Safety Newsletter November

OFFICIAL Ref: NR/L2/OHS/00112
Issue: 3
Appendix A Date:
Worksafe Procedure Policy Statement Compliance date: 05 September 2020
05 September 2020

Network Rail Worksafe Procedure Policy Statement

Our Commitment

Our Safety Culture requires clear and concise safe systems of work that can be delivered by competent
employees who are confident that they are demonstrating compliant safety behaviours.

Under our Worksafe Procedure, every Network Rail employee, and/ or contract staff working on our
behalf has the absolute right to refuse to carry out work which they deem unsafe and/ or a risk to
themselves or anyone else.

Whenever the Worksafe Procedure has been applied, concerns will be considered immediately and the
individual engaged and informed of decisions throughout.

All Network Rail employees, and/or contract staff working on our behalf should be confident that
applying the Worksafe Procedure is done without fear of reprisals.

All Network Rail employees, and/or contract staff working on our behalf are actively encouraged to Close
Call any unsafe acts or conditions, which they witness while carrying out their duties.

Our Procedure

On applying the Worksafe Procedure, the individual(s) must raise their concerns with Route Control /
SCO 24/7 as soon as work has been suspended and it is safe to do so.

The Route Control / SCO 24/7 will contact the responsible manager who will assess the concerns and
determine what the next steps should be.

An assessment of the task and safe system of work must be discussed and suitable and sufficient controls
agreed before work can recommence.

If suitable and sufficient controls cannot be agreed, work will not restart.

Work must never be recommenced until all parties agree that concerns have been addressed and it is
safe to do so.

All instances of where and when the Worksafe Procedure has been applied must be logged with Route
Control / SCO 24/7 by completing the worksafe reporting capture form.

This policy statement will be formally reviewed by the Network Rail Joint National Health, Safety &
Welfare Committee on an annual basis.

Signed

Page 11 of 11

OFFICIAL

Standard and control document briefing note

Ref: NR/L2/OHS/00112 Issue: 3
Title: Worksafe procedure

Publication date: 05 September 2020 Compliance Date: 05 September 2020

Standard/Control Document Owner: Head of Corporate Workforce Safety

Non-compliance rep (Approver of TRACKER applications): Paul Brady, Principal Workforce Safety Specialist

Technical lead/contact for briefings: Paul Bellew, Maintenance Safety Specialist Tel: 07786310323

Purpose: Scope:
This business process: This business process details the process for work groups /
employees to deal with immediate safety problems.
a) enables work groups / employees to feel confident
that if they have genuine concerns about the safety of It applies to:
a task or a system of work, their concerns will be
given serious consideration and they will not face a) all Network Rail business functions and all Network Rail
recriminations. employees;

b) allows for work to stop if there is a potential or b) all staff employed by Network Rail or its contractors
imminent risk of an accident or incident arising; through the Supply Chain Operations or Capital
Delivery.
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.

Overview of change
This issue of the standard now includes the worksafe policy statement for the business signed by senior managers of Network Rail
and Unions.

Applications of the worksafe procedure by staff working on behalf of the Network Rail Maintenance and Works Delivery
organisations are reported to Route Control.

Applications of the worksafe procedure by staff working on behalf of Network Rail through the Capital Delivery (Infrastructure
Projects) delivery organisations are reported to SCO 24/7.

Detail of change

Section(s)/clause(s) Summary of changes
3
Describes the roles and responsibilities of those who support the decisions being made in the event of
4 the procedure being applied.
Includes a two-part capture form for the receiving control to record and log the information about the
5 reason behind the raising of the worksafe procedure.
6 Includes the ability to carry out a formal onsite review of the System of Work (including task).
Applying the procedure, follows the flow chart (age 10 of the standard) for ease giving the detail
7 explanation
Includes a review and follow up process for instances where the worksafe procedure has been
8 applied.
Appendix A States the process should be briefed to employees during induction to the company.
The signed policy statement is attached as appendix A.

Reasons for change
This revised national standard is intended to give workers confidence that they can raise concerns at the time and not feel under
pressure to return to work until the cause of the concern has been addressed.

It is part of Network Rail’s policy that no person should be forced to work should they feel that there is a risk of an accident or
incident occurring.

Affected documents: Impact
Reference Superseded
New
NR/L2/OHS/00112 ISSUE 2

NR/L2/OHS/00112/F01 ISSUE 1

Briefing requirements:
Will Briefing Management System be used to deliver the briefing to posts listed below? No
Technical briefings are given to those who have specific responsibilities within this standard/control document.
Awareness briefings are given to those who might be affected by the content but have no specific responsibilities within the standard/control
document.
Details of the briefing arrangements are included in the associated briefing programme.
All posts identified for briefing must be as described in OrgPlus.
Roles are directly briefed and do not cascade briefings.

OFFICIAL

Briefing Post Function Responsible for
cascade briefing?
(A-Awareness/ Head of Maintenance Delivery Regions
T-Technical) Infrastructure Maintenance Delivery Manager Regions Y/N
Regions N
T Infrastructure Maintenance Engineer Regions N
T Infrastructure Maintenance Services Manager Regions N
T Regions N
T Track Maintenance Engineer Regions N
T Signal & Telecoms Maintenance Engineer Regions N
T Electrification & Plant Maintenance Engineer Regions N
T Regions N
T Section Manager [Communications] Regions N
T Section Manager [Conductor Rail Equipment] Regions N
T Regions N
T Section Manager [Distribution & Plant] Regions N
T Section Manager [HV Cables] Regions N
T Section Manager [MMT] Regions N
T Section Manager [OCS] Regions N
T Section Manager [Off Track] Regions N
T Section Manager [OLE] Regions N
T Regions N
T Section Manager [Overhead Line Equipment] Regions N
T Section Manager [Rail Test & Lubrication] Regions N
T Regions N
T Section Manager [Rail Testing & Lubrication] Regions N
T Section Manager [Signalling] Regions N
T Regions N
T Section Manager [Switch Systems] Regions N
T Section Manager [Track Maintenance] Regions Y
T Regions Y
T Section Manager [Track SSWT] Regions Y
T Section Manager [Track] Regions Y
T Regions Y
T Section Manager [Welding & Grinding] Regions Y
T Section Manager Signalling [Control & Systems Maintenance] Regions Y
T Regions Y
T Route Control Manager (ICC) Regions Y
T Route Control Manager (ICC) [Lead] Route Services Y
T Route Services Y
T Route Control Manager [Lead] Route Services Y
T Route Control Manager (Alliance) Route Services Y
T Workforce Health Safety & Environment Advisor Route Services Y
T Workforce Health Safety & Environment Advisor (WD) Route Services Y
T Workforce Health Safety & Environment Advisor [Inner] Route Services Y
T Workforce Health Safety & Environment Advisor [LNW North] Y
T Workforce Health Safety & Environment Advisor [Outer] Y
T Workforce Health Safety & Environment Advisor [WCMLS]
Workforce Health Safety & Environment Advisor [WM&C]
Workforce Health, Safety & Environment Manager

Construction Safety Specialist
Head of Business Management
Senior Operations Manager (Supply Chain Operations)

Head of SHEQ
Principal Health & Safety Manager (HO)
Health & Safety Manager (HO) [Production]

OFFICIAL

T Health & Safety Manager (HO) [Strategy] Route Services Y
Y
T Health & Safety Manager Route Services N
N
T Head of Safety & Sustainable Development Infrastructure Projects Y
N
T Head of Safety & Sustainable Development Regions N
N
T Head of Safety & Sustainable Development Network Services N
N
T Health & Safety Manager Infrastructure Projects N
N
T Principal Health & Safety Manager Infrastructure Projects N
N
T Principal Health & Safety Manager Regions N
N
T Principal Construction Manager Infrastructure Projects N
N
T Principal Construction Manager Regions N
N
T Senior Construction Manager Regions N
N
T Construction Manager Regions N
N
T Assistant Construction Manager Regions N
N
T Construction Management Assistant Regions Y
Y
T Project Manager (IP) Regions Y
Y
T Project Manager (Works Delivery) [Buildings & Civils] Regions Y
Y
T Project Manager (Works Delivery) [E&P] Regions Y
Y
T Project Manager (Works Delivery) [Off Track] Regions Y
Y
T Project Manager (Works Delivery) [Signalling] Regions Y
Y
T Project Manager (Works Delivery) [Track] Regions Y
Y
T Project Manager (Works Delivery) Regions Y
Y
T Programme Manager Regions Y
Y
T Project Engineering Manager [Eng Mgmt] Regions Y

T Project Delivery Engineering Manager [Eng Mgmt] Regions

T Programme Engineering Manager [Eng Mgmt] Regions

T Programme Engineering Manager [Eng Mgmt] Infrastructure Projects

A Director, Supply Chain Services Route Services

A Engineering Services Director Route Services

A Director, NSC Materials & Logistics Route Services

A Director Fleet & Engineering Route Services

A Delivery Director [Eastern] Route Services

A Delivery Director [NW & Central] Route Services

A Delivery Director [Scotland] Route Services

A Delivery Director [Southern] Route Services

A Delivery Director [Wales & Western] Route Services

A Chief Design Engineer [Eng Mgmt] Route Services

A Director, Asset Information Route Services

A Business Services Director Route Services

A Director, Operations Route Services

A Head of Design (Systems & Support)[Eng Mgmt] Route Services

A Head of Design [Eng Mgmt][National] Route Services

A Head of Design [Eng Mgmt][North East] Route Services

A Head of Design [Eng Mgmt][North West & Scotland] Route Services

A Head of Design [Eng Mgmt][South East] Route Services

A Head of Design [Eng Mgmt][South West] Route Services

A OFFICIAL Route Services Y
A Infrastructure Projects Y
A Chief Design Engineer [Eng Mgmt] Y
A Engineering Director [Eng Mgmt] Regions Y
A Head of Engineering [Eng Mgmt][Central] Regions Y
A Head of Engineering [Eng Mgmt][LNE] Regions Y
A Head of Engineering [Eng Mgmt][Northern Programmes] Regions Y
A Head of Engineering [Eng Mgmt][Scotland & North East] Infrastructure Projects Y
A Head of Engineering [Eng Mgmt][Signalling] Regions Y
A Head of Engineering [Eng Mgmt][Southern] Regions Y
A Head of Engineering [Eng Mgmt][Western & Wales] Regions Y
Director of Engineering & Design [Eng Mgmt] Infrastructure Projects
Briefing Head of Construction Management
Function
(A-Awareness/ Role
T-Technical)

NOTE: Contractors are responsible for arranging and undertaking their own Technical and Awareness Briefings in accordance with their own processes
and procedures.

Safety Flash Report 20-55 dated 27 October 2020

Serious hand accident

A serious accident has occurred at Grove Ferry during track renewal works. An
operative was taking measurements of the track, for the alignment of sleepers,
from the running rail on the adjacent line and put their hand on that adjacent
running rail, which was under the wagon of an engineering train. Subsequently,
the engineering train was authorised to move and ran over the operative’s
hand, resulting in the amputation of two fingers.

Immediate actions

All works were immediately stopped, and an investigation has started. Until the
investigation has concluded the Principal Contractor has briefed everyone to not
touch or pass their hand over the adjacent running
rail whilst using a tape measure. All measurements
taken using a tape measure must be undertaken
from the back edge of the rail.

What you need to do:

• Where you are working within a worksite and
engineering train movements (including on-
track machine and plant) are taking place on
adjacent lines review and assess the work
methodology to make sure that no-one is
exposed to those movement.

• Make sure that you are aware of how train movements will be controlled
and how you will be warned before any movements are made.

• Call a Time Out Take Five at any time if you are not sure about the working
arrangements.

Southern Capital Delivery Safety Update 20-53 dated 23 October 2020

Are you ready for shorter daylight hours?

The clocks are going back by one hour on Sunday at 2am. Are you ready for shorter daylight
hours and inclement weather on your sites?

▪ Do you have sufficient lighting on your work sites including walkways and scaffolding?
▪ Are all areas clean and tidy to prevent slips, trips and falls?
▪ Do you need additional signage to warn of hazards?
▪ Are your welfare facilities adequate including the availability of heating?
▪ Do your welfare facilities and other outside doors, have door closers fitted to prevent

trapped fingers in high winds?
▪ Do you have the right PPE for the weather conditions that are likely?
▪ Are you teams briefed only to carry out a task if the lighting is sufficient?
▪ Have you reminded your teams about winter driving conditions and vehicle maintenance?
▪ Are your sites secure against trespass?
▪ Do you monitor your teams for additional signs of fatigue including those expected to

work an additional hour on Saturday night/Sunday morning?
▪ And will your COVID-19 restrictions still work in poor weather?

If you would no longer like to receive safety messages from Southern
Shield, please email [email protected]

OFFI

St De
Signif

Eve

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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

Southern Capital Delivery

Home Safe

Southern Shield Weekly Safety Update

21 October 2020

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Home Safe

Quick reaction saved a life

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