Spring2026
When Safety Works: Lessons from Getting It Right
TheinitialrushofJanuaryhaspassed,workprogrammesarebeddingin,andthehabitswecarry forwardstarttodefinehowtherestoftheyearwilllook.Itisagoodtimetopauseandremind ourselveswhatgoodsafetyreallylookslikewhenitworkswell Insafety,successrarelymakes headlines Mostofthetime,thebestoutcomesarequiet Ataskcompletedwithoutincident Aconcernraisedearly Ajobstopped,reviewed,andrestartedsafely Thesemomentsmatter,evenif theyarenotalwaysvisible.Theyaretheresultofpeoplerecognisingrisk,communicatingclearly,and lookingoutforoneanother.Oneofthestrongestexamplesofthiscomesfromoutsideourindustry, butthelessonsareuniversal
AGlobalExampleofSafetyWorking
In2010,thirty-threeminersweretrappedundergroundinChilefollowingamajorcollapseattheSan JoséminenearCopiapó.
Theywerecutofffromthesurfaceforsixtyninedays,oversevenhundredmetresbelowground. Thesituationwasextreme,uncertain,andunderintensepublicscrutiny
Everysingleminersurvived
Thatoutcomewasnotdowntoluck. Itwastheresultofpeopledoingtherightthingsunderpressure Underground,theminersorganisedthemselves
Theysharedlimitedresourcesfairly Theyfollowedstructureandroutine. Theycommunicatedhonestlyaboutrisks,health,andconcerns. Wheninstructionsweregiven,theywerefollowed Whenissueswereidentified,theywereraised Nooneactedalone,andnooneignoredtheriskstheyfaced
Aboveground,rescueteamsworkedcollaborativelyacrossdisciplines. Engineers,medics,planners,andleaderssharedinformationopenly Decisionswerechallengedandreviewed Progresswasslow,deliberate,andcontrolled Atnopointwasspeedprioritisedoversafety
Therescuesucceededbecausecommunicationwasclear,leadershipwascalm,andpeopletrusted oneanotherenoughtospeakup
WhyThisMatterstoUs
Thecircumstancesofaminerescuemayseemfarremovedfromourday-to-dayworkonthe railway,buttheprinciplesareexactlythesame Mostincidentsdonothappenbecausepeopledo notcare Theyhappenwhenassumptionscreepin,whencommunicationisrushed,orwhen someonefeelsunabletochallengeasituationthatdoesnotfeelright.Pressure,familiarity,andtime constraintscanallinfluencebehaviourifweallowthemto.
TheChileanminerssurvivedbecausetheyrespectedriskandworkedtogether Theydidnottake shortcuts Theydidnotignorewarningsigns Theytrustedcommunicationandstructure,evenwhen conditionsweredifficult
Inourworld,safetysuccesslookssimilar Itisaclearbriefingthateveryoneunderstands Itisconfirmingaccessratherthanassumingit Itisstoppingworkwhensomethingdoesnotfeelright Itissupportingacolleaguewhoraisesaconcernratherthanquestioningwhytheydid.
Thesebehavioursprotectpeople Theyalsoprotectcareers,projects,andthewiderrailway
PositiveSafetyHappensEveryDay
Whileextremeexamplescaptureattention,positivesafetyoutcomeshappeneverydayacrossour sites.Theyhappenwhensomeoneraisesaclosecallearly.Theyhappenwhenteamstaketimeto properlybriefandrebrief Theyhappenwhenindividualslookoutforeachother,especiallyunder pressure
Theseactionsdonotalwaysfeelsignificantinthemoment,buttheyareexactlywhatprevent incidentsfromoccurring. Theyarethefoundationofastrongsafetyculture.Ourrecentengagement activities,safetyconversations,anddigitallogbooksarealldesignedtosupportthis.Theyexistto makeiteasiertocommunicate,tocaptureexperience,andtohelpuslearnbeforesomethinggoes wrong
CarryingtheMessageForward
AswemovethroughMarchandintotherestoftheyear,themessageissimple. Safetyworkswhenpeopleworktogether Safetyworkswhenrisksarerecognisedearly Safetyworkswhencommunicationisopenandrespectful Safetyworkswhenconcernsareraisedandsupported
TheChileanminerescueremindsusthateveninthemostchallengingcircumstances,peoplecan achieveextraordinaryoutcomeswhentheycommittodoingtherightthing.
Letusapplythosesameprinciplestoourwork Calmdecisionmaking Clearcommunication Mutual support Noshortcuts
Thatishowsuccessisachieved
HeadofSafety,Rail
Adam Jones
Work safe, home safe
WhatdowemeanbyWorkSafe,HomeSafe?
Wemeanthatwearefitandpreparedforwork Weworksafelywithour colleaguesandfollowtherules Wegohomeinasafecondition,freefromharm
Howdowegoaboutit?
Wefollow5BrilliantBasics
Befitandreadyforwork,physicallyandmentally
Alwaysfollowtherules–noshortcuts
Ifunsure,TakeFive,stopworkandask
Ifanythingisunsafe,TakeFive,stopworkandreport
TreateachdaylikeDay1,donotbecomplacent
Whatarewedoingbehindthescenestomakeussuccessfulatwhatwedo?
Weputpeopleatthecentreofwhatwedo
Weanalysemistakesveryrigorously
Wetrytocreateanopenatmospherewhereeveryonecanspeakup
Wearewillingtofixwhatiswrongifitisunderourcontrol
Werelentlesslypursuenewworkandnewopportunities
Wenevergiveintocomplacency
HSQE Team
GarethMorris
HSQEDirector,Morson International-Manchester
Gareth.Morris@morson.com 07736657039
AdamJones
HeadofSafety
Adam.Jones@vital.uk.com 07717306852
KeithWright
HSEAdviserandSafetyUnit
KeithWright@vitalukcom 07717306775
LeonRichards
HealthandSafetyChampion
LeonRichards@vitalukcom
My Idea
Howwouldyouimprovesafety?
Whatareyourideasforinnovation?
Whatwouldyouchange?
JaneHepburn
Health&SafetyAccident &InvestigationLead
Jane.Hepburn@vital.uk.com 07717306797
Tobeinwiththechancetowith£100worth ofgiftvouchers,emailusyourideasat:
What
is a close call?
ACloseCallisanythingthathasthepotentialtocauseharmtoaperson,theenvironment,orrailway equipmentorinfrastructure.CloseCallsshouldbefixedthenandthere,whereitissafetodoso.
Aclosecallisapositiveactandistreatedconfidentiallyinablamefreeenvironment.Weneedyourhelpto makeourincident/Accidentandclosecallreportingsystemworksaseffectivelyaspossible
CloseCallscouldinclude:
Unsafeworkingenvironmentsidentifiedbeforeworkstarting
Unsafebehaviours
Unsafestorageofchemicals
Environmentandsustainabilityconcerns,suchasovergrownvegetation(notrestrictingview)
Liquidspillsclearedupsafelyandimmediatelythathasnotimpactedthegroundorwatercourse
UnsuitableSSOWormethodologyidentifiedbeforetheworkhasbeenstarted
OutofdateequipmentorPPEidentifiedbeforestartingwork
Whatcouldbeanaccident/incident?
Anaccident/incidentisaneventwheretheinfrastructureorpropertyhasbeendamaged,orapersonhascome toharm TheseeventsshouldbereportedtoyourH&STeam
Accident/Incidentcouldinclude:
Amemberofstafformemberofpublichasbeeninjured
Theinfrastructureorequipmenthasbeendamaged
StaffaccessingtherailwaywithoutasuitableSSOW
Workstartingortakingplacewithoutthecorrectpermitinplace
Aleakofasubstancetothegroundorwatercourse,suchasoil Afire
WhatcouldbeaFault?
Afaultisidentifiedasanunsafeconditionwithintherailwayinfrastructure/propertythatcouldcauseharmor damageandneedstobeaddressed
Faultscouldinclude:
Unsafeworkingenvironments
Hypodermicneedlesleftonawalkwayorlineside
SIgnalsnotdisplayingthecorrectoranyaspect
Trackdefectsnotcausedbyworkbeingundertaken
Treesorbranchesleaningdangerouslyclosetooperationalrailway
Accesspointlockmissing
Accesspointgatebroken
Itisbettertohaveaclosecallthanalessonlearnt
Social value
RailTrackInstallation& PrisonerSkillsTraining
atHMPTheMount
Overview
InpartnershipwithaBalfourBeatty&CRSA,Morson Vitalʼsspecialistdeliveryteamsuccessfullyinstalled keytrainingfacilitiesatHMPTheMount.Theproject involvedtheinstallationoftworailtrackswithinthe facilitywhilesimultaneouslydeliveringhands-on vocationaltrainingtoeightprisoners.Completed withinoneweek,theprojectnotonlymetthe operationalneedsoftheprisonbutalsocreated meaningfulopportunitiesforrehabilitationthrough skillsdevelopment.
TheChallenge
HMPTheMountrequiredtheinstallationofnewrail trackstosupportoperationalimprovementswithin theestablishment.Alongsidethistechnical requirement,theprisonwaskeentocreate opportunitiesforprisonerstogainpractical, industry-relevantexperiencethatcouldsupport theirrehabilitationandimproveemployment prospectsuponrelease.
Thekeychallengewastodeliveratime-sensitive installationwithinasecureenvironmentwhile incorporatingastructured,safe,andeffective trainingelementforprisonerswithvaryinglevels ofpriorexperience.
OurApproach
IWorkingcloselywithourpartners, whosuppliedallrequiredmaterials, weprovidedateamofskilledand experiencedstafftoleadthe projectonsite.Ourapproach combined:
Efficientprojectplanning tomeettheone-week installationtimeline
Strictadherencetosecurity protocolswithintheprison environment
Practical,supervised trainingintegratedinto liveinstallationwork
Continuousmentoring andsupportforthe participatingprisoners
Ratherthanseparatingtraining fromthetask,theprisoners werefullyinvolvedinthe installationprocessunder professionalsupervision, enablingreal,hands-on learninginaliveworking environment.
10outof10-nothingbutpositivity. Theprisonfeelstrulyrehabilitative LordTimpson “
TheDelivery
Overthecourseoftheweek:
•Tworailtracksweresuccessfullyinstalledtotherequiredstandard
•Eightprisonersreceiveddirect,practicaltraininginrailinstallationtechniques
•Participantslearnedtouseindustrytoolsandmaterialssafelyandeffectively
•Ourstaffprovidedongoingguidance,instruction,andmentoringthroughout
Thisapproachensuredthattheinstallationwasdeliveredontimewhilealsomaximizingthelearning opportunityfortheprisoners.
TheOutcomes
Theprojectdeliveredbenefitsonmultiplelevels:
OperationalSuccess
Timelycompletionoftherailtrackinstallation
High-qualityworkmanshipmeetingallrequiredstandards
Smoothcoordinationbetweenourteam,partners,andprisonstaff
SkillsDevelopment&Rehabilitation
Eightprisonersgainedvaluable,practicalconstructionandrailinstallationskills
Participantsdevelopedteamwork,discipline,andworksitesafetyawareness
Theexperienceprovidedacrediblepathwayintoemploymentwithintheindustry
Long-TermImpact
Importantly,employmentopportunitieswillbeavailabletothetrainedindividualsuponrelease,creatinga directlinkbetweentheskillslearnedinsidetheprisonandreal-worldjobprospects.Thissignificantly supportsrehabilitation,reducesreoffendingrisk,andprovidesapositivefuturepathway.
Conclusion
ThisprojectatHMPTheMountdemonstrateshowtechnicaldeliveryandsocialvaluecanbesuccessfully combined.Byintegratingvocationaltrainingintoaliveinfrastructureproject,wewereableto:
Meettheoperationalneedsoftheprison
Equipprisonerswithindustry-relevantskills
Creategenuineemploymentopportunitiespost-release
Throughstrongpartnershipworkingandacommitmenttomeaningfulimpact,thisprojectstandsasa modelforhowinfrastructureworkscancontributetorehabilitationandpositivesocialoutcomes
Driving safety
VehicleRoadworthiness:Fitfortheroad
Ensuringthatvehiclesareroadworthyisnotonlyamatterofyouobeyingthelawasthevehicleʼsdriver,but alsoanessentialpartofyouremployerʼsresponsibilityforensuringthehealthandsafetyofbothyouand otherroadusers
Everyorganisationisrequiredtomakesurethatallvehiclesusedforitsbusinesspurposesarefitforpurpose andproperlymaintained.Thisincludesvans,companycarsandevenanemployeeʼspersonalcarisusedfora workjourney!Roadworthinessisanessentialcomponentofdriversafety.
Whydoesitmatter?
Vehiclesexperiencehighwearandtear,friction,heatandimpactwithobstacles,suchaskerbsandpotholes. Thismeanspartscanfailordeteriorateatanytime,withaconsequenteffectonyourabilitytosafelycontrol thevehicle,andahighpotentialforbreakdown
Itʼsworthreflectingthatmorethanathird(364%)ofvansbetween3tonnesand35tonnesfailtheirMOT firsttime,293%failaltogether,andmorethan10%ofvansayearfailwithatleastonedangerousfault–an itemtheywerebeingdrivenwithuntiljustbeforethetest
Furthermore,arecentDVSAdataanalysisshowedthatvehiclesreceivedtentimesasmanyprohibitions threemonthsaftertheirannualtestastheydidonemonthpost-test Thisshowshowquicklyvehicle conditioncandeteriorate Aprohibitioniswherethepolicerefusetoletadrivercontinueandimmediately takethevehicleofftheroadduetosafety-criticalfaultsfollowingaroadsidecheck Ifthatʼsyou,thenyouʼre walkinghome,orphoningsomeoneforalift
Stayingroadworthy
Commercialvehicles,includingvans,shouldallhavevisualpre-usechecksatthestartofeverydayorpriorto thestartofeachshiftwhichneedtoberecorded ThesechecksmustbecarriedoutusingtheQuartixQCheckvehicleappwhichgivesyoualistofcheckstocompleteandallowsyoutosubmitphotosofany damageordefects Asaminimumyoushouldbechecking
Adailywalkaroundcheckofyourvanshouldinclude:
Securewheelfixings,bodyworkanddoors
Alllightsandbrakeswork
Nofueloroilleaks
Sufficienttyrepressureandtreaddepth
Tyresarefreeofcutsanddefects.
Cleanandundamagedwindscreen,windowsandmirrors. Operationalwashers,wipersandhorn.
Noexcessiveplayinthesteering.
Securetowbar/trailercoupling.
·Loadandtoolsaretobesecureonthevehicle.
Breakdownsaredangerous,inconvenientandcostly Therearearound19,000breakdownseachmonthon themotorwaynetworkand,in2021,oneinfiveofthoseweretyrerelated–thatʼs41,500breakdownsayear
Itisestimatedthat,eachyear,approximately80,000vehiclesrunoutoffuel-6,000ofwhichrunoutoffuel onthemotorway,andtheAAreportedmorethan10,000calloutsduetolackoffuelorbatteryissuesItmight beaverylongwalktofindafuelstation Ifthewarninglightisonthenfuelup!
Did you know?
Enforcement
ThepoliceandDVSAhavethepowertocarry outspotchecksonvehiclesandcanstopa vehiclebeingusedifaprohibitionisissued.
MotTests
Halfofallvansfailtheir MOTatthefirstattempt
Overloading
Ifavehicleisoverloaded,the drivercanbegivenan immediateprohibitionnotice.
YouareResponsible
Itisthedriverʼsresponsibilitytoensurethe vehicleissafeandroadworthy
Fineupto
£2500
Minimumpre-usechecks
RoadsideChecks
Twothirdsofvansstoppedattheroadsideby theDVSAhaveaseriousmechanicaldefect.
Threepenaltypoints
Finesmustbepaidbythedriver
Driversarerequiredtochecktheconditionoftheir vaneverydayandreportanydefectsinwritingtothe owner.Pre-usewalkaroundcheckscanberecordedon paperorelectronically.Visitwww.gov.ukandsearch for‘vandriverdailywalkaroundcheckʼ
Securewheelfixings,bodyworkanddoors.
Alllightsandbrakeswork.
Nofueloroilleaks.
Sufficienttyrepressureandtreaddepth.
Tyresarefreeofcutsanddefects.
Cleanandundamagedwindscreen,windowsandmirrors.
Operationalwashers,wipersandhorn.
Noexcessiveplayinthesteering.
Securetowbar/trailercoupling.
Loadandtoolsaretobesecureonthevehicle.
Roadworthymeansavehicleisinasuitableoperatingconditionand meetingacceptedstandardsforsafedrivingontheroad.TheHighway Codestatesdriversmustensuretheirvehiclecomplieswiththefull requirementsoftheRoadVehicles(ConstructionandUse)Regulations 1986andRoadVehiclesLightingRegulations1989
Thereisnosettimerequiredtocompleteavehiclecheck,driversshould ensuretheytakesufficienttimeforthesizeandtypeoftheirvan.
Adrivingban
Health & wellbeing
Hydrateforhappiness
Feelingstressed?Itmightbebecauseyouʼrenotdrinkingenoughwater AstudybyresearchersatLiverpool JohnMooresUniversityfoundthatnotstayingproperlyhydratedmaysignificantlyincreasestresslevels The researchshowedthatpeoplewhodranklessthan15litresoffluidperdayhadamuchhighercortisol responsetostresscomparedtothosewhomettherecommendeddailyintake Expertsgenerallyrecommend drinkingsixtoeightglassesoffluideachday
StayHydratedatWork
Startyourdaywithaglassofwaterbeforecoffee. Keepareusablewaterbottleatyourdesk. Aimfor6–8glasses(about1.5–2litres)perday. Drinkaglassofwaterbeforeeachmeal. Setaremindertotakeasipeveryhour. Choosewateroversugarydrinkswherepossible. Addlemon,lime,orcucumberfornaturalflavour. Refillyourbottleduringbreakstostayontrack. Payattentiontosignsofdehydration(headache,fatigue,difficultyconcentrating). Makehydrationpartofyourdailyroutine smallsipsaddup.
QuickWellbeingBoosts:MicromomentsatWork
“Micromoments”aretiny,intentionalactionsyoutakethroughoutyourdaythatimproveyourwellbeing, focus,ormood usuallyin30secondsto2minutes.Theideaisthatsmall,consistenthabitscanadduptoa noticeableimpactwithoutdisruptingyourworkorroutine
Smallactions,bigimpact!Takejust1–2minutestorefreshyourbodyandmindduringyourworkday:
Hydration
Sipwaterbeforeeverymeeting
Refillyourbottleduringbreaks
Movement
Standduringphonecalls
Stretchyourshouldersandback
Walktoacolleagueinsteadofemailing
Mindfulness
Take3deepbreathsbeforestartingatask
Pauseandnoticesomethingpositiveinyourworkspace
Nutrition
Snackonfruitinsteadofpackagedtreats
Eatmindfully—savoreachbite
SocialConnection
Sendaquick“thankyou”toateammate
Shareanencouragingmessage
MentalRefresh
Lookoutsideforaminute
Listentoafavoritesongsnippet
Tip:Theselittlemomentsaddup-try3–5micromoments adayandfeelthedifferenceinfocus,energy,andmood!
Astrongimmunesystemisyourbodyʼsfirstlineofdefenseagainstillness andwhatyoueatplaysabigrole. Makingsimple,healthychoiceseverydaycanhelpkeepyoufeelingenergisedandresilient.
TopImmunity-BoostingFoods
Fruits&Vegetables:Citrusfruits,berries,spinach,andbellpeppersarerichinvitaminCandantioxidants thathelpfightoffinfections.
Protein:Leanmeats,fish,eggs,andlegumessupportimmunecellproduction.
WholeGrains&Nuts:Oats,brownrice,almonds,andwalnutsprovideessentialvitamins,minerals,and healthyfats.
Probiotics:Yogurt,kefir,andfermentedfoodspromoteguthealth,whichiscloselylinkedtoimmunity.
Herbs&Spices:Garlic,ginger,turmeric,andcinnamoncontainnaturalcompoundsthathelpreduce inflammation.
HealthyHabitstoSupportImmunity
Drinkplentyofwatertostayhydrated.
Limitprocessedandsugaryfoodsthatcanweakenimmunefunction.
Includeavarietyofcolourfulfoodsineverymeal.
Donʼtskipmeals—steadyenergyhelpsyourbodyfightoffillness.
QuickTipsforBusyDays
Keepfruitonyourdeskforeasysnacking.
Prepsimplesaladsorgrainbowlsforlunch.
Addahandfulofnutstoyourmorningroutine.
Spiceupmealswithimmune-supportingherbslikegarlicandturmeric.
Remember:Nosinglefoodisamagicbullet.Abalanced,varieddietcombinedwithgood sleep,hydration,andphysicalactivitygivesyourimmunesystemthebestsupport.
Intodayʼsalways-connectedworld,itcanbehardtoleaveworkbehind Emails,messages,anddeadlines canfollowushome,leavingourmindsrestlessandourbodiestense Takingintentionalstepstoswitchoff attheendofthedayisnʼtjustnice itʼsessentialforyourmentalhealth,focus,andenergy
Thesesimpletipscanhelpyouunwind,recharge,andenjoyyourpersonaltimewithoutfeeling“oncall”24/7
1.SetClearBoundaries
Defineworkhoursandsticktothem. Turnoffemailandworknotificationsafterhours.
2.CreateaWind-DownRoutine
Spend15–30minutesdoingsomethingrelaxingbeforebed:reading,stretching,orlisteningtomusic. Avoidscreensatleast30minutesbeforesleep.
3.MoveYourBody
Takeashortwalkafterwork. Trygentlestretchesoryogatoreleasetension.
4.PracticeMindfulness
Take5deepbreathsandfocusonthepresentmoment. Tryashortmeditationorguidedrelaxationapp.
5.EngageinaHobby
Cook,paint,playaninstrument,ordoacraft—somethingthatfullyabsorbsyourattention.
6.Socialize(Offline)
Spendqualitytimewithfamilyorfriends. Keepconversationslightandenjoyable—avoidworktalk.
7.LimitCaffeineandAlcoholLateintheDay
Thesecaninterferewithsleepqualityandyourbodyʼsabilitytorelax.
8.CreateaSleep-FriendlyEnvironment
Keepyourbedroomcool,dark,andquiet. Usecomfortablebeddingandremovework-relateditemsfromsight.
Remember:Switchingoffisahabit.Evenafewsmallstepseachday—awalk,adigitalbreak,ora calmingroutine—cansignificantlyimproveyourwellbeing,focus,andenergyforthenextworkday
Safety alerts
• Long-TermConsequences
• butimpairingtruetressrelief.
Mediaandsocialhabitsnormalizedrinkingasaresponsetostress, makingitanintuitivebehaviour.
Repeatedalcoholuseforstressworsensanxietyandcopingabilities creatingaharmfulcycle.
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/drugaddiction-getting-help/ https://alcoholchange.org.uk/. https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/ PAM-Assist.co.uk
DrugsandAlcoholStandard(sharepoint.com)
EthicsPoint-NetworkRail
REDARELD
CONTROLOURWORK AREAS
TestBeforeTouch
WHATHAPPENED?
InDecember,anincidentoccurred involvingworkwithinalocationcabinet. Earlyfindingsfromtheinitialinvestigation suggestthatatestbeforetouchmaynot havebeencarriedoutbeforethework began.Asaresult,oneteammember receivedanelectricshock,butthankfully theywerenotphysicallyharmed. Carryingoutatestbeforetouchis essential,asitconfirmsthatelectrical systemsareproperlyisolatedandprevents workersfrombeingexposedtopotentially liveequipment.
CONSEQUENCE/POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCE
Exposuretoaliveelectricalsystemcan resultindeath,seriousinjury,including burns,nervedamageorcardiacarrest.
DISCUSS
Let’stalk?
Couldthishavebeenavoided?Ifso, how?
WhichMentaltoolapplieshere (SuccessCycle/PARA)? Whatlearningcanwetakefromthis?
Cantheseslearningsbeappliedto otherareasontheAlliance? Whatwillwealldodifferently?
Author:LucyPatrick/shes@trueastcouk
FORACTION:
Electricalsystemsshouldalwaysbetreatedaslive untilprovendead.
Applytestbeforetouchinconjunctionwithan isolationpermit Thisistoensurethepowersupplyis isolatedandarrangementsareappliedtoprevent accidentalre-energisation
StoredEnergy
Despitebeingisolatedfromanenergysource,energy couldbestored Applicationoftestbeforetouch shouldprovidewarningofanystoredenergy.
IsolationPermits TrainedandCompetent Alwaystreatelectricalsystemsaslive
Onlythosetrainedanddeemedascompetentshould beinvolvedinisolatingequipmentandtestbefore touch
Keyreminder:Justbecausenothinghashappeneddoesn’tmeannothingcan!
SituationalAwarenessmeans:Knowingwhat’shappeningaroundyou,Understandinghowitaffectsyoursafety,Predictingwhatmighthappen next Onorneartheline,thiscouldinvolvenoticingacolleagueinanunsafepositionorrecognisingthatconditions(eg poorvisibility)havechanged CorePrinciples:
1.StayAlerttoYourEnvironment:Alwaysknowyourpositionrelativetoopenlinesandthesafezone Beawareofmovementoftrains,plant,and otherstaff Continuouslyscanforhazards tools&equipmentbeingused,looseballast,unevensleepers,orcables 2.UnderstandthePlanandYourRoleinIt:Alwaysattendandunderstandthesitesafetybriefing KnowwhoyourCOSS (ControllerofSiteSafety)isandfollowtheirinstructions Alwaysspeakup&clarifyifyoudon’tunderstandtheSafeSystemof Work(SSOW)
3.AnticipateRisk:Don’tassumethattheriskremainsthesame,Thinkaboutwhatcouldgowrongandwhatyouroptionsare.
Keyreminder:Justbecausenothinghashappeneddoesn’tmeannothingcan!
Graphiccontent covereddueto severityofinjury
Colleague finger injuries
Issued to:
Ref:
Date ofissue:
Contacts:
Overview
Scotland’s Railway
Colleagues & Principal Contractors
SRB 26-03L
04/02/2026
Dale Anderson H&S Manager
In the past few weeks, two of our colleagues have suffered significant finger injuries. These have led to painful crush injuries and fractures, and for one, a possible life changing injury Both accidents are under investigation We have currently identified a few key points where, if applied, the injuries could have been avoided. Please take the time to discuss the below points with your teams
Graphiccontent covereddueto severityofinjury
Discussion Points
Graphiccontent covereddueto severityofinjury
Always ‘Take 5’ and assess all entrapment / pinch points prior to undertaking any work, in any workplace Work that may seem innocuous or mundane can lead to serious injuries
Always ensure you are competent for the task, fully briefed, and understand the work being asked of you before beginning any task Communication is a vital element of teamwork and staying safe Never place your hands or fingers where they could become trapped, crushed, or removed
Report any concerns to your supervisor or line manager
Discuss and consider with your teams
• What tasks do you or your teams do that could result in hand injuries?
• Do you have the correct PPE for the task and is it fit for purpose?
• How do you check that processes and training are suitable, sufficient and being followed?
Part of our group of Safety Bulletins
Note: This document contains information understood at time of incident and details may change following investigation
Supplier Organisation
Date of Accident / Incident
Location of Accident / Incident
Route Control Reference
Outline of the Incident
On the morning of Friday 12th December 2025, MOT aggregate was laid as a sub-base in the construction and levelling of a hardstanding/yard area The quantity ordered was based on reasonable estimates at the time of design and mobilisation Following completion of the sub-base to the required specification, a small surplus of material was left over. During the course of the same works, in addition to several days of bad weather, lots of rain, the use of heavy plant and construction traffic caused localised damage and rutting to adjacent ground surfaces just outside the cordoned area but still within the operational area of the site These areas required immediate repair in order to maintain safe access, prevent further degradation of the ground and restore the site to a stable condition consistent with its use during and following construction Kent PHK Ltd 12 December 2025
Medge Hall DOW 13m 3ch
The surplus MOT material was therefore used within the same worksite to repair and reinstate these areas The material was placed only where necessary, in quantities proportionate to the extent of damage, and compacted to provide a durable surface suitable for ongoing site use. No material was placed beyond the footprint of the operational site or for the purpose of disposal or ground raising
Its use avoided unnecessary double handling, off-site transport, and replacement with virgin aggregate, and was consistent with efficient site management and environmental good practice
At all times, the intention was to use the material for legitimate construction and site reinstatement purposes arising directly from the works, rather than to discard or dispose of waste No pollution, nuisance, or risk to human health or the environment was caused by the activity.
Even though the “excess” MOT was new, uncontaminated, suitable for construction use and still within the operational area it was still classed as “waste” and Kent PHK should have applied for a U1 Waste Exemption and registered the exemption with the Environment Agency This oversight led to an Environmental Incident
Immediate Actions Taken
• • • Works were stopped and re-assessed
NWR Assurance Specialist reported the issue on the NWR Safety Culture reporting portal Kent PHK Project Manager arranged for a U1 waste exemption registration with the Environment Agency.
Initial Known Facts / Causes Identified
•
• • A ‘U1’ permit required for a waste exemption was not in place for the works
The ground was not contaminated
The material had not been stored for long periods and there was no plan to do so.
Next Steps
•
• • Discussion with NWR Sustainability Team and Kent PHK HSQE Team to review compliance requirements and to classify event Further review of Kent PHK environmental arrangements for projects including meeting agenda compliance and processes (including consideration to U1 and other exemptions)
Cascade of Fast Facts alert to relevant Kent PHK staff and NWR
Note: This document contains information understood at timeof incident and details may change following investigation.
Supplier Organisation CRSA
Date of Accident / Incident 11/01/2026
Location of Accident / Incident Moorthorpe Station
Route Control Reference TBC
Outline of Accident Incident
Project Capital Delivery
Time of Accident / Incident 19 :00 hrs
Type Accident / Incident Damage
IRIS Reference 44785
• • While undertaking tamping of the renewal site Volker Rail Tamper 75505 has struck the rail head. The damage is to the Down Cess crossover rail of 2257A/B Pts and was minimal
Immediate Actions Taken
• • Damage examined by Welding supervisor Rails ground off prior to hand back to remove damage
Initial Known Facts / Causes Identified
• TBC following investigation
Next Steps
Outline of what the next steps are in terms of investigation and actions that will be taken following the event:
• Incident review of investigating to agree appropriate level of investigation required
Note: This document contains information understood at timeof incident and details may change following investigation.
Supplier Organisation Colas Rail Project
Date of Accident / Incident 17th January 2026
Time of Accident / Incident 13:45 Location
Outline of Accident Incident
Within an ES Worksite - Engineering Train 6T64 undertook an unauthorised move forward of approximately 7 to 8 wagon lengths (180m) The train was adjacent to the renewal site to facilitate unloading of track ballast At the time of the movement all plant (RRV) and staff were clear of the train There was no instruction from anyone on site for the movement The Train Driver fell asleep in the locomotive and upon waking up, a rapid forward movement was made. The Site Supervisory Team (who had been delegated authority for Train Movements by the ES) immediately stopped the train via emergency Radio communication
Immediate Actions Taken
The Train Driver has been stood down, Colas Rail arranged For Cause D&A Screening, which has been declined by GBRF. GBRF have arranged For Cause screening at a GBRF Tonbridge Depot. GBRF informed Colas Rail that D&A results will be returned in 2/3 days’ time, driver has been stood down during this period
Initial Known Facts / Causes Identified
Driver fell asleep and when he woke up he went into auto mode and moved the train.
Next Steps
Provide a detailed outline of what the next steps are in terms of investigation and actions that will be taken following the event in the form of a bulleted list.
• Investigation is led by SCO & GBRF
• Shared learning will be distributed once the investigation is complete
Toolbox Talk
Works Delivery - Environment & Sustainability
Nesting Birds
Introduction
Allwildbirds, theirnests, eggs and young are protected in England by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 This makes it an offence to deliberately, intentionally or recklessly:
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• Remove, Capture, Kill, or Injure any wild bird or their young Take, Remove or destroy any egg of a wild bird.
Damage or Destroy any nest of a wild bird.
Take, Remove, Damage or Destroy a nest of wild bird species who reuse their nests; even when it is not in use (Ospreys, White-tailed Eagles, House Martins, Swallows etc)
Birds listed within Schedule 1 under the act are afforded further protection due to conservation concern It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb schedule 1 birds while building, nesting or when in/near to nests
Schedule 1 species include but are not limited to Barn Owl, Red Kite, Kingfisher, Avocet, Peregrine Falcon, Osprey.
Offences can be prosecuted by imprisonment and fines
Nesting bird season in the UK starts typically runs from 1st March to 31st August but can be dependent on environmental factors, and some species nest all year round.
Identification on site
Nesting birds can be found in all environments including ground nesting birds and within construction equipment. Identification of nesting birds can be observed by their activities:
• Bird carrying nesting material including twigs, grasses, moss, feathers etc.
• Birds carrying food sources including insects, worms, berries etc.
• Birds flying in and out of the same brushes, scrubland, trees, buildings, traffic cones etc
• Birds exhibiting territorial behaviours – loud, agitated calls, swooping or jumping around/flying along the ground
• Presence of accumulated droppings can indicate a nest site in close proximity
Nesting Bird Checks & Complteing the Form
Within nesting bird season, a Nesting Bird Check must be completed prior to the start of any work activity This form covers a period of 48hrs of work activities on site If planned activities surpass 48 hours an additional check should be performed and form completed If schedule 1 birds have been found through the PEA or identified on-site during works, an ecologist must be contact immediately.
Licences & Planning
Further Surveys and licence requirements will be identified within the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) or following ecological advice for unexpected finds on site
DO
✓Instruct the PEA for any planned works
✓ensure all working areas has been checked e g access, welfare, storage areas, work site etc
✓follow the unexpected finds procedure and contact HSE if any species are suspected on site
✓close call any active nests on site
DON’T
X Undertakeany activities during nesting bird season without an appropriate check.
X carry on with works without a licence in place, where required
X undertake activities without surveys in place
X work within 5m (exclusion zone) of any active nest.
Toolbox Talk
Given by: Site: Date:
Please complete the below
Please upload a copy of the briefing to the link
Breeding Bird & Nest Check Form
Important note: If at any point you are uncertain as to how to proceed, STOP and seek advice from an ecologist
Observer name
SSOWP reference
ELR and mileage start
Location (local name)
Time survey started
Weather conditions ( hh:mm
this will affect theactivity of any birds present)
Date
Fault or S/R number
ELR and mileage end
Direction (UP / DN)
Time survey finished
Record any birds or nests seenin the proposed work site, plus any exclusion zones created. If safe to do so, check whilst walking through the actual vegetation to be cleared (facing traffic).
Actions
Nests(with or without birds); mark up exclusion zone around nest and extend zone to include adjacent habitat [this may be to the fence-line]
Birds = X; Nests = N ; Observation = ; Exclusion zones = [NR/GN/ESD29] March 2020
Use more than one sheet if necessary
Breeding Bird & Nest Check Form
Guidance Notes
When to check
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• Dawn to 08:00
Ideally on first day at work site (but up to 1 week prior to the planned work)
o NB: for emergency, safety critical work undertake check immediately prior to operations
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• Ideally in good weather only
Check before any activity that could impact nesting birds, e.g.:
o Tree work
o Shrub / scrub work
o Ditch maintenance
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o Rock-face cleaning Construction / ground disturbance
Recording birds
• Walk slowly – 2 minute walk then stop for 10 minutes to observe
o Repeat for length of work site
• Mark on plan all locations where observation took place ( )
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• Take 1 hour to complete the check for every 220 yards
Check 10 metres beyond extent of planned vegetation work
Record every bird seen & heard within the proposed work site with a X
Record every suspected nest/nest site within the proposed work site with this symbol N
o Photograph any likely evidence
Mark exclusion zones on check form with a solid line ( ) Extend zone to include adjacent ‘cover’ or to the fence
Records
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o Photograph marked exclusion zone(s)
• Be aware, records may be subject to external scrutiny If no checks are undertaken, demonstration of compliance with legislation could be challenged
Examples
Use more than one sheet if necessary
[NR/GN/ESD29] March 2020
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