although using E10 petrol can marginally impact fuel economy – generally around 1% - this will be almost unnoticeable to most drivers when making every day journeys.

E10 petrol – which is blended with up to 10% renewable ethanol and made up of materials such as low-grade grains, sugars and waste wood, making it greener than existing petrol – could cut transport CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year, which is the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off of UK roads. The move will help us reach our climate change goals as we prepare to host COP26 this November and makes it easier for people across the country to switch to greener lifestyles.

The E10 rollout this month will also support the increased production of biofuels at bioethanol plants in the north-east of England. Not only will this boost job opportunities in the local area, with the 2 big plants providing around 200 skilled jobs directly, it will also support thousands in the wider local economy including in the agriculture sector that supply the feed-wheat needed to run the plant.

This will help to build a new green economy, revitalising our industrial heartlands and supporting the UK’s wider bioeconomy as we build back greener from the pandemic.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "Every journey matters as we drive forward the green industrial revolution, which is why the rollout of E10 is so important. It’ll help us cut road greenhouse gas emissions and meet our ambitious net zero targets."

"Although more and more drivers are switching to electric, there are steps we can take today to reduce emissions from the millions of vehicles already on our roads – the small switch to E10 petrol will reduce greenhouse gas emissions as we accelerate towards a greener transport future."

Check if your vehicle can run on E10 petrol A quick E10 compatibility guide is available in the alerts and notices section of this newsletter 11

VHRL Notices Station car parking for company vehicles drivers We have recently received fines for people parking in station car parks when working on site. We appreciate that you may need to use the car parks to gain access to the location where you are working, however the car parks are monitored with ANPR camera systems so a penalty notice will automatically be generated when the cameras notice that the vehicle has used the car park without a valid payment being made.

Therefore, when using the car park in order to gain access to the required location, please make sure that the vehicle registration details have been added to the station's white list of authorised vehicles. You can do this by speaking to station management prior to your arrival on site. This is the necessary action that must be taken in order to prevent a penalty notice from being issued.

Boots are made for working A rail worker fell over near their van and twisted their ankle. First aid was administered on site and the operative was taken to hospital. They were advised to rest at home, to apply ice and take ibuprofen.

Remember: Always make sure that your boots are tied up correctly.

Check the steel toe cap and midsole protection are intact.

If you have any defects with your boots or they become worn, order a new pair.

Always make sure PPE is fit for purpose and that you are wearing it correctly.

Always be aware of your immediate working environment and take care when working or walking on uneven surfaces

Company vehicles with AdBlue To protect our environment by reducing exhaust emissions, most company vehicles both cars and vans are now fitted with an Adblue tank which will require topping up periodically. The frequency of this depends on your driving style and vehicle loading. The location of the Adblue tank filler can be found by referring to the vehicle handbook or by contacting either VHRL Fleet department or the vehicle supplier.

PLEASE TOP UP ADBLUE when advised by the dashboard display, as ignoring this will cause the engine technology system to reduce engine performance and eventually stop the engine from restarting.

Do not let the Adblue get to a low level top up on a weekly basis. KEEP IT FULL. When filling with diesel - check Adblue level and fill as required.

Re-charges will be made where the warning lights have been ignored to a point where the vehicle requires attention. If you have a fuel card, Adblue can be purchased at any Shell Outlet. If any driver has any issues with Adblue then please contact VHRL Fleet department fleet@vital.uk.com

Osborne - Stop Think August

The August edition of the Osborne STOP Think!

Magazine can be found by accessing the following link: Osborne - Osborne STOP Think! Cascade August 2021 Edition - Page 1 (publitas.com)

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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

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

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

Market Rasen T: 01302 308 080 E: MarketRasen@vital.uk.com

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

Unit 10, Guildford Road Trading Estate, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 9PZ

Unit 2, Gallamore Lane Ind. Estate, Market Rasen, LN8 3HZ

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

Newcastle T: 0191 300 0433 E: Newcastle@vital.uk.com

London T: 0203 963 5080 E: CanningTown@vital.uk.com

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

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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Alerts & Notices External Alerts & Notices

Network Rail - Safety Advice - Failure of small core (16mm diameter) WT Henley Polymeric Insulator Network Rail - Shared Learning - A serious train accident near miss Network Rail - Safety Hour Conversation - Fitness for duty Highways England - Van Driver Toolkit Introduction Eastern CLIC Issue 63 Siemens - Fast Facts Alerts - Member of public struck by debris Siemens - Fast Facts Alerts - Vehicle retaining bar damage SRSA - Engineering notice - Horsham Platform Slippery Yellow Line SRSA - Injury using a Hammer and Wedge SRSA - Injury using a Stanley knife Quick E10 Compatibility Guide

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Failure of small core (16mm diameter) WT Henley Polymeric Insulator Issued to:

DEAMs, Directors of Safety, Capital Delivery Directors and accredited contractors

Ref:

Local Safety Advice NRA21-02

Date of issue: 30/07/2021 Location:

Chiltern Green, East Midlands

Contact:

Sultan Parker, Principal Engineer

Overview On the 4th July 2021 an OLE insulator parted at Harpenden (Chiltern Green on East Midlands Route). OLE Maintenance staff were adjusting the balance weight pulley wheel separation and had applied lifting equipment "a rig" around the compensating plate between the anchor tail wire and the contact/catenary conductors.

When they released the tension after completion of works, they heard a 'cracking' sound coming from the existing balance weight small core (16mm diameter) polymeric insulator in the tail wire. Realising something was wrong, the OLE staff moved clear and the polymeric insulator then parted, causing the balance weight stack to descend to the ground releasing the OLE tensions.

Immediate action required •

• •

•

Small core (16mm diameter) WT Henley insulators Catalogue number 91/012574, manufacturer reference 56145-56 are NOT FOR FUTURE USE. The larger core (31.5mm) WT Henley insulator Catalogue number 91/010050, manufacturer reference 56146-65 shall be used.

Check and quarantine ALL small core (16mm diameter) WT Henley insulators 91/012574 from Stores.

The WT Henley insulator Catalogue number 091/012573 manufacturer reference 56145-8 which are NOT installed in the line are also to be quarantined.

Where 16mm core diameter insulators are already installed in the line (e.g. in balance weight tail wires) these insulators shall be replaced with the 31.5mm core diameter version.

Part of our group of Safety Bulletins

•

•

•

Where a 16mm core diameter insulator is found as part of a balance weight assembly it shall be replaced prior to performing any work on the wire run.

Staff shall be cautious when applying the Rig (not to introduce any shock loading into the insulator).

OLE staff are also reminded of previous Infrastructure Group Safety Bulletins (IGS) 266 and 276 relating to Double Clevis '808' components. In particular the requirements to inspect such components prior to applying lifting equipment "rigging" on balance weight or tensioning assemblies.

The Safe Work Pack shall include hazard control measures to mitigate the risk of failure of such components during replacement.

Learning from others - a serious train accident near miss Issued to:

Network Rail line managers, safety professionals and accredited contractors

Ref:

NRL21-02

Date of issue: 16/08/2021 Location:

Chalfont & Latimer station, Metropolitan Line, London Underground

Contact:

Investigation and Assurance

Overview On 21st June 2020 at 21:43, a near miss occurred between two passenger trains at London Underground's Chalfont & Latimer station. A southbound Chiltern Railways train travelled towards a stationary northbound Metropolitan line train on the same track, and stopped only about 23 metres away.

The Chiltern Railways train had passed a signal at danger (a SPAD) and had been automatically stopped by a tripcock train protection system. The driver reset the tripcock and continued without seeking authority, running through a set of points and going too fast over a crossover onto the line occupied by the other train.

The driver decided to proceed without authority because he did not remember passing the red signal and believed the tripcock activation had been spurious. His training in how to use a safety system was inadequate.

No one was hurt but the points and signalling system were damaged, causing disruption.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) report contains a lot of learning which is immediately relevant to Network Rail.

Underlying causes The driver was probably fatigued. He suffered sleep apnoea (stopping breathing when asleep) and type 2 diabetes, both of which disturbed his sleep. This had not been recognised in the medical examinations.

Training and competence management were ineffective. RAIB commented about a safety brief using over 100 PowerPoint slides.

RAIB also found gaps in shared risk management between the different companies involved.

The driver had a long history of safety events but gaps in line manager resource had contributed to ineffective action to address knowledge gaps and monitor performance.

Key message Line managers have a key role in monitoring safety performance. Frequently changing line managers, or coping with prolonged management gaps, has an adverse effect of safe working.

Competence management should take account of personal safety performance. Training must cover all aspects required to work safely.

Part of our group of Safety Bulletins

Medical checks and fatigue management must consider sleep disorders and other factors beyond immediate shift patterns.

Eastern Region Safety Hour conversation Fitness for duty Purpose of Discussion Everyone has both physical and mental health. It is important that both are in a good place for us to function correctly and effectively undertake whatever is required of us. It is even more important when undertaking safety critical tasks.

Kick-off the Discussion The stigma around discussing mental health is well documented and sometimes we are more likely to talk about physical injuries, rather than ask for help when our mental health isn’t quite right.

As managers and employees, we all have a legal duty to ensure that everyone must be both physically and mentally fit for work. This helps look after us as individuals and others impacted by our work As such, the everyday working relationships between mangers and employees is crucial to ensuring that a duty of care is provided. This will help ensure that there are open and honest communication channels to share details of anything that may prevent us from being fit for duties we are asked to undertake.

Discussion points •

How comfortable do we feel talking about our physical and mental health?

•

Do we feel that we will be listened to if we were to talk out?

•

Before starting work, do we ever check in with one another and simply ask “is everyone in a good place?”

•

How aware are we of all the occupational health provisions we have at our disposal to help with physical and mental health?

Workforce accidents reported in Eastern region 31 July - 06 August 2021.

Over this past week there have been four staff work related accidents reported with no lost time. There was one RTA involving two staff members one having lost time due to injury.

Operations East Coast No lost time event 03/08/2021 at 17:35 – Tweedmouth signal box (S/B) Signaller. While working the box, the signaller was bitten by a spider causing his knee to swell up. First aid was applied, and they continued with their shift.

Maintenance East Coast No lost time RTA (road traffic accident) event 31/07/21 at 11:55 – Driver advises that their vehicle has come off the road on a tight S bend and gone into a ditch. There was oil on the road which is believed to be a possible cause. Driver was shaken up and has some bruising following the accident.

Lost time RTA event 31/07/21 at 11:55 - IP was a passenger in vehicle with Network Rail (NWR) colleague that came off road on a tight S bend and gone into a ditch. IP suffered grazed right forearm, bruised left leg, and small glass cuts to both legs and were unable to fulfil following shift.

Maintenance North & East

No lost time RTA event 02/08/2021 at 10:30 - IP was driving NWR vehicle in Wakefield, when a member of the public (MOP) went through a red light and collided with the NWR staff.

No lost time event at 02:00 – IP was walking lineside near Leeds Station. IP stepped over troughing back onto the cess tripping falling heavily on the left hand. He sustained a broken bone in hand No lost time event 05/08/2021 at 19:12 - IP was walking down access point at Hoyle Mill Road, Fitzwilliam and slipped as the floor was wet without anti slip, IP was also carrying a rucksack. He sustained an injury to lower back.

Operational incidents of note: Tuesday 3 August Hillam Gates CCTV crossing – Protection irregularity At 1108, the signaller at Milford reported a line blockage irregularity at Hillam Gates (CCVT) level crossing, between Sherburn-in-Elmet and Burton Salmon. The protection controller (PC) handed back the line blockage of the up Normanton line but 6M16, DB Cargo, 0540 Wilton EFW Terminal - Knowsley Freight Terminal then ran over three detonators and a stop board. A mobile operations manager (MOM) was called to site. The driver of 6M16 was fit to continue. The PC advised that damage was caused to the detonators and stop boards but that no equipment was foul of the running line. A MOM was on site at 1137 and commenced a level one investigation. It was established that 6M16 had stopped short of the detonators and stop board. The incident was reported by the hand signaller. No ‘for cause’ screening was deemed necessary required for the PC.

VAN DRIVER TOOLKIT: INTRODUCTION

KEEPING IT SAFE & LEGAL

Did you know?

With more than 4 million vans registered in the UK, it is a common misconception that there is no legislation governing van drivers and van operations. Due to their size and weight, vans can be driven and used for anything – right?

These are just some of the legislation and governing bodies keeping van drivers and fleet operators safe and legal on our roads. Do you know what your responsibilities are?

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations The Traffic Management Act 2004 The Department for Transport (DfT) Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Traffic Commissioners Road Traffic Act 1988 The Highway Code Highways England EU Drivers’ Hours The Home Office Local Authorities Domestic Drivers Hours Rules Police Forces

Wrong, in fact very wrong. With an increase of roadside stops for vans and the average fine per offence in the region of £972, it doesn’t take long for van drivers and owners to figure out that vans which don’t comply with the rules, regulations, standards and procedures can be a costly experience in fines, let alone additional costs for recovery and repair.

To help with making our roads safer and more pleasant places to travel on, a series of driver information cards have been produced to assist van drivers and fleet operators in dispelling uncertainty and myth, and implementing best practice for what is required to reduce costs, improve operating conditions and ensure safe and legal vehicles and wellbeing for drivers at all times.

This information sheet is free for employers to download and distribute to their drivers.

It may not be amended in any way | Copyright 2021 Highways England.

www.drivingforbetterbusiness.com/van-driver-toolkit

07/21

Capital Delivery Eastern

Continuous Learning & Improvement Cascade (CLIC) Issue 63: 18 August 2021 – 24 August 2021

Welcome to your weekly round-up of safety communications issued round the business. This digest brings together important messages, discussion points and learning to ensure that we are taking the correct actions to keep us safe & compliant and to help us avoid making the same mistakes as others.

This issue and previous editions are available from our SharePoint site.

If you would like to contribute or provide feedback then please contact CDEasternS&SD@networkrail.co.uk.

This week, the following communications have been issued.

Communication

Issued by Safety Bulletin

Aire Bridge- Cable Strike

Amco Griffen Wellbeing Bulletin

Network Rail launches new fatigue awareness eLearning for all colleagues

Network Rail

Shared Learning Learning from others - a serious train accident near miss Also in this issue

Network Rail Page

Accidents & Incidents in the week

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Capital Delivery - Eastern CLIC Page 2

Safety Bulletin Safety Bulletin Aire Bridge – Cable strike

What happened?

Whilst installing ballast retention H-Piles to the north east of the structure a cable duct route was unknowingly struck during possession working over the weekend 3rd /4th July 2021.

During excavation and installation of ballast boards the following weekend, damage to a duct route was uncovered and there was evidence that 2x cables had been severed.

Site called NR fault team and signaller who advised ‘no faults detected on system’, the worksite & possession were handed back.

Pre-Planning The presence of cables was understood, the WPP and PTD referred to them and the route was highlighted (spray paint) on the ballast.

Design pile locations were set out and the plan amended to permit piles to be moved/offset minimum 1200mm from known services.

The installation gang included competent & trained individuals who had been involved in the planning.

Implementation Plies 1-4 & 9-12 were offset from the spray mark, Piles 5-8 were not offset – Pile 7 damaged the cables.

No trial holes were undertaken as per the plan to; confirm the cable route location locate the pile Potential for confusion over markings indicating ‘Design’ and ‘Actual’ pile location.

What can we do differently?

Ensure the works are competed in strict accordance with the plan Trail hole all pile locations, provide physical location reference (non-metallic peg) and photographic evidence Remove/erase markings to ‘design’ location and only show ‘to be installed’ position.

For more information please contact Eric Hulson (Health & Safety Manager, Amco Griffen) Capital Delivery - Eastern CLIC Page 3

Wellbeing Bulletin Safety Bulletin

Network Rail launches new fatigue awareness eLearning for all colleagues Network Rail has launched its first fatigue eLearning module, which has been designed to encourage colleagues to think about the impact of fatigue on their wellbeing, as well as their safety at work. Fatigue is more than just being tired, it's a state of reduced performance capability that's often the result of not getting enough sleep, being awake for long periods, working at different times of the day, or heavy workload. But some causes of fatigue aren't so obvious, like dehydration and extreme temperatures.

Colleagues can find the eLearning via the training dashboard - where they can search 'fatigue awareness' in the eLearning catalogue to locate it. They should then select 'buy for me' below the course name and details. In the top right corner, there will be an option to checkout (accessed via the shopping card symbol) - the price for the course will have dropped from £35 to £0. After processing through the checkout, they will be enrolled.

The eLearning covers what fatigue is, how it impacts people, ways to manage it, how to prepare for work and how to keep safe travelling to and from work.

Feel at our best' Charlotte Holmes, project manager, Technical Authority, who's part of the Fatigue Improvement Programme, worked with training colleagues and an external fatigue expert to develop the eLearning. She said: "It's crucial we manage our fatigue levels so we are alert and safe for work, but getting enough rest also helps us feel at our best when offduty. "This eLearning explains the broader impact fatigue can have on us, with some great suggestions of small changes that can make a big difference to our everyday lives."

Front of mind

The eLearning highlights where fatigue has contributed to fatal accidents on the railway. The Great Heck train crash – which marked its 20-year anniversary in February – saw a driver fall asleep behind the wheel of a car and veer onto the tracks, causing a train to derail. This tragic incident saw 82 people injured and 10 people lose their life.

More recently in November 2018, at Stoats Nest Junction – on the Sussex route – a passenger train struck and fatally injured a track worker. A significant underlying factor was that the supplier's management processes had not sufficiently identified and addressed the risk of fatigue among colleagues on zero-hour contracts.

The eLearning puts attention on topics front of mind across Network Rail, including a focus on wellbeing – with a lot of colleagues working additional hours throughout the pandemic. It also focuses on night and shift working – giving examples of things colleagues can do to prepare for working during the night.

For more information please visit the My Connect page Capital Delivery - Eastern CLIC Page 4

Shared Learning Shared Learning Learning from others - a serious train accident near miss Issued to: Network Rail line managers, safety professionals and accredited contractors Ref: NRL21-02 Date of issue: 16/08/2021 Location: Chalfont & Latimer station, Metropolitan Line, London Underground

Overview On 21st June 2020 at 21:43, a near miss occurred between two passenger trains at London Underground's Chalfont & Latimer station. A southbound Chiltern Railways train travelled towards a stationary northbound Metropolitan line train on the same track, and stopped only about 23 metres away.

The Chiltern Railways train had passed a signal at danger (a SPAD) and had been automatically stopped by a tripcock train protection system. The driver reset the tripcock and continued without seeking authority, running through a set of points and going too fast over a crossover onto the line occupied by the other train.

The driver decided to proceed without authority because he did not remember passing the red signal and believed the tripcock activation had been spurious. His training in how to use a safety system was inadequate.

No one was hurt but the points and signalling system were damaged, causing disruption.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) report contains a lot of learning which is immediately relevant to Network Rail.

Underlying causes The driver was probably fatigued. He suffered sleep apnoea (stopping breathing when asleep) and type 2 diabetes, both of which disturbed his sleep. This had not been recognised in the medical examinations.

The driver had a long history of safety events but gaps in line manager resource had contributed to ineffective action to address knowledge gaps and monitor performance.

Training and competence management were ineffective. RAIB commented about a safety brief using over 100 PowerPoint slides.

RAIB also found gaps in shared risk management between the different companies involved.

Key Messages

Line managers have a key role in monitoring safety performance. Frequently changing line managers, or coping with prolonged management gaps, has an adverse effect of safe working.

Competence management should take account of personal safety performance. Training must cover all aspects required to work safely.

Medical checks and fatigue management must consider sleep disorders and other factors beyond immediate shift patterns.

Capital Delivery - Eastern CLIC Page 5

Accidents & Incidents this week This week, the following accidents and incidents were reported by CD Eastern projects: Incident Date

Route

Project

03/08/2021

Track - HQ

19/20 Track Alliance East Midlands Route

05/08/2021

IP SNE: LNE SPD3 Renewals Gainsborough Lea Rd - Dem

05/08/2021

IP SNE: LNE ECM1/184 DB & Accident ECML DD (Combined)

10/08/2021

Central East Midlands

KO1aProgramme primary

Classification

Incident Summary

Incident

Low Loader trailer reversed into private property wall exiting Mill Hill Broadway station car park.

Incident

Theft of plant from site - medium duty breaker, 5 1/2 inch angle grinder, temporary lights, 2.4kvh generator, 14inch patrol floor saw, petrol cut-off saw, chainsaw, 2 spliitter boxes A scaffold gantry was being erected over the southern tow path of the River Nene, underneath structure ECM1/184DD. At approximately 13:45, as the Scaffold Suppliers workforce were returning to the work areas from their lunch break, one of the scaffolders presented to the site manager with cuts and grazing to his face. He reported that he had been on site waiting for the rest of the team and had walked into a scaffold tube. First aid was administered and the IP was taken to the local minor injury unit as a precaution. He was released a short while later with no other injuries or issues identified and returned to his lodgings. Due to the injuries not entirely aligning with the IP’s account of the incident, the CCTV footage from the security cameras was reviewed. This subsequently confirmed that the IP had actually fallen approximately 2m from a section of scaffold onto the ground below.

Environmental P&I van (vehicle registration: GJ20 NRG) was traveling Incident down the haulage road at Braybrooke access around SPC3 80m 34.9ch. The bottom of the van bottomed out on part of the access road as it has deteriorated in certain areas, ballast missing, deep groves either side of the middle.

This caused damage to the sump and resulted in a minor oil spill on the ballast.

Capital Delivery - Eastern CLIC Page 6

Audience: Siemens Mobility Limited, Rail Infrastructure

FF/018/2021

Fast Facts Alert Subject: member of public struck by debris What happened:

Member of the public

On Thursday 19th August 2021 a four man team of SML operatives were loading a skip with disused road rail access point (RRAP) panels. The skip had one or two broken wooden pallets inside; as the RRAP panel was placed into the skip a 16cm x 5cm x 1cm piece of pallet wood was ejected out of the skip and over the lineside fence onto Mitcham Eastfields platform 1 where it struck a member of the public on the head.

The injured party had no abrasion on their head but had a minor cut on the fifth finger on their left hand; an offer to escort the injured party to A&E was declined however the individual later attended on their own behalf complaining of a headache.

Initial findings: The site of works was considered suitably segregated from the public with the skip being 6 metres from the lineside fence on the rear of the platform and being completed in accordance with the Task Briefing.

Position of SML operatives loading the skip

Discussion Points

Immediate Actions:

1. Does your site have suitable segregation from third parties?

Ensure all public interfaces are considered in the Task Briefing and that all reasonably practicable mitigations are put in place to avoid materials being displaced from skips whilst being loaded.

2. Are there alternatives to standard skips for disposing of waste materials?

3. Is there a way to break materials down into smaller sizes before disposing?

Region: Croydon Project: Victoria - Phase 3 Delivery Director: Steve Wright Project Manager: Rob Watson Author: Barry Kiely

Produced By EHS Department Siemens Mobility Limited, Rail Infrastructure Any queries please contact your local EHS Specialist Restricted © Siemens Mobility Limited 2021. All Rights Reserved.

Document is UNCONTROLLED when downloaded or printed.

Add contact information i.e. for more information about this report please contact barry.kiely@siemens.com UKI-RI-HS-TM-006 July 2021Issue 5

Audience: Siemens Mobility Limited, Rail Infrastructure

FF/017/2021

Fast Facts Alert Subject: Vehicle retaining bar damage What happened: On Thursday 19th August 2021 a supervisor driving to the Core Valley Lines project offices noticed as he was driving that the offside retaining bar (Edge protection for working on rear of vehicle) was hanging down into the road supported only by the rear retaining post.

The retaining bar had become detached from the fixing and fallen, hitting a member of publics' vehicle and causing damage to the windscreen, front bumper and a front spotlight. Luckily the driver was not injured.

Initial Findings: The side retaining bar is a removable bar which is fitted to offer edge protection in case an operative needs to work on the flatbed of the vehicle. The bar is secured by the use of a latch which is then further secured by a small carabiner which prevents the latch becoming unsecured. The carabiner is attached to a link chain and pop riveted onto the retaining bar. Upon initial investigation, it appears that the chain and carabiner was missing, however it is uncertain whether the chain was not present before the journey or if it came off during impact with the vehicle or road. It appears that the when the retaining bar is released without control it flies away from the vehicle approximately 1 metre.

Initial findings believed to be a contributing factor: The link chains are only riveted on with a aluminium rivet and appear the be quite weak. These rivets mushroom over the chain but are not sturdy allowing movement of the chain.

Chippenham Portfolio Core Valley Lines Transformation Project

Immediate Action required:

Delivery Director: Paul Chesman Project Manager: Kieran Spence Author: Craig Summerhill

Check all vehicles immediately. Ensure the daily checks are taking the retaining bars are secure and the correct use of the carabiner and chain into account on inspection.

Add contact information i.e. for more information about this report please contact craig.summerhill@siemens.com Produced By EHS Department Siemens Mobility Limited, Rail Infrastructure Any queries please contact your local EHS Specialist Restricted © Siemens Mobility Limited 2021. All Rights Reserved.

Document is UNCONTROLLED when downloaded or printed.

UKI-RI-HS-TM-006 July 2021Issue 5

Engineering Notice – EA-MG-HOR-01

Horsham Platform Slippery Yellow Line This bulletin is for the attention of: Production Delivery Managers, Site and Delivery Supervisors, Site operatives, Civil Contractors.

CEM and CRE – Civil Design and Construction, Site Engineers, Track Supervisors

Background BPH Civils Contractors were contracted by SRSA to undertake platform coping stone works at Horsham. The yellow line when cooled was slippery to walk on. As a result, the platform had to be temporarily closed while remedial works were undertaken. The product used is called Flexiline which doesn’t have glass granules to aid slip resistance. The correct product which must have been used is called Thermaline which has anti-slip resistance properties.

When the mistake was discovered on site the team decided to proceed with the installation as they thought it was better than not installing the yellow line.

However, on Monday morning (23/08/2021) the driver of 377 train from Dorking to Horsham to Three Bridges slipped (without fall or injury) on the yellow line. The platform was closed temporarily while kill frost granules were applied as a precautionary measure.

Actions Required The following actions shall be taken on all SRSA worksites to mitigate the risk of this occurring again; •

The Flexiline product must not be used for yellow line marking on all our sites.

Engineering Notice – EA-MG-HOR-01 • •

• •

Always check that the correct materials are used on site. If a non-conformance is discovered ensure this is escalated to the CRE and adequate consultation is undertaken with relevant stakeholders prior to opening the line.

Civils works AfC drawings must add requirement for anti-slip resistance on yellow line to the specification rather than just state ‘proprietary based thermoplastic’.

Suggested note to read: “Use proprietary based thermoplastic, 100mm wide yellow platform marking with anti-slip resistance, such as Thermaline or equivalent.”

Cascade the contents of this Alert to all your staff.

SRSA to raise a Standards Challenge to Network Rail in relation to the suite of NR standard design drawings for platforms (eg: NR/CIV/SD/3011 and 3012). This challenge will include the benefits of providing more detail when specifying the yellow line platform marking requirements.

Engineering Notice – EA-MG-HOR-01 ALL BRIEFING RECORDS TO BE RETURNED TO: David.Anderson@colasrail.com ALL non-conformances to this instruction, including assurance requirements to be raised through the CARL and weekly compliance report by the CRE-Track ALL safety converstions regarding this notice to be recorded on CARL. Prepared By: Mandela Govera Engineering & Compliance Manager –South Rail Systems Alliance

Brief to: No brief required Next Team Brief Immediate Brief All Colas Rail employees All PTS Holders Managers Only Disciplines Affected Sub –Contractors

       

My Personal Commitment to Safety: Plan work to reduce exposure to risk, so that it can be done safely

SAFETY ALERT Injury using a Hammer and Wedge Recently, a Welders Assistant working in Kent had received an injury to his thumb. The Operative had cut the gap for the weld and was using a hammer and wedge to remove the gap piece of rail.

The Operative was holding the wedge in such a way that his thumb was in a position where the hammer hit his thumb when the wedge was hit.

The Operative fractured the tip of his thumb.

All: • It is very important to ensure that when using wedges, it is held with the hand positioned halfway down the length of the wedge and not near the end where it could be hit. o This also applies to any other tools which are to be hit using hammers.

• It is important to ensure that the tool is held correctly and safely.

• Also, ensure you maintain focus on the task to avoid miss-hits which could cause injury.

Issued by: Colin Ford

Managers / Supervisors: • •

August 2021

Please Log safety conversations with your teams discussing the nature of this incident.

Supervisors/Site managers - always brief staff prior to this task or a similar task taking place to create awareness and avoid similar events from occurring.

SAFETY ALERT

Injury using a Stanley knife During a core steel sleeper relay an operative used a Stanley knife to cut the bands on a pack of sleepers. In order to get a better grip on the Stanley knife, the IP took off their cut 5 gloves. Whilst trying to cut the bands off, the Stanley knife slipped causing a small laceration to the IP’S right hand. First aid was given, the wound was cleaned and dressed.

On this occasion the IP was able to carry on with his work.

No Loss Time Injury.

All:

• It’s important to remember Stanley knives are banned to all track staff. On this occasion the knife was borrowed from a fitters tool kit bag.

Going forward, all fitters must not let SRSA staff members use their equipment .

• In order to prevent this from happening again SRSA will ensure that tin snips, or equivalent, are readily available to cut the banding safely.

Managers / Supervisors: •

Please Log safety conversations with your teams discussing the nature of this accident.

•

Supervisors/Site Managers - always brief staff prior to this task or a similar task taking place to create awareness and avoid similar events from occurring.

• The correct process for this activity must be shown in the task briefing sheets.

• All staff are to be reminded cut 5 gloves are to be worn at all times.

Issued by: Darren Wood

August 2021

qui ck E10 Co m p at ibi l i ty Guide CAR MAKE

YEAR ALL COMPATIBLE FROM

EXTRA GUIDANCE

Alfa Romeo

2011

Older vehicles - check online Older vehicles - check online

Audi

2009

BMW

All models compatible

Citroen

2000

Pre 2000 - use E5

Fi at

2011

Older vehicles - check online

Ford

1992*

*Except Mondeo 1.8 SCI 2003 to 2007

Honda

2000

Older vehicles - check online

Hyund ai

All models compatible

Jag u a r

1992

Ki a

All models compatible

Pre 1992 - use E5

Lexus

2008

Older vehicles - check online

M a zd a

2010

Older vehicles - check online

Mercedes-Benz

2006

Older vehicles - check online

MINI

2000

Pre 2000 (old Mini) - use E5

Nissan

2000

Pre 2000 vehicles - use E5

Peug eot

2000

Pre 2000 vehicles - use E5

Porsche

1998*

*Except Ca rrera GT

Renault

2004

Older vehicles - check online

Rover/MG

Not suitable

All Rover / MG vehicles - use E5

S aa b

1990

Older vehicles - check online

Seat

2006

Older vehicles - check online

Škoda

2002

Older vehicles - check online

Smart

All models compatible

Subaru

1991

Pre 1991 vehicles - use E5

Toyot a

2009

Older vehicles - check online

Vauxh all

2011

Older vehicles - check online

Volvo

2000

Older vehicles - check online

Volkswag en

2007

Older vehicles - check online

MOTORCYCLES

YEAR ALL COMPATIBLE FROM

EXTRA GUIDANCE

All Mopeds / 50cc or less

_

All models - check online

BMW Motorra d

All models compatible

Ducati

2011

Older vehicles – check online

Ha rley Davidson

1980

Pre 1980 - use E5

Honda

1993

Pre 1993 - use E5

K a w a s a ki

2011

Older vehicles – check online Pre 2000 - use E5

KTM

2000

Pi agg io / Vesp a (over 50cc)

2011

Pre 2011 - use E5

Suzuki

2002

Older vehicles – check online

Triumph

1990

Pre 1990 - use E5

Ya m a h a

1990

Pre 1990 - use E5

This compatibility chart has been created by the Department for Transport using information supplied by vehicle manufactures and we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Further details are available on the online checker.

If your vehicle is not listed, please check online at gov.uk/E10checker

Safety Newsletter Sep 2021

vital.uk.com