Aug 2022
SAFETY NEWSLETTER
vital.uk.com
Contents Aug 2022
Section Introduction Welcome Safety Matters / HSQE Team CIRAS reporting
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Hot topic Drugs & Alcohol - Increased Test Failures
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Health and Wellbeing Mole or Melanoma? 5 Tips for Detecting Skin Cancer Driving Highway Code: updated sentences for driving offences Daily vehicle checks Leave your phone alone
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Environment The dangers of rip currents
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Compliance Sentinel: Locations are changing
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VHRL Notices Offices
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External Alerts & Notices Message from Andrew Haines NR NR Safety Advice - Hot Weather Southern Shield - Safety Update Siemens EHS Alert - Use of Mobile Phone Siemens Fast Facts Alert - Macclesfield RRV Strike Volker Rail - Points Run Through Volker Rail - Electrical Incident TRU East SHES Fast Facts - Workforce injury TRU East SHES Fast Facts - Hypodermic needles
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Welcome Group Director, Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental Compliance, Gareth Morris Welcome to our August newsletter. Last month records were broken but not in a good way. For the first time since records began temperatures of over 40 Degrees Celsius were recorded in the UK by the Met Office. Unfortunately, this a sign of things to come as the impact of climate change takes hold and extreme weather events like this become more frequent and more severe. This warning makes us even more determined to play our part in reducing the world’s Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions. The carbon we produce through our operational activities is known as a Green House Gas, and it is these gases that are heating up our climate and changing our old weather patterns for the worse.
This is why Vital has signed up to The Science Based Targets Initiative. This global scheme involves setting a carbon emissions reduction target, taking action to reduce our carbon emissions, collecting and monitoring data, and being audited to check our targets, data and results. Reporting of accidents and Incidents Please make sure that you report to Vital any accidents or incidents regardless how small. You probably will report them to the clients you are working for, but we need to know as well. Thank you, stay safe Gareth Morris
It is not too late to collectively reverse climate change through: a change in our behaviours carbon reduction strategies the investment in the design, development and implementation of new technologies Both collectively and individually we can all play our part. Collectively Vital, as part of The Morson Group, has worked for many years to reduce our environmental impact through the Group’s carbon reduction strategies. For example, all our commercial fleet fuel is offset by investment in carbon reduction schemes. Individually we can all reduce the amount of carbon we produce by changing our behaviour. For example: Turn off lights and electrical equipment when they are not required Do not leave electrical items on standby Drive only when necessary Drive more slowly Accelerate more gently Do not leave parked vehicles idling
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Safety Matters Created specifically for our workforce; a multi platform mobile app that has been designed for users to ensure they can report a close call at any time and any place.
Features Include:
Simple - Add the information to the form provided and submit Direct - All close calls reported through the app are sent instantly to our Health and Safety mailbox Photograph - Upload supporting images Offline - No network connection required, use the app anywhere
Safety Matters The Close Call Reporting App Available to download NOW!
HSQE Team
My Idea How would you improve safety?
HSQE Director Gareth Morris, Morson International - Manchester Gareth.Morris@morson.com 07736 657 039
HSE Adviser and Safety Unit Keith Wright Keith.Wright@vital.uk.com 07717 306 775
HSE Adviser and Safety Unit (North) Jane Hepburn – Manchester, Solutions, Milton Keynes (North) Doncaster, Market Rasen and Birmingham Jane.Hepburn@vital.uk.com 07717 306 797
HSE Adviser and Safety Unit (South) Alex Wilson - Cardiff, Farnham, Milton Keynes (South) and Canning Town. Alex.Wilson@vital.uk.com 07717 306 811
What are your ideas for innovation? What would you change? To be in with the chance to with £100 worth of gift vouchers, email us your ideas at: MYIDEA@VITAL.UK.COM
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CIRAS reporting CIRAS - a confidential reporting service
CIRAS is an organisation offering a confidential reporting service where safety concerns can be raised. Vital support this important service through membership and active participation. CIRAS partners with the GB mainline railway industry and has seen significant improvement in safety performance over the past two decades. Their confidential reporting service cuts across organisational boundaries and continues to be an integral part of Rail’s safety management system. CIRAS will take calls on a wide range of concerns affecting the health, wellbeing and safety of staff, passengers or the public. From rules non-compliance and equipment issues through to fatigue, security and working conditions – these are all early indicators of potential harm. The concerns raised through the hotline often have common themes, allowing the industry to benefit from shared learning and good practice. Why speaking up matters If you see something that looks unsafe, or think the way you or others are working is unsafe or damaging to health or wellbeing, you have two choices: do something, or do nothing. Doing nothing is as much a choice as doing something - and we are all responsible for the choices we make. By speaking up, you are making sure that companies are aware of any issues and have all the information they need to address a concern. You might be the only person who can see that there is a problem, so it’s important not to assume that others know about it or have spoken up. And when you don’t want to raise your concerns through other channels, CIRAS can pass them on confidentially. What do people report? Exposure to fumes and poor air quality. Performing tasks without the right competence. Social distancing measures not followed. Training not suitable for the role. Regular trespass. Worn-out equipment. These are just a few examples of things people have raised with CIRAS. See their Frontline Magazine for more examples. If you have a rail safety concern that you feel unable to raise with your own employer, call CIRAS now on: Report hotline: 0800 4 101 101 Report textline: 07507 285 887 CIRAS’s quarterly magazine, Frontline Matters, is available to download for free - click here.
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Drugs & Alcohol Increased Test Failures Network Rail Safety Bulletin NRB22-05 - Testing in the first three periods of this year has found 16 people nationally under the influence of drugs or alcohol who should not have been at work. Of the 16 failures: 7 were due to alcohol 5 were due to cocaine use 4 were due to cannabis Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at work impairs judgement and creates safety risks to yourself, colleagues, passengers on the railway and members of the public. Network Rail's life-saving rule states, "Never drive or work while under the influence of drugs or alcohol". Attending work under the influence is not allowed. If you test positive, you can expect to lose your job. In addition, you will not be allowed to do any work on the railway that is safety critical or requires you to hold Personal Track Safety for at least five years. Discussion Points Are you familiar with the requirements of Network Rail's drugs and alcohol policy NR/L1/OHS/051? Could you and your colleagues recognise the signs that a person may be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol at work? Would you and your colleagues feel confident with how to raise concerns about your own or another person's drug and/or alcohol usage? Are you aware that there is support available to employees who voluntarily declare a drug and/or alcohol misuse concern? Would you know where to ask for this support? Anyone with concerns about a colleague should report these to their line manager or confidentially using the Speak Out process to the National Operations Centre on 01908 723644 or 01908 723645 Employees should be encouraged to disclose any concerns with drug and/or alcohol misuse, and be informed that support is available via occupational health where voluntarily declared and not in anticipation of a drug and alcohol test. Network Rail Safety Bulletin: NRB22-05
HELP
Where to get help for drugs and alcohol A GP is a good place to start. They can discuss your problems with you and get you into treatment. They may offer you treatment at the practice or refer you to your local drug service. If you're not comfortable talking to a GP, you can approach your local drug treatment service yourself. Visit the Frank website to find local drug treatment services. If you're having trouble finding the right sort of help, call the Frank drugs helpline on 0300 123 6600. They can talk you through all your options.
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Mole or Melanoma? 5 Tips for Detecting Skin Cancer Summer is a great time to keep an eye on our bodies and check our moles. But it’s often hard to tell whether that mole or dark spot is cause for concern or just a benign imperfection. There are three primary forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. All require medical attention, but of the three, melanoma is the most serious. When detected early, melanoma can be treated successfully. If not discovered at an early stage, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body and can be fatal. In most cases, melanomas form near or in an existing mole or dark patch on the skin. Congenital moles (or “birthmarks”) can also develop into melanomas. Most moles are harmless. New moles and moles that change shape, however, are cause for closer inspection. A helpful memory aid when assessing a mole is to review the “ABCDEs.” These warning signs that a mole, sore or unusual skin patch may be a melanoma are:
Preventing skin cancer: Seek the shade when in the sun, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. Don’t get sunburned. Avoid tanning, and never use UV tanning beds. Cover up with clothing, including a broadbrimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating. Keep newborns out of the sun. Use sunscreen on babies over the age of six months. Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
Regular self-exams are key to catching melanomas early, when it can be successfully treated. If you feel that a mole meets any of the ABCDEs, it is important to talk with your doctor promptly. If the spot is not a melanoma, the conversation can put your mind at ease. If it is cancerous, you can get the treatment you need to eliminate it.
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Highway Code: updated sentences for driving offences The Highway Code has been updated following a change in the law that affects the sentences for some driving offences. The updates are to the penalties for: causing death by dangerous driving causing death by careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs The maximum sentence for both offences has increased from 14 years’ imprisonment to life imprisonment. The obligatory disqualification period for both offences has increased from a minimum of 2 years to a minimum of 5 years. CLICK: The changes have been updated in annex 5 (penalties) of The Highway Code. New driving offence A new offence has also been created for causing serious injury by dangerous driving. This carries a maximum penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and an obligatory driving disqualification.
Daily vehicle checks New government guidance says that van drivers should run through these workaround checks every day and get any issues checked and fixed ASAP Drivers need to make sure that: Seats are secure, seat belts operate correctly and are free from cuts and damage Horn is working and easily accessible from driver's seat Wipers work properly and clear the windscreen, washers are filled, working and pointing at the windscreen Check that the battery shows no sign of deterioration (e.g leaking) and is held securely in place with appropriate fixings Brake fluid, engine coolant, engine oil, power steering fluid, wind screen washer fluid and water levels are correct, fuel filler cap is securely fitted, and that none of these fluids are leaking by looking for puddles on the ground All lights and indicators, including: brake lights, marker lights, dashboard warnings and that all lenses are present, clean and are the right colour Foot and parking brakes are working, with no excessive play All mirrors properly aligned and secure, giving clear view of the road in all directions Any load is adequately secured, and that the van doors have an effective locking device Doors shut properly, are secure when closed, show no signs of damage or sharp edges, and no body panels are loose or in danger of falling off Tow bar is secure and any trailer is correctly and securely attached, with all electrical connections working correctly. Check that tail lift is secure and free from damage, functions correctly and the electrics are working correctly Check that the exhaust doesn't emit excessive amounts of smoke Tyres must have: a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, sufficient inflation of each tyre, no deep cuts in the sidewall, no cord visible anywhere on the tyre, no missing or insecure wheelnuts. You can get 3 penalty points on your licence for each tyre that isn't safe and legal
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Leave your phone alone Research shows using your phone while driving doubles your reaction time. Using a mobile phone at the wheel is dangerous. It puts your life, your loved ones, other road users and road workers at risk. Know the law It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving You can get 6 penalty points and a fine if you use a hand-held phone when driving. If you have passed your test in the last 2 years, you will lose your licence. If you are a professional driver, you could face fines of up to £2,500 and removal of your vocational licence. Penalty points pose a risk of higher insurance premiums and a reduction in car insurance products available to you The Highway Code, Rule 149 states: You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. You MUST NOT use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, when driving or when supervising a learner driver. Tips to help you resist using your phone while driving and reduce distraction Before you start your journey: Complete urgent tasks, make calls or exchange messages. Set up your navigation, music and pick a refreshment stop to remove the temptation to use your phone. Reduce need - place your phone out of sight, turn it off or put it on silent mode. Newer devices and some applications offer a ‘driving mode’ functionality. Use this, to eliminate distraction from alerts. During your journey: Pull into a service station to use your phone, or wait until the end of your journey Using a mobile phone while driving takes your attention off the road. Any activity, such as using social media, the internet or camera distracts you and reduces your ability to react to potential hazards. Your life and the life of others are more important than using your mobile phone. Leave your phone alone Source: National Highways
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The dangers of rip currents During hot spells it is natural to seek solace in the sea to cool off. It’s worth understanding what to do if you encounter conditions that may pose hidden dangers. Important facts about rip currents What is a Rip Current? Rips are strong currents running out to sea, which can quickly take you from the shallows out of your depth. They can be difficult to spot but can often be identified by a channel of churning, choppy water or debris on the sea’s surface. Never underestimate its power. Rip currents are a major cause of accidental drowning on beaches across the world In the UK over 60% of RNLI lifeguard incidents involve rip currents. There is no such thing as a "rip tide" Some people refer to rip currents as ‘rip tides’, which suggests the water level changes over a long period, of 6-12 hours, whereas rip currents are water currents moving over a period of seconds, minutes and hours. Calm water is not always the best place to swim Many people inadvertently end up in a rip current as a result of choosing to enter the water where there is no white water from waves. This is often where a rip is present, with ripples on the surface indicating a flow of water out to sea. Rip currents do not pull you underwater Rips take you away from the beach, and often eventually back to the waves. Rip current related drowning is therefore due to panic and fatigue.
What should you do if you get caught in a rip current RNLI lifeguards are trained to identify rips and mark out a safe swim zone based on sea conditions. They will show you how to avoid rips but if you get caught in one: stay calm – don’t panic if you can stand, wade don’t swim keep hold of your board or inflatable to help you float raise your hand and shout for help never try to swim directly against the rip or you’ll get exhausted swim parallel to the beach until free of the rip, then make for shore If you see anyone else in trouble, alert the lifeguards or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Find out how Royal National Lifeboat Institution keep our beaches safe Source: RNLI
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Sentinel: Locations are changing In response to user feedback, Sentinel is making a change to the list of locations available to select when using the Sentinel app. You will benefit from faster app loading times and an easier way of selecting a location, making swiping in much quicker. At 10am on Tuesday 2nd August 2022 the new locations will be added. When verifying Authority to Work, the new locations will be broken down to route and working environment level. Sentinel does not need to record your exact location. It will look like this:
Card Checkers can select the new locations and use the app as normal when verifying Authority to Work. The existing locations will remain for 1 week after the addition of the new locations. They will then be de-activated. Action: After 10am on Tuesday 2nd August 2022 please make sure you close the Sentinel app, relaunch it to download the new locations and make sure you use the correct locations when checking cards and swiping into Sentinel. For any Sentinel queries please contact the 24/7 Helpdesk via email Sentinel@mitie.com or telephone: 0330 7262 222.
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VHRL Notices Balfour Beatty Observation App How does it work? Once downloaded, an observer finds the project for which they wish to raise an Observation (Good Practice or Close Call) and fills out the on screen boxes There is the opportunity to include a photograph There is also the ability to report issues anonymously Once the form is complete, the observer presses the submit button and the Observation is automatically sent via the App to the Balfour Beatty ProjectPortal NOTE: a wifi or internet connection is required at the time of submission, phones will hold the observation in their memory until a connection is achieved but this can delay the observation reaching the ProjectProtal The Balfour Beatty mobile phone observations app is available for download to iPhones, Android and Windows.
Working in Warm Conditions - Heat Stress When your body’s cooling system cannot keep up with the heat, you run the risk of developing heat exhaustion or more serious, heat stroke. Your physical fitness can also reduce your ability to deal with the heat, including age, fitness levels, medication and recent illness. Heat Exhaustion Symptoms A body temperature of 38 deg. C or more Sweating, pale, clammy, nausea and headache Fast breathing or rapid pulse and feeling dizzy or confused Cramps in arms, legs or stomach Take Action Get into shade immediately. If possible lie down with feet slightly raised Loosen clothing and spray or sponge down with cool water Ensure you drink plenty of water You or the person affected should start to feel better and cooler within 30 minutes Heat Stroke Symptoms Still feeling unwell after 30 minutes rest, cooling and rehydration. The body is overheating and body temperature is 40 deg. C or more. The body doesn’t sweat and skin is hot and dry Rapid breathing, confusion, fitting and possible loss of consciousness Take Action This is a medical emergency. Get the person to hospital immediately, wrap skin in cool, wet sheets or towels and fan rapidly.
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Office Locations Manchester (Head Office) T: 0161 836 7000 E: HeadOffice@vital.uk.com
Abercynon T: 01443 809 950 E: Abercynon@vital.uk.com
Bellshill T: 01698 840 950 E: BellshillRail@vital.uk.com
The Mill, South Hall Street, off Ordsall Lane, Salford, Manchester, M5 4TP
G16/17 Ty Cynon, Navigation Park, Abercynon, CF45 4SN
10 James Street, Righead Industrial Estate, Bellshill, Lanarkshire ML4 3LU
Cardiff T: 029 2083 9955 E: Cardiff@vital.uk.com
Birmingham T: 0121 809 3010 E: birminghamrail@vital.uk.com
Crewe T: 01270 906 130 E: Crewe@vital.uk.com
The Laurels, Heol Y Rhosog, Springmeadows Business Park, Rumney, Cardiff, CF3 2EW
Office G08 First Floor, Fairgate House, 205 Kings Road, Tyseley, Birmingham, B11 2AA
Office 2 The Dairy, Crewe Hall Farm, Old Park Road, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 5UE
Derby T: 01332 982 470 E: Derby@vital.uk.com
Doncaster T: 01302 244450 E: Doncasterrail@vital.uk.com
Farnham T: 01252 964 020 E: Farnham@vital.uk.com
Ground Floor, Room 30 Derwent Caxtor House, RTC Business Park, Derby, DE24 8UP
First Floor Offices, Carr House, Heavens Walk, Doncaster, DN4 5HZ
Unit 10, Guildford Road Trading Estate, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 9PZ
Market Rasen T: 01302 308 080 E: MarketRasen@vital.uk.com
Newcastle T: 0191 300 0433 E: Newcastle@vital.uk.com
London T: 0203 963 5080 E: CanningTown@vital.uk.com
Unit 2, Gallamore Lane Ind. Estate, Market Rasen, LN8 3HZ
Spaceworks, Benton Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE7 7LX
Unit 10, Canning Town Business Park, Stephenson Street, London, E16 4SA
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Safety Newsletter Aug 2022
vital.uk.com