Safety Newsletter November

SAFETY
NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2020

www.vital.uk.com

NCOVOEMNBERT20E20NCTOSNTENTS

WWW.VITAL.UK.COM

Section Page 3
Introduction Page 4
Welcome Page 5
Your HSQE Team
New Appointment

Hot Topic Page 6-7
Electronic Rail Safety Handbooks

Health and Wellbeing Page 8
Embracing Winter Page 9-11
Stress Awareness Week

Safety Award Page 12

Fleet and Driving Page 13
Road Safety Week

Environment Page 14
Litter Pickers - Keep Britain Tidy

Compliance Page 15
Network Rail Worksafe Procedure
Policy Statement

VHRL Notices Page 16

Close Call App Page 17
Offices Page 18
Safety Notices Page 19

PAGE 2

WNOVEEMBLERC20O20MCOE NTENTS

WWW.VITAL.UK.COM

Executive Director, Gary Hardaker As part of our plans to promote safety, we are
Welcome to our November Safety Newsletter. delivering training which, by upskilling
operatives, open up opportunities for a greater
Vital continues to be the country’s No.1 supplier ranges of work experiences, with
of skilled track operatives with clients commensurate rewards. Our policy of investing
increasingly recognising our dedication to in our people is an essential commitment to
improving on-site delivery of works efficiently, delivering an environment steeped in safety
on time and most importantly, safely. The while adding to the overall efficiency and
company is continually looking for ways to reliability of the rail’s service.
improve the work life balance of our work force
and adapt to changes and challenges to how Regardless of background, creed, orientation or
we work and rest. race, Vital is the company where every
individual is welcome, encouraged to succeed,
Although 2020 is a year that we are unlikely to achieve their potential and exceed their own
forget in a hurry it can be a great year for those expectations.
who enjoy work that is challenging, interesting
and rewarding. There has probably never been Please accept my thanks, on behalf the Vital
a better time, even in these most challenging Executive Team and Operational Managers for
circumstances, to be part of this dynamic, your continued support of this excellent
essential service that keeps the country organisation and the part you play in keeping us
supplied and in touch. The work we deliver on the supplier of choice for the UK rail industry.
track has a real worth with an important
purpose. All the indications are that we will Stay safe,
continue to be asked, by our clients, to assist Gary Hardaker
with maintaining the UK’s strategic rail network
in fine operational form. Our message on Safety
at work is simple; if something seems unsafe to
do, don’t do it! Take that moment to think or ask
your COSS for an opinion. Your welfare is the
primary concern of all in the industry.

Please support your colleagues by practicing
safe behaviours on site and play a part in
promoting a positive culture without tolerating
any practices that could cause harm.

PAGE 3

HNOVSEMQBEER 20T20ECAOMNTENTS

WWW.VITAL.UK.COM

HSQE Director
Gareth Morris Morson International | Adamson House
[email protected]
0161 707 1516 07736 657039
HSE Adviser (Scotland) and Close Call Champion
Stephen McKay - Scotland and Newcastle
Stephen. [email protected]
07717 306 733

HSE Adviser and Safety Unit (North)
Jane Hepburn – Manchester, Solutions, Milton
Keynes (North) Doncaster, Market Rasen and
Birmingham
[email protected]
07717 306 797

HSE Adviser and Safety Unit (South)
Alex Wilson - Cardiff, Farnham, Milton Keynes
(South) and Canning Town.  
[email protected]
07717 306 811

MY IDEA

HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE SAFETY?
WHAT ARE YOUR IDEAS FOR INNOVATION?

WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?

TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN £100 OF
GIFT VOUCHERS

EMAIL US AT
[email protected]

PAGE 4

NEW 2A020PCPOONINTTEMNTESNT

NOVEMBER

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APPOINTMENT OF SENIOR ADVISOR – MORSON / VITAL

Vital Human Resources Limited are delighted to announce the appointment of Steve
Featherstone as a Senior Advisor.

Steve joins Vital from Network Rail where, as Track Programme Director, he was responsible
for the safe delivery of Network Rail's programme of track and associated rail systems works
valued at over £800m per year, receiving 8 Safety Swords of Honour from the British Safety
Council and reducing engineering overruns by 85%. Before taking over the Track portfolio,
Steve was National Maintenance Director for Network Rail responsible for a team of some
18,000 people, overseeing the most significant improvement in infrastructure reliability and
train performance in modern railway history. Vital have provided support to Steve’s teams in
both of his senior leadership roles at Network Rail so he joins us with a high degree of
understanding of what we do.

Vital Director, John Smith, said of the appointment “I am thrilled that such a high calibre and
experienced person has accepted this new part time appointment and I very much look
forward to working with Steve. His knowledge and experience is second to none and I am sure
that his challenge and ideas will help the business to move forward, both in terms of safety
and efficiency”

Steve Featherstone said of his appointment, “I am really looking forward to working with John
and the Vital team to help them to grow the business. In my usual way of learning from people
at the sharp end, I will be on site regularly to see how we can improve everything that Vital
does to support our customers. I am also looking forward to supporting the Vital apprentice
programme, helping them to develop and grow the next generation of frontline workers”

PAGE 5

Electronic Rail Safety Handbooks
by email

Vital is distributing Handbooks using a new email (3) The ‘Acknowledge Handbook’ page requires you to
process to get new and updated rules to you quicker click on link ‘View Handbook’ before clicking on the
and help you acknowledge receipt using a simple ‘Acknowledge’ <button> to change it from N (No) to
button. There is also a benefit to the environment Y (Yes). Then click the ‘Save’ <button>.
avoiding the use of paper and postage.

The simple steps for receiving Handbooks…

(1) You will be notified by SMS Message, in advance,
when you are due to receive an email. Please check
your email inbox after receiving the SMS.

(2) An email will arrive in your email inbox from
[email protected].

The email will ask you to click on link ‘Your new Your new Handbooks are listed in the scroll page
handbooks’. The link opens a page that will display titled ‘Unacknowledged Handbooks’. You can view
your Handbooks. each individual Handbook by clicking on the ‘View
Handbook’ link within each Handbook section.

Please note: To view Handbooks on a mobile device,
you may need to download PDF Viewer.

Electronic Rail Safety Handbooks
by email

(4) Once you have read the Handbook, you must (6) Every Safety Handbook attachment will be emailed
confirm receipt of the Handbook by clicking the with the email subject titled with the Handbook
‘Acknowledge’ <button> to change it from N (No) to name.
Y(Yes).

You have the option of keeping the Safety Handbook
attachments in your email inbox or saving the
electronic attachments to your device.

(7) You can request additional copies of any Safety
Handbooks at any time from Vital Compliance by
emailing [email protected]

(5) After clicking the ‘Acknowledge’ <button> for each Note: Under the Health & Safety at Work Act you
Handbook, finish by clicking the Save <button> to must co-operate in all matters of health and safety.
confirm. Please follow these instructions and acknowledge
receipt of Handbook(s) by clicking the ‘Acknowledge’
After you have acknowledged and clicked ‘Save‘ the <button> and then clicking the ‘Save’ <button> to
Handbook(s) will be emailed to you. Each electronic confirm.
Safety Handbook will be sent in separate emails.

Thank you

ENOMVEMBBERR 2A02C0 ICNOGNWTEINNTTESR PAGE 8

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Cold days and dark nights don’t have to mean low mood,
coughs and festive stress.

Do you struggle with the plummeting temperatures and
lack of daylight? Perhaps you associate winter with feeling
tired and low, and fighting off bugs. It doesn’t have to be
this way!

Eat yourself healthy - There are plenty of nourishing
winter vegetables to make the most of. including kale and
Brussels sprouts, and root vegetables such as sweet
potatoes, turnips and carrots, all contain nutrients including
vitamin C and betacarotene, needed to support your
immune system. Fruit and vegetables are also high in fibre,
which feeds good gut bugs important for helping your
body fight off illness.

Prioritise sleep - Darkness triggers the release of sleepy
hormone melatonin, which is why most of us feel more
tired in the winter. Instead of fighting it, follow your body’s
natural instinct to hibernate, suggests sleep experts. Have
earlier nights and use the longer evenings to relax so
you’re ready to fall asleep when you go to bed. Gentle
yoga or soaking in a bath with essential oils works for a lot
of people, but it’s important to find what’s most relaxing for
you. It might be listening to rock music, knitting or reading
a book.

Go outside - This may seem counterintuitive when it’s
chilly, but it’s still important to get as much daylight as
possible. Even if you don’t struggle with winter depression,
you’ll still benefit from a burst of morning light, as it helps
reset the ‘master clock’ in the brain that governs the sleep-
wake cycle, ensuring you fizz with vitality during the day
and become sleepy enough at bedtime. Head into your
garden for some early morning stretches, walk part of the
way to work, or eat breakfast by the window.

Warm up with exercise - Getting active is a major mood-
booster, so it’s a must if you’re affected by low mood and
energy. Practise mindfulness to maximise the mental
health benefits of exercising outside – pay attention to the
sights and sounds around you. Any indoor exercise will do
the same too!

STRESS ACWONARTEENNETSSS WEEK

NOVEMBER 2020

WWW.VITAL.UK.COM

International Stress Awareness Week 2nd- 6th November
Managing Stress and Mental Health Issues in the Age of COVID-19

Stress and mental health problems have never been more important than now, and the
challenges they present never more acute than in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. These
new challenges are of major concern for organisations as well as individuals, in the light of
growing evidence of their effects in the age of the pandemic. International Stress Awareness
Week 2020 provides a platform for stress and mental health problems to be highlighted and for
insights from around the world to be illuminated. Almost one in five adults (19.2%) were likely to
be experiencing some form of depression during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in June
2020; this had almost doubled from around 1 in 10 (9.7%) before the pandemic (July 2019 to March
2020). Feeling stressed or anxious was the most common way adults experiencing some form of
depression felt their well-being was being affected, with 84.9% stating this. Coronavirus and
depression in adults, Great Britain. Office for National Statistics, June 2020.

Stress is: “That which arises when the pressure placed upon an individual exceeds the
capacity of that individual to cope.”

Confederation of British Industry “The adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures
or other types of demand placed on them at work.”

Those pressures may come from a number of different sources, and when their combined effect
is overwhelming, stress occurs. This means that stress is not good for you. Stress is an unhealthy
state of body or mind or both. For many years, people have referred to the Flight or Fight
response as the stress response. But Flight or Fight is a one-off reaction to a perceived challenge
or pressure and as such, is a safety response, ensuring the individual is alerted to possible threats
allowing them to take avoiding action. However, continually being in this state means that the
body chemicals associated with Flight or Fight are constantly being stimulated which may create
symptoms of, or cause, ill health.

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STRESS ACWONARTEENNETSSS WEEK

NOVEMBER 2020

WWW.VITAL.UK.COM

Below are just some of the many signs and symptoms that are indicators of too much pressure
that can come from yourself, work, home, any combination of, or maybe even all three. It is
sometimes easier for someone else to recognise stress in you, but not always so straightforward
to recognise it yourself. It is easy to say the symptoms will go away, but they may not. Go and
see your GP if the number of symptoms increase/change, become more frequent, get worse or
are long lasting.

PSYCHOLOGICAL SIGNS EMOTIONAL SIGNS
Inability to concentrate or make simple decisions Tearful
Memory lapses Irritable
Becoming rather vague
Easily distracted Mood swings
Less intuitive & creative Extra sensitive to criticism
Undue worrying / racing thoughts
Feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or unfocused Defensive
Depression & anxiety Feeling out of control
Negative thinking
Insomnia or waking still tired Lack of motivation
Prone to accidents Angry

Frustrated
Lack of confidence
Lack of self-esteem

PHYSICAL SIGNS BEHAVIOURAL SIGNS
Aches/pains & muscle tension/grinding teeth No time for relaxation or pleasurable
Frequent colds/infections
Allergies/rashes/skin irritations activities
Constipation/diarrhoea/IBS Prone to accidents, forgetfulness
Weight loss or gain Increased reliance on alcohol, smoking,
Indigestion/heartburn/ulcers caffeine, recreational or illegal drugs
Hyperventilating/lump in the throat/pins &
needles Becoming a workaholic
Dizziness/palpitations Poor time management and/or poor
Nervousness or shaking uncontrollably
Panic attacks/nausea standards of work
Cold or sweaty hands and feet Absenteeism
Physical tiredness
Menstrual changes/loss of libido/sexual Self neglect/change in appearance
problems Social withdrawal
Heart problems/high blood pressure
Relationship problems
Insomnia or waking tired
Aggressive/anger outbursts

Nervous
Uncharacteristically lying

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STRESS ACWONARTEENNETSSS WEEK

NOVEMBER 2020

WWW.VITAL.UK.COM

Things you can try to help with stress
DO

try talking about your feelings to a friend, family
member or health professional. You could also
contact Samaritans, call: 116 123 or email:
[email protected] if you need someone to talk to
find out more about stress busters – including
getting started with exercise and setting aside time
for yourself
use easy time-management techniques to help you
take control
use calming breathing exercises
plan ahead for stressful days or events – planning
long journeys or making a list of things to remember
can really help
consider peer support, where people use their
experiences to help each other. Find out more about
peer support on the Mind website
listen to free mental wellbeing audio guides
search and download relaxation and mindfulness
apps or online community apps from the NHS apps
library

DON'T
do not try to do everything at once – set small
targets you can easily achieve
do not focus on the things you cannot change –
focus your time and energy into helping yourself feel
better
try not to tell yourself that you're alone – most
people feel stressed at some point in their life and
support is available
try not to use alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or drugs
to relieve stress – these can all contribute to poor
mental health

See a GP if -
you're struggling to cope with stress
things you're trying yourself are not helping
you would prefer to get a referral from a GP

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety- PAGE 11
depression/understanding-stress/

SAFETY CAOWNATREDNTS

NOVEMBER 2020

WWW.VITAL.UK.COM

Matthew Muir and Darius Finch, Vital Patrollers, are the winners of our November Safety
Award. "Excellent work due to following up on information received regarding a vulnerable
person. Matthew and Darius are a credit to the team." Tony Coleclough Trespass and
Vandalism Patrol Account Manager.

INTERVENTION
23rd October - Hampshire police arrived at the station with a vague description of a local patient
that has escaped from a local psychiatric hospital. Whilst dealing with local kids causing problems
on platform 1, Matthew noticed the man in description outside the station on platform 1. Matthew
tried speaking to him and noticed he was a cause for concern and got his colleague, Darius, to
come over and assist from platform 2. Immediately, Matthew noticed he was highly intoxicated
with drugs and alcohol and the man mentioned that his time was up and needed to get out of
here with suicidal thoughts, he then noticed the man had razor blades in his hands and pockets
and a potential needle. Matthew then rang the police and WICC. The police arrived and the man
arrested for possessing offence weapons. If Matthew hadn’t been on the scene at this time, the
situation could have ended very differently.

DARIUS FINCH MATTHEW MUIR

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RNOVOEMABEDR 202S0 ACFOENTTYEWNTESEK

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Safety is a 24/7/365 commitment so why have a Road Safety Week?

It helps focus on a key area of risk and look at some know problems that each driver can
personally influence by a change of behavior and attitude. Please support our campaign
for safer driving, it only has an upside and costs nothing more than a positive
approach to getting behind the wheel.

Below are some very good reasons why you should drive safely. Remember your family
and friends need you to return from your journey and so do the families of the other road
users.

Mobile phone use when driving
People using a hand-held mobile phone in all circumstances while driving will be
breaking the law, under new government plans to close a legislation loophole and
improve road safety.
It’s already a criminal offence to use a hand-held mobile phone to call or text while
driving, but not for other actions such as taking photos. While still distracting, drivers
have escaped punishment due to a legal loophole where such actions aren’t seen as
‘interactive communication’, and therefore do not fit the current definition of the offence.
Let the thing ring, you can always call back!

Seasonal weather changes can occur very quickly bringing more than an
inconvenience!
Can you get fined if you don't de-ice your car?
This is something that may actually land you with a fine. Failure to properly clear the
windscreen of snow or ice could result in the driver receiving a fixed penalty notice
under the CU20 penalty code. Using a vehicle with parts or accessories in a "dangerous
condition" could result in a fine of £60 and three penalty points. Simply removing the ice
from the driver’s side of the windscreen is not enough – you must de-ice the entire area,
using the wipers when the ice has melted. The driver must by law have a full view of the
road and traffic ahead of the motor vehicle, so it is well worth taking the extra time to
fully clear your windscreen and your mirrors too.

Speeding penalties
The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and 3 penalty points added to your
licence. You could be disqualified from driving if you build up 12 or more penalty points
within a period of 3 years - check your driving licence record to see if you have points on
your licence.

Remember to always drive safely and to Take 5!

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KNOVEEMEBEPR 2B020RCITOANITNETNITDSY

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We are pleased to support the charity Keep Britain Tidy campaign
by joining the fight on litter, graffiti and vandalism on and around
our railways. Our workforce is helping tackle this long-term issue
by helping clean and tidy public spaces.

Keep Britain Tidy was created to inspire people to eliminate litter
now and for future generations. It is about more than simply getting
people to pick up litter. The aim to change behaviour permanently
by spotlighting the problem daily and offering creative solutions.

Ending waste. Every day millions of things that could be reused or
recycled end up being thrown away. Keep Britain Tidy inspires
people to end waste for now and for future generations. This is
about taking huge collective strides made up of small, individual
steps: recycling those plastic bottles rather than throwing them in a
litter bin and reducing food waste by only buying what you need.
Waste is everyone’s problem and everyone has a role to play in the
solution. The little things we can all do will, together, make a big
difference.

If you want to help make a difference, then please register at
www.keepbritaintidy.org/email-subscription they will email you
their latest campaigns and how you can get involved through
volunteering and donating. Even a small difference will help
towards making a huge difference!

If we all take care of our litter we can make the world a better
place to live, for our wildlife and for us. Keep it, Bin it.

PAGE 14

NNOVREMWBERO202R0 KCSOANFTEEPNRTOSCEDURE

WWW.VITAL.UK.COM

Vital Human Resources Ltd fully endorses and supports Network Rail Worksafe Procedure.
Every worker has the right to refuse to carry out work that they believe is unsafe and/or a risk to
themselves or anyone else. All workers should be confident of no fear of reprisals when applying the
Worksafe Procedure and VHRL will always support the worker.
Please see below open letter published in Network Rail standard NR/L2/OHS/00112 Issue 3.

PAGE 15

VNOVHEMRBERL20N20 OCTOINCTEESNTS

WWW.VITAL.UK.COM

RAIL WELLBEING LIVE 4-5TH NOVEMBER

A free on-line event for all members of the UK Rail Industry and their families. It is
specifically designed for you to gain access to the very best information, knowledge and
industry expert opinion on a range of topics of interest to rail professionals.
What is it all about?

Ideas to improve physical and mental wellbeing
Explore ideas to help you feel happier, healthier & stronger
Build relationships at home and work
Support yourself, family and colleagues
Develop new healthy habits and reduce injuries

How to get involved
Register at: https://www.railwellbeinglive.co.uk/

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Remembrance Day in the United Kingdom honours the heroic efforts,
achievements and sacrifices that were made in past wars. The main
observance is on the second Sunday in November. The 2-minute
silence will be observed at 11:00 on Wednesday 11 November.

DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE

VHRL takes great pride on providing a working environment where
discrimination ('protected characteristics') is recognised as
unacceptable, it is also against the law to discriminate against
anyone because of:

age, gender reassignment, being married or in a civil partnership,
being pregnant or on maternity leave, disability, race including
colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex,
sexual orientation

Please support our culture of tolerance & inclusion, lead by example.

OSBORNE – STOP THINK OCTOBER

The October edition of the Osborne STOP Think! Magazine can be found by accessing the
following link: https://view.publitas.com/osborne/osborne-stop-think-cascade-october-2020-
edition/page/1

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NCOVLEMOBESR 2E020CCAOLNLTAEPNPTS

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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
anytime 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 REPORT A CLOSE CALL
required - use the app anywhere 0161 836 7200
 
www.closecallnow.com
SAFETY MATTERS
THE CLOSE CALL REPORTING APP 

Available to download NOW!

PAGE 17

ONOFVEMFBIECR 2E020SCONTENTS

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Manchester (Head Office) Abercynon Bellshill
tel 0161 836 7000 tel 01443 809 950 tel 01698 840 950
email [email protected] email [email protected] email [email protected]
The Mill, G16/17 Ty Cynon, Dalziel House, Ground Floor,
South Hall Street, Navigation Park, Strathclyde Business Park,
off Ordsall Lane, Abercynon, Lark Way, Bellshill,
Salford, Manchester, CF45 4SN Lanarkshire,
M5 4TP ML4 3RB

Birmingham  Cardiff Crewe
tel 0121 809 3010 tel 029 2083 9955 tel 01270 906 130
email [email protected] email [email protected] email [email protected]
F03 First Floor, The Laurels, Office 2 The Dairy,
Fairgate House, Heol Y Rhosog, Crewe Hall Farm, Old Park Road,
205 Kings Road, Springmeadows Business Park, Crewe,
Tyseley, Rumney, Cheshire,
Birmingham, Cardiff, CW1 5UE
B11 2AA CF3 2EW

Doncaster Farnham Market Rasen
tel 01302 244450 tel 01252 964 020 tel 01302 308 080
email [email protected] email [email protected] email [email protected]
First Floor Offices, Unit 10, Unit 2,
Carr House, Guildford Road Trading Estate, Gallamore Lane Ind. Estate,
Heavens Walk, Farnham, Market Rasen,
Doncaster, Surrey, LN8 3HZ
DN4 5HZ GU9 9PZ

Milton Keynes Newcastle London
tel 01908 015020 tel 0191 300 0433 tel 0203 963 5080
email [email protected] email [email protected] email [email protected]
Suite 532, Spaceworks, Unit 10,
Elder House, Benton Park Road, Canning Town Business Park,
Elder Gate, Newcastle upon Tyne, Stephenson Street,
Milton Keynes, Tyne & Wear, London,
MK9 1LR NE7 7LX E16 4SA

PAGE 18

SAFETY CNOONTTICEENSTS

NOVEMBER 2020

WWW.VITAL.UK.COM

Internal Safety Notices
RSSB - Rule Briefing Leaflet Issue 34 Handbooks effective 5th December 2020

External Safety Notices
Southern Capital Delivery - Safety Risk Barometers Period 7 2020-21
Southern Shield - Sharing Good Practice
Network Rail - NR_L2_OHS_00112
Network Rail - Safety Flash Report - Serious hand accident
Network Rail - Safety Flash - Are you ready for shorter daylight hours?
Network Rail - Lessons Learnt - St Denys
Southern Shield Weekly Safety Update

PAGE 19

RSSB - Rule Briefing Leaflet Issue 34
Handbooks effective 5th December 2020

For prior notification, the following Handbooks will be reissued to come into
effect on 5th Dec 2020:

Handbook 1 General duties and track safety for track workers

Handbook 6 General duties of an individual working alone (IWA)

Handbook 7 General duties of a controller of site safety (COSS)

Handbook 11 Duties of the person in charge of the possession (PICOP)

Handbook 12 Duties of the engineering supervisor (ES) or safe work leader (SWL) in
a possession

Handbook 19 Work on signalling equipment - duties of the signalling technician

Handbook 20 General duties of a safe work leader (SWL) working outside a
possession

Handbook 1 General duties and track safety for track workers

KEY CHANGE

Section 2.4 Travelling in driving cabs has been expanded to include new arrangements that
have been introduced for cab pass holders and drivers. Anyone with a cab pass wishing to
travel in the cab of a freight train that contains high consequence dangerous goods will also
have to have additional written permission from the train operating company to travel in the
cab.

DETAIL OF CHANGES
Section headings in bold relate to issue 4 of Handbook 1.
2 General instructions
2.4 Travelling in driving cabs

This section has been expanded to include new arrangements that have been introduced for
cab pass holders and drivers. A cab pass holder wishing to travel in the cab with the driver is
to tell the driver the reason why this is necessary.
If the cab pass indicates that the holder has a personal track safety competence but the
holder does not have all the necessary equipment to go on or near the line, the driver must
be told this when entering the cab.
A cab pass holder wishing to travel in the cab of a freight train that contains high
consequence dangerous goods must also have additional written permission from the train
operating company to travel in the cab.

Page 1 of 5

RSSB - Rule Briefing Leaflet Issue 34
Handbooks effective 5th December 2020

A cab pass holder must check with the driver whether any mobile electronic devices require
to be switched off before entering the cab.

Handbook 6 General duties of an individual working alone (IWA)

KEY CHANGES

A new section 2.5 has been introduced as a result of introduction of a new crossing the line
procedure. When an IWA wishes to cross no more than four running lines or pass by a
structure that limits clearance, this provides a simpler alternative to a line blockage. This can
only be used at locations that have been approved and details provided to the signaller, and
by individuals permitted to use it whose names have been supplied to the signaller.
Communication must be by mobile phone. Signals are not placed to danger and permission
can be given only if there is enough time for the line to be crossed before a train will
approach. The person requesting use of the procedure remains in contact with the signaller
until the line has been crossed or the structure passed by.
As a result of the introduction of protection zones (PZ), another method of blocking the line is
that the IWA's site of work is within a PZ, and a safe system of work has been agreed by the
IWA with the engineering supervisor (ES) or safe work leader (SWL) who has set up the PZ.
This is referred to in section 3.2.

DETAIL OF CHANGES
Section headings in bold relate to issue 5 of Handbook 6.
2 Work that you can do without the line being blocked
2.5 Crossing the line procedure

This is a new section that describes this new procedure so far as an IWA is concerned.

3 Work that needs the line to be blocked
3.2 Before starting work that affects the safety of the line

This section has been changed to include the site of work being within a PZ as an additional
means of being able to consider a line as being blocked.

Handbook 7 General duties of a controller of site safety (COSS)

KEY CHANGES

A new section 2.3 has been introduced as a result of introduction of a new crossing the line
procedure. When a COSS working alone or with a group wishes to cross no more than four
running lines or pass by a structure that limits clearance, this provides a simpler alternative to
a line blockage. This can only be used at locations that have been approved and details
provided to the signaller, and by individuals permitted to use it whose names have been
supplied to the signaller. Communication must be by mobile phone. Signals are not placed
to danger and permission can be given only if there is enough time for the line to be crossed
before a train will approach. The person requesting use of the procedure remains in contact
with the signaller until the line has been crossed or the structure passed by.
As a result of the introduction of protection zones (PZ), another method of blocking the line is
that the COSS's site of work is within a PZ, and a safe system of work has been agreed by the

Page 2 of 5

RSSB - Rule Briefing Leaflet Issue 34
Handbooks effective 5th December 2020

COSS with the engineering supervisor (ES) or safe work leader (SWL) who has set up the PZ.
This is referred to in sections 3.2 and 4.4.

DETAIL OF CHANGES
Section headings in bold relate to issue 6 of Handbook 7.
2 Work that you can do without the line being blocked
2.3 Crossing the line procedure

This is a new section that describes this new procedure so far as a COSS is concerned.

3 Work that needs the line to be blocked
3.3 Before starting work

This section has been changed to include the site of work being within a PZ as an additional
means of being able to consider a line as being blocked.

4 Working with a group
4.4 Blocking the line

This section has been changed to include the site of work being within a PZ as an additional
means of being able to consider a line as being blocked.

Handbook 11 Duties of the person in charge of the possession (PICOP)

KEY CHANGES

When a possession is taken around an engineering train or on-track machine (OTM), the train
can be standing at a flexible train arrival point (FTAP) marked by a lineside sign. This allows a
train to be positioned closer to the site of work than it would be at the nearest signal or block
marker. Section 4.2 has been changed to refer to this.
The rules have been changed to allow an engineering supervisor (ES) or safe work leader
(SWL) to give up a work site whilst an engineering train or OTM is standing within the work
site at the signal or block marker where it is planned to be when the possession is given up
around it. The ES or SWL will tell the driver what is happening and the driver will tell the
signaller when the train or OTM is at the signal or block marker. After this, the present rules
are unchanged, and the PICOP will tell the driver when the possession is given up, after which
the train or OTM cannot move until the signaller gives permission. Section 12.1 has been
changed. By adopting this new rule, it is possible to reduce the movements that have to be
made on a line that is still under possession.

DETAIL OF CHANGES
Section headings in bold relate to issue 7 of Handbook 11.
4 Taking the possession
4.2 Taking possession around one or more engineering trains

This section has been changed to allow the train concerned to be standing at a FTAP as an
alternative to a signal or block marker.

12 Giving up the possession
12.1 Making sure the work is complete

This section has been changed to allow a train to be standing within a work site when the
work site is given up.

Page 3 of 5

RSSB - Rule Briefing Leaflet Issue 34
Handbooks effective 5th December 2020

Handbook 12 Duties of the engineering supervisor (ES) or safe work leader (SWL)
in a possession

KEY CHANGES

When a work site is set up or extended around an engineering train or on-track machine
(OTM), the train can be standing at a flexible train arrival point (FTAP) marked by a lineside
sign. This allows a train to be positioned closer to the site of work than it would be at the
nearest signal or block marker. Section 3.2 has been changed to refer to this.
The rules have been changed to allow an engineering supervisor (ES) or safe work leader
(SWL) to give up a work site whilst an engineering train or OTM is standing within the work
site at the signal or block marker where it is planned to be when the possession is given up
around it. The ES or SWL will tell the driver what is happening and the driver will tell the
signaller when the train or OTM is at the signal or block marker. After this, the present rules
are unchanged, and the PICOP will tell the driver when the possession is given up, after which
the train or OTM cannot move until the signaller gives permission. Section 10.3 has been
changed to refer to this. By adopting this new rule, it is possible to reduce the movements
that have to be made on a line that is still under possession.
New rules have been introduced in a new section 11 to describe how an ES or SWL can set up
a protection zone (PZ) as an alternative to a possession when no more than one engineering
train and one OTM are required to carry out work. This only applies when the details have
previously been published in the Weekly Operating Notice or Engineering Notice and only to
certain types of train. The ES or SWL sets up the PZ with the signaller, a protecting signal is
kept at danger, with additional protection by means of a track circuit operating device
(T-COD) or disconnection. An exit signal beyond the PZ will be kept at danger. The PZ can be
taken round an engineering train, which can be standing at an FTAP, or the engineering train
or OTM can be allowed to pass the protecting signal at danger after the PZ is set up. When
necessary, signals within the PZ can be passed at danger, or wrong-direction movements
made, as long as this has been agreed with the signaller when the PZ is set up. An OTM can
subsequently be allowed to enter the PZ. The ES or SWL will authorise movements within the
PZ. When an engineering train or OTM is to leave the PZ, the driver will be instructed to move
to the end of the PZ and contact the signaller, who will give the driver permission to proceed.
These arrangements allow a quicker transition from 'open railway' to 'work site' or the
reverse with fewer safety-critical communications, and less need for employees to be
trackside to place and remove protection.

DETAIL OF CHANGES
Section headings in bold relate to issue 7 of Handbook 12.
3 Setting up the work site
3.2 Setting up or extending the work site around one or more engineering trains

This section has been changed to allow the train concerned to be standing at a FTAP as an
alternative to a signal or block marker.

10 Giving up the work site
10.3 When every COSS or IWA no longer needs protection

Page 4 of 5

RSSB - Rule Briefing Leaflet Issue 34
Handbooks effective 5th December 2020

This section has been changed to allow a train to be standing within a work site when the
work site is given up.

11 Protection zones

This is a new section containing the rules that apply when an ES or SWL sets up a PZ.

Handbook 19 Work on signalling equipment - duties of the signalling technician

KEY CHANGE

As a result of the introduction of protection zones (PZ), that the work will be carried out
within a PZ is now another situation in which a Form RT3187 does not have to be completed.

DETAIL OF CHANGE
Section headings in bold relate to issue 3 of Handbook 19.
1 General
1.5 Using a Signal Engineering Work form (RT3187)

This rule has been changed to include work within a PZ as another situation in which it is not
necessary to complete Form RT3187.

Handbook 20 General duties of a safe work leader (SWL) working outside a
possession
KEY CHANGE

A new section 2.3 has been introduced as a result of introduction of a new crossing the line
procedure. When an SWL working alone or with a group wishes to cross no more than four
running lines or pass by a structure that limits clearance, this provides a simpler alternative to
a line blockage. This can only be used at locations that have been approved and details
provided to the signaller, and by individuals permitted to use it whose names have been
supplied to the signaller. Communication must be by approved equipment. Signals are not
placed to danger and permission can be given only if there is enough time for the line to be
crossed before a train will approach. The person requesting use of the procedure remains in
contact with the signaller until the line has been crossed or the structure passed by.

DETAIL OF CHANGES
Section headings in bold relate to issue 2 of Handbook 20.
2 Work that you can do without the line being blocked
2.3 Crossing the line procedure

This is a new section that describes this new procedure so far as an SWL is concerned.

Page 5 of 5

Southern Capital Delivery - Safety Risk Barometers Period 7 2020-21

The inner (semi-circle) barometer details the actual accidents that have occurred in the last 13 pe
details non-injury events that have been reported within the last three periods, where the score is
periods where the potential for harm could have been greater than was actual.

Risk Barometer Co

WORKING AT HEIGHT Du
An
the
for



PEOPLE / PLANT INTERFACE 






Du
veh
A fu
wa
wa
In t
inju




1

eriods, where the score is determined by the actual harm. The outer (semi-circle) barometer
s based on the lowest potential harm that could have occurred, plus injury events in the last three

ommentary

uring the last 13 periods there has been one minor (non-lost time) accident whilst working at height.
operative working off a stepladder pulling cable fell off and as they tried to stop the fall strained

eir back. Additionally, in the last three periods there were 49 reported events that had the potential
significant injury, if not life-changing or fatal injuries. The main events were:

13 events involving mobile access towers were reported in the last 3 periods, including:
 An operative asking another operative to move the tower whilst they were still on it but being

stopped before the movement was made.
 Using towers with the brakes not applied, not all applied, or not applied correctly;
 Using whilst incorrectly assembled or missing parts – outriggers, bracing, platform, handrails

and toe boards.
A contractor using a scissor lift to transport materials, with an operative standing on the materials.
12 reports of a lack of adequate edge protection mainly relating to embankment and/or piling
activities.
13 events where individuals were not adhering to the safe system of work, such as jumping off
platforms or an individual climbing onto a roof from a scaffold tower without any protection, or
another stood on the back of newly installed switch gear with no protection or equipment to access
onto the equipment.
Five individuals climbing/working on vehicles without edge protection or other systems in place.

uring the last 13 periods there was one serious accident (Period 13 19/20) involving a machine /
hicle and a person, where the operative was struck by an excavator, resulting in a fractured femur.
urther accident in Period 7 (20/21) occurred when an operative lost two fingers when their hand
as run over by an engineering train whilst undertake track measurements. In period 5 (20/21) there
as also a 1-tonne dumper that overturned; however, no-one was injured.

the last three periods there were a further 35 reported events that had the potential for significant
uries including life-changing or possible fatal injuries. Of the main events:
Approximately 40% of the events were individuals not adhering to exclusion/restricted zones by
entering these areas without permission or agreement with the plant operator/banksman whilst the
plant was in operation OR exclusion/restricted zones not being established before plant
movements were being undertaken
Most of the remaining events related to:
 Plant operating without banksman as detailed in the safe system of work;
 Operators not wearing seat belts or not observing on site speed limits.

Page 1 of 3

Southern Capital Delivery - Safety Risk Barometers Period 7 2020-21

The inner (semi-circle) barometer details the actual accidents that have occurred in the last 13 pe
details non-injury events that have been reported within the last three periods, where the score is
periods where the potential for harm could have been greater than was actual.

Risk Barometer Co

EXCAVATIONS Du
exc

At f
und
pot

The







LIFTING OPERATIONS The
ope
the

Du
with
opp
sta

The
ope
7 is

1

eriods, where the score is determined by the actual harm. The outer (semi-circle) barometer
s based on the lowest potential harm that could have occurred, plus injury events in the last three

ommentary

uring the last 13 periods there have been no actual accidents resulting from working with
cavations (see people and plant interface risk barometer for the Weybridge Specified RIDDOR).
face value this may also seem like a positive indicator (i.e. that excavation works are being
dertaken safely); however, in the last three periods there were 10 reported events that had the
tential for significant injuries.
e events were:
One event where unsafe digging practices were being undertaken i.e. excavations taking place
without undertaking a scan of the ground and/or a permit to dig in place.
Eight events where there was a lack of edge protection on excavations and injury could have
occurred if someone fell in.
One event where suitable access/egress was not available for an excavation and operatives were
having to climb in/out with risk of injury.

ere has been one minor accident (Period 6 20/21) within the last 13 periods relating to lifting
erations where an individual, not involved with the operation, entered the exclusion zone to prevent
e load striking a structure, and subsequently broke a couple of bones in a thumb.
uring period 7 (20/21) there was one significant close call where during the lift of a stores container,
h a HIAB, materials shifted causing the balance to change. This resulted in the outriggers on the
posite side of the HIAB to raise off the ground, potentially leading to HIAB overturning, before the lift
abilised. This event is subject to further investigation.
ere were a further 6 events reported that had the potential for significant injuries, mainly relating to
eratives entering restricted areas without authority whilst lifts were taking place. The event in period
s a reminder of the need to enforce exclusion zones whilst lifting operations are taking place.

Page 2 of 3

Southern Capital Delivery - Safety Risk Barometers Period 7 2020-21

The inner (semi-circle) barometer details the actual accidents that have occurred in the last 13 pe
details non-injury events that have been reported within the last three periods, where the score is
periods where the potential for harm could have been greater than was actual.

Risk Barometer Co

ELECTRICITY

Du

In t
pot
cab
con
cab

1

eriods, where the score is determined by the actual harm. The outer (semi-circle) barometer
s based on the lowest potential harm that could have occurred, plus injury events in the last three
ommentary
uring the last 13 periods there have been no actual electrical accidents reported.
the last three periods (none identified in Period 6 and 7) there was only 1 event that had the
tential for significant injury. This related to the discovery of trough routes containing electrical
bles, which had been damaged by an RRV at a RRAP. Electrical cables within the route had been
nsequently damaged, which could have led to someone receiving an electric shock if touching the
bles.

Page 3 of 3

Sharing GooOFFI

Edenbridg

The work to rectify the damage caused by a landslip at Edenbridge in Kent this time la
to manage our projects in an environmental and sustainable way.

The challenge

The landslip on the embankment at Edenbridge created a large dip at track level, leavi
suspended and the line was immediately closed to traffic. The affected area was 110m
embankment needed to be rebuilt as well as some remedial works to the upper area. I
mobilisation that because of its location, deliveries to and from the site created conge
country roads.

What the team did

To avoid any further disruption to the local community, it was decided that all materia
rail rather than road. The material fill for the embankment was delivered to site by a to
tonnes of material. Due to time constraints, all excavated material was stock-piled on s
completed and the line reopened as soon as possible. This left the project with 32 train
material on site. At this point, the project looked at various options for storing, removi
material, including whether to acquire some additional land. The solution was to reuse
of excavated material from the embankment to do the remedial works to the upper ar
purchase some adjacent land, a 15m wide strip over a length of 80m to extend along t

Key benefits

This solution brought about a number of environmental, sustainable, financial, operatio

• A saving of 1450 lorry movements, haulage and train delivery costs to remove t
• Cost saving from 100% reuse of the material rather than recycling or processin

material
• A reduction in the overall carbon footprint of the project
• Line reopened early which meant a reduction in cost and time
• Purchasing the extra land and increasing the area of the embankment provided
• Hugely positive in terms of company reputation and community relations
• The overall financial benefits of the project taking into account the cost of the
All credit goes to the creative and collaborative efforts of the Network Rail and BAM Nu

odICIAL Practice

ge landslip

ast year, is a great example of how

ing a 20m section of track
m in length and the entire 12m high
It became clear during site
estion on the surrounding narrow

al fill would be delivered to site by
otal of 32 trains carrying 26000
site so that the works could be
ns worth (or 1,450 lorry loads) of
ing, and reusing the excavated
e nearly all of the 26000 tonnes
rea. The project was also able to
the base of the embankment.

onal and reputational benefits;
the excavated material
ng as waste or purchasing new

d benefits for the ecology habitat
land, amounted to £3.69m!
utall teams involved.

OFFI

St De
Signif

Eve

ICIAL

enys
ficant
ent

1

OFFI

What happened?

A subcontractor was carrying out works at St Denys sta
mag-drill in the end of the canopy girders from a GRP m
ahead of canopy strengthening works. There was a line
Up and Down Main lines. The two adjacent DC 3rd rails
metres of conductor rail shrouds were placed on each 3
metres either side of the work location.

On the 9th of the 10 holes the drill bit snagged while it w
caused the drill to spin and it contacted the Carver clam
steelwork into position. This ejected the clamp toward th
tower and towards the track. The clamp landed just bey
conductor rail shrouds across the running rail and 3rd ra
caused a short circuit and subsequent fire. Due to the d
the drill dropped to the feet of the operative who disconn
He then jumped down off the tower onto the platform du
fire. Fortunately no one was harmed.

Network Rail P-Way attended to
distorted conductor rail. The inci

Significan

ICIAL

ation to drill holes using a
mobile scaffold tower
e block of the adjacent
s were still live so 12
3rd rail, extending for 6

was being retracted. This
mp being used to hold the
he Country side of the
yond the extent of the
ail of the Up Main. This
disconnected magnet,

nected the power leads.
ue to the heat from the

o replace 7ft of rail and repair the
ident has been investigated as a
nt Event.

2

OFFI

Area being drilled at th
London end of platform

Area where the clamp
the third rail (approx. 6

Area where the clamp hit the
third rail on the Up Main.

ICIAL

he
m 2.

p fell on
6-7m).

12m of shrouds
installed on the third rail
in the six foot for the Up
and Down Main.
Area of work on
platform.

3

OFFI

Key findings and actions taken

▪ The method of securing the drill to the canopy using ratche
subcontractor’s risk assessment was not implemented. Th
associated with hanging cord/straps was greater than the
omission/departure from the SSOW was not identified by t
subcontractor’s supervision. The subcontractor have re-br
well as not making changes to the risk assessment contro
documenting these changes.

▪ Although it could not be determined, there is potential that
magnet to detach. Works of this nature should use mains

▪ The clamp was placed within a zone which meant when th
The subcontractor is updating their risk assessment to inc

▪ The schedule for the drilling works had changed, and they
as a control measure. The assessment process for determ
blockage or a possession allowed these works to take plac
we are reminded that working within a possession with DC
option where practicable.

ICIAL

et straps which had been identified in the
his was because the operatives believed that the risk
risk of the tool becoming detached. This
the Principal Contractor and was endorsed by the
riefed personnel on the use of ratchet type straps, as
ol measures without assessing the implications and

t the generator may have cut out causing the drill's
power where possible as a priority over a generator.

he magnet detached, it struck the clamp as it rotated.
clude an exclusion zone in which the magnet may rotate.

y were carried out with a line blockage and live 3rd rail
mining whether works can be undertaken in a line
ce with a line blockage and 3rd rail protection. However
C isolation should always be considered as the first

4

OFFICIAL Ref: NR/L2/OHS/00112
Issue: 3
Level 2 Date:
Business process Compliance date: 05 September 2020
Worksafe procedure 05 September 2020

Approvals

Content Approved by:

........................................................................

Paul Bellew,
Technical Lead

Content approved by:

........................................................................

Rupert Lown,
Standard and Control Document Owner

Approved for publication by:

........................................................................

John Winnifrith,
Standards and Controls Management Team

This document is the property of Network Rail. It shall not be reproduced in whole or part nor disclosed to a third
party without the written permission of Network Rail.
© Copyright 2020 Network Rail.
Uncontrolled copy once printed from its electronic source.
Published and Issued by Network Rail, 2nd Floor, One Eversholt Street, London, NW1 2DN.

[[[

OFFICIAL

Ref: NR/L2/OHS/00112
Issue: 3
Date:
Compliance date: 05 September 2020
05 September 2020

User information

This Network Rail document contains colour-coding according to the following
Red–Amber–Green classification.

Red requirements – no variations permitted

• Red requirements are to be complied with and achieved at all times.

• Red requirements are presented in a red box.

• Red requirements are monitored for compliance.

• Non-compliances will be investigated and corrective actions enforced.

Amber requirements – variations permitted subject to approved risk analysis and
mitigation

• Amber requirements are to be complied with unless an approved variation is in place.

• Amber requirements are presented with an amber sidebar.

• Amber requirements are monitored for compliance.

• Variations can only be approved through the national variations process.

• Non-approved variations will be investigated and corrective actions enforced.
Green guidance – to be used unless alternative solutions are followed

• Guidance should be followed unless an alternative solution produces a better result.

• Guidance is presented with a dotted green sidebar.

• Guidance is not monitored for compliance.

• Alternative solutions should be documented to demonstrate effective control.

Page 2 of 11

OFFICIAL

Ref: NR/L2/OHS/00112
Issue: 3
Date:
Compliance date: 05 September 2020
05 September 2020

Compliance
This Network Rail standard/control document is mandatory and shall be complied with by
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited and its contractors if applicable from 5th September
2020.

Where it is considered not reasonably practicable1 to comply with the requirements in
this standard/control document, permission to comply with a specified alternative should
be sought in accordance with the Network Rail standards and controls process, or with
the Railway Group Standards Code if applicable.

If this standard/control document contains requirements that are designed to

demonstrate compliance with legislation they shall be complied with irrespective of a
project’s Governance for Railway Investment Projects (GRIP) stage. In all other
circumstances, projects that have formally completed GRIP Stage 3 (Option Selection)

may continue to comply with any relevant Network Rail standards/control documents that
were current when GRIP Stage 3 was completed.

NOTE 1: Legislation includes Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs).

NOTE 2: The relationship of this standard/control document with legislation and/or
external standards is described in the purpose of this standard.

Disclaimer

In issuing this standard/control document for its stated purpose, Network Rail
Infrastructure Limited makes no warranties, expressed or implied, that compliance with
all or any standards/control documents it issues is sufficient on its own to provide safety
or compliance with legislation. Users are reminded of their own duties under legislation.

Compliance with a Network Rail standard/control document does not, of itself, confer
immunity from legal obligations.

Where Network Rail Infrastructure Limited has granted permission to copy extracts from
Network Rail standards or control documents, Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
accepts no responsibility for, nor any liability in connection with, the use of such extracts,
or any claims arising there from.

This disclaimer applies to all forms of media in which extracts from Network Rail
standards and control documents might be reproduced.

Supply

Copies of standards/control documents are available electronically, within Network Rail’s
organisation. Hard copies of this document might be available to Network Rail people on
request to the relevant controlled publication distributor. Other organisations can obtain
copies of this standard/control document from an approved distributor.

1 This can include gross proportionate project costs with the agreement of the Network Rail Assurance
Panel (NRAP).

Page 3 of 11

OFFICIAL

Ref: NR/L2/OHS/00112
Issue: 3
Date:
Compliance date: 05 September 2020
05 September 2020

Issue record

Issue Date Comments
01 June 2006
02 December 2009 First issue within OHS Manual
03 September 2020
Minor amendment following review

Issued to include Policy Statement as an appendix
of the document and include change to process
bringing in Network Rail Route Operations Control
/ Supply Chain Organisation Control SCO 24/7, as
a means to record and escalate worksafe issues
raised

Reference documentation
NR/L2/OHS/00112/F01 Worksafe Reporting Capture Form
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regs 1999
Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regs 1992
Management for Health & Safety (HSG65)

Page 4 of 11

OFFICIAL Ref: NR/L2/OHS/00112
Issue: 3
Contents Date:
1 Purpose Compliance date: 05 September 2020
2 Scope 05 September 2020
3 Roles and responsibilities
4 On site review of the safe system of work 6
5 Applying the procedure 6
6 Use of the Worksafe Reporting Capture Form 6
7 Review of disputed system of work 7
8 Briefing 7
8
8
9

Page 5 of 11

OFFICIAL

Ref: NR/L2/OHS/00112
Issue: 3
Date:
Compliance date: 05 September 2020
05 September 2020

1 Purpose

This business process:

a) enables work groups / employees to feel confident that if they have genuine
concerns about the safety of a task or a system of work, their concerns will be
given serious consideration and they will not face recriminations.

b) allows for work to stop if there is a potential or imminent risk of an accident or
incident arising;

c) can be applied for example, by a work group / employee if they are asked to
undertake a task without the required training, equipment or personal protective
equipment, or if there are no adequate risk controls in the task briefing or safe
system of work in place.

NOTE: This list is not exhaustive.

The Network Rail Worksafe Procedure Policy Statement is in appendix A.

2 Scope

This business process details the process for work groups / employees to deal with
immediate safety problems.

It applies to:

a) all Network Rail business functions and all Network Rail employees;

b) all staff employed by Network Rail or its contractors through the Supply Chain
Operations or Capital Delivery.

NOTE: If there is no immediate risk to safety and the employee does not think it necessary to instigate the
worksafe procedure, two other options are available:

a) Close Calls contactable via telephone on 01908 723500 or the App.

b) CIRAS is an alternative method of confidentially raising a safety concern to the respective
management level. “CIRAS can be contacted by telephone on 0800 4 101 101, by text message to
07507 285 887 or in writing to "Freepost CIRAS".

The CIRAS office is open from 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday. A message may be left with contact
details outside these hours. One of the CIRAS team will arrange to call back at a time to suit.

3 Roles and responsibilities

Responsible person at A person involved in the planning, who is on site where
the location or site the work is being undertaken and has the overall
accountability of the works.

NOTE: This person will normally be the team leader (or equivalent)
and hold COSS competence to confirm planned controls are put in
place to keep persons safe from trains, activity and site risks.

Responsible manager The person accountable for the appointment of a
competent and capable person in charge, and responsible
for the management of staff who will work on or near the
line.

Page 6 of 11

OFFICIAL Ref: NR/L2/OHS/00112
Issue: 3
Route Control Date:
SCO 24/7 Compliance date: 05 September 2020
(01908723500) 05 September 2020

NOTE: E.g. Section Manager, Local Operations Manager, On Call
Manager and Designate Line Manager, Site Manager/Supervisor or
equivalent.

Network Rail’s Region/Route Control Centre.

NOTE: Contact numbers are available via Safe Work Packs.

A 24-hour national control centre which currently has a
number of different controlled functions for the business.

4 On site review of the safe system of work

An employee may suspend a work activity due to safety concerns. This might result in an
onsite review of the safe system of work, similar to ‘Take 5 for Safety’, where the
employee and the responsible person can attempt to resolve concerns by discussion.
They will determine through dialogue if the system of work is satisfactory and decide if
the work can be resumed safely following this discussion.

If an employee believes their safety or that of others is compromised following this
review, they shall follow the procedure in clause 5 to apply the Worksafe procedure.

Where the responsible person on site applies the Worksafe procedure the requirements
in clause 5 shall be followed.

NOTE: ‘Take 5 for safety’ is a simple and quick safety check that can be carried out at any stage of an
activity. It can be as simple as an individual pausing for five seconds to think about what they are about to
do, and confirm they are aware of the risks, have the right control measures in place and the right kit, and
confirm it is safe to proceed.

5 Applying the procedure

Any employee who believes their safety or that of others is compromised may apply the
worksafe procedure.

If they apply the worksafe procedure they shall follow the flowchart in Figure 1 and:

a) suspend the activity immediately, if doing so does not endanger themselves or
others;

b) where necessary, move to a position of safety;

c) immediately contact Route Control / SCO 24/7 and:

1) inform them that the worksafe procedure has been applied; and

2) explain why the activity has been suspended.

Route Control / SCO 24/7 shall:

a) create a log reference and fill in section A of NR/L2/OHS/00112/F01 with the
caller;

b) contact the responsible manager or on call manager if out of hours.

The responsible manager shall contact the person in charge and determine whether:

a) there has been a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of the task;

b) the system of work is safe; and

Page 7 of 11

OFFICIAL

Ref: NR/L2/OHS/00112
Issue: 3
Date:
Compliance date: 05 September 2020
05 September 2020

c) the activity can be restarted.

If they determine that these things are not in place, the activity shall not be restarted.

In this event, the responsible manager and the responsible person will try and reach an
agreement on the restarting of the work with agreed additional controls in place, if
appropriate, or by amending the safe system of work.The responsible manager shall
then:

a) propose a return to work; or

b) agree the task is unsafe.

If the responsible manager agrees the task is unsafe, or an agreement is not reached,
the work shall cease, and the work site shall be left safe and the work group / employees
assigned to other work.

Where work has ceased, suitable controls must be in place before the activity is
resumed.

The responsible manager shall inform Route Control / SCO 24/7 of the outcome and fill
in section B of NR/L2/OHS/00112/F01.

6 Use of Worksafe Reporting Capture form

Whenever the worksafe procedure is applied, Route Control / SCO 24/7 shall record the
details on NR/L2/OHS/00112/F01.

NOTE: This applies regardless of the outcome of the procedure being applied.

Route Control / SCO 24/7 shall send a copy of the completed form to the work group /
employee who originally applied the worksafe procedure and to the responsible
manager.

The responsible manager shall provide a copy of the form to the Health and Safety
Advisor, Route Director or Head of Maintenance Delivery or Senior Programme Manager
or PCL Senior Project Manager.

7 Review of disputed system of work

The responsible manager shall notify an independent competent Level 1 investigator to
manage an independent investigation or lessons learnt review of the events that led to
the application of the worksafe procedure.

The completed level 1 investigation shall be sent to a designated competent person for
review and approval.

All instances where the worksafe procedure has been applied shall be reviewed.

As part of the review they shall:

a) examine the circumstances surrounding each incident; determine whether the
concerns raised were managed appropriately.

b) review any additional control measures introduced to see whether they were
appropriate and effective; and

c) determine whether any subsequent revisions of risk assessments and safe
systems of work are required and confirm they are completed.

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OFFICIAL

Ref: NR/L2/OHS/00112
Issue: 3
Date:
Compliance date: 05 September 2020
05 September 2020

This can be at the Route Independent Fair Culture (RIFC) panel or contractor health and
safety meetings.

The feedback received shall be discussed at local, Area and National health and safety
meetings.

The investigating/reviewing manager shall provide feedback to the individual or group
that applied the worksafe procedure.

The feedback should be used as a point of shared learning irrespective of what the
outcome is.

The Health and Safety Advisor, Route Director or Head of Maintenance Delivery or
Senior Programme Manager or PCL Senior Project Manager shall also review all
completed examples of NR/L2/OHS/00112/F01 within their area of responsibility.

8 Briefing

All new employees shall be briefed on the procedure during induction to the company.

Anyone going on track will be briefed on the procedure as part of the PTS training
course.

The policy statement in appendix A should be displayed on notice boards and distributed
at inductions and briefings.

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OFFICIAL

Ref: NR/L2/OHS/00112
Issue: 3
Date:
Compliance date: 05 September 2020
05 September 2020

Before application of the worksafe procedure see section 4 ‘On site review of
the safe system of work’

Employee considers safety to be compromised and applies the worksafe
procedure

Employee suspends the activity and immediately contacts Route Control / SCO
24/7 to inform them they have applied the worksafe procedure and why

Route Control / SCO 24/7 create a log reference and fill in section A of the worksafe reporting
capture form with the caller

Route Control / SCO 24/7 to contact responsible manager

Responsible manager contacts work group and determines if the system of work is safe and if
the work can be restarted based on the existing system of work

Agreement reached Yes, restart work.

No, responsible manager and responsible person, with the individual who raised the WSP, Responsible manager to call Route Control / SCO
try to reach an agreement on the restarting of work with agreed additional controls in place, 24/7 to inform them an agreement has been
reached and work is to restart. Route Control / SCO
or by amending the safe system of work. 24/7 to complete section B of Worksafe reporting
capture form and close the call
Agreement reached

No, responsible manager agrees the task is unsafe
DO NOT RESTART WORK
(Leave worksite safe)

Responsible manager to contact Route Control / SCO 24/7 to inform them that work will not be restarted and why
Route Control / SCO 24/7 to complete section B of Worksafe reporting capture form and close the call

Responsible manager notifies an independent competent Level 1
investigator to manage independent investigation or Lessons learnt review

Completed Level 1 to be sent to DCP (Designated Competent Person) for
review and approval

Route Independent Fair Culture (RIFC) panels to review all uses of
Worksafe Procedures raised

Feedback on use of the Worksafe procedure from route panels to be
discussed at local Area and National health and safety meetings

Figure 1- Work safe procedure process flowchart

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