SAFETY FIRST, SAFETY ALWAYS QTR 1 2014

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INTRODUCTION

SAFETY BULLETINS

WELCOME TO THE FIRST EDITION OF ‘SAFETY FIRST, SAFETY ALWAYS’ WHICH WILL BE A QUARTERLY UPDATE ON RELEVANT HEALTH & SAFETY NEWS, ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS FOR THE QUARTER AND THE LATEST GANYMEDE NEWS.

USE OF MOBILE PHONES ON TRACK Take a minute and look at the picture below – Do you notice anything wrong?

We update safety bulletins and toolbox talks on the website almost weekly and I strongly advise you to go online and create your own personal profile to access these. To do this please visit www.ganymedesolutions.co.uk/register and fill in the short registration form, I promise it only takes a couple of minutes and then you won’t miss out on anything! This quarter I will start by presenting the latest industry safety bulletins, this is another way of making sure all operatives are aware of the relevant safety issues for any sites they may be working on. I have then included our new close call campaign which has been around for a while but we are now leveraging this opportunity to support local charities. Lifesaving rules are also included in this issue. I feel it is important that all operatives are familiar with these rules and are able to list them should they be asked. Each quarter we will update the health and wellbeing page which holds key information on various symptoms and injuries that you could potentially sustain whilst working on track. We have recently issued our annual HAVS questionnaire to all of our primary sponsored operatives , if you have not yet completed this questionnaire please take the time to do so and return to the compliance team. Our Account Director Stuart Fraser and I attended the Network Rail ‘big team brief’ in Gloucester during January, this involved all Bristol delivery unit works staff and contractors from Ganymede. These days are vital to ensure we are working closely with Network Rail and to talk through all safety issues as a team.

I’m certain it goes without saying that you have spotted that the Lookout is stood in the four foot using his mobile phone. Please remember that mobile phones are a great tool for communicating however, used incorrectly they can cause needless risk on site. The use of mobile phones on NRMI is strictly controlled. Usage is only permitted if it is part of your job description or in an emergency situation. Unless your role requires you to use a phone (i.e. working as a COSS / ES) then you should not use a mobile phone on site. Mobile phones create an unwanted distraction on site, both to the user and people in the work group.

ACTION REQUIRED: • • • •

Mobile phones are only to be used by individuals that require them as part of their duties. Phones should be switched off if you are not required to have one on site. Silent and vibrate are not an acceptable option as they still create a distraction from the work at hand. If you have to use a mobile phone, ensure you and anyone you are in control of, stands in a position of safety. Any unauthorised use of mobile phones will be dealt with as a breach of Sentinel Scheme Rules, and as such can lead to suspension, de-sponsorship or even removal of competencies.

Consequently, unauthorised use of mobile phones on site is not permitted and failure to uphold this ruling may result in disciplinary action.

Dan Kellett, HSEQ Manager

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INDUSTRY SAFETY BULLETINS BABOCK - MAJOR INJURY AT AN UNAUTHORISED ACCESS POINT

NETWORK RAIL - FATAL ACCIDENT TO LOOKOUT

BACKGROUND:

BACKGROUND:

An accident occurred on a Babcock work site when an agency member of staff slipped and fell while using an unauthorised access point which resulted in a fracture to his lower leg which will require surgery.

On Wednesday 22 January 2014 a lookout for a team of ultrasonic testers was struck and injured by a train as it crossed lines to terminate at Newark Northgate station. Regrettably he died 10 days later.

The steps were in good condition, however as staff were required to carry equipment to and from the site, it was decided that this access point should not be used due to the increased risk of slips or trips while handling equipment.

The lookout acknowledged the approach of the train and moved to a position of safety. Before the train passed however he turned and started to walk back towards his previous position when looking out for trains.

The gate was secured by padlock and staff were briefed that it was not to be used. The authorised safe access point was also detailed on the task briefing sheet. An investigation is underway to establish why the injured person or any other staff were using the access point.

While it is clear what happened, our investigation to understand why it happened is ongoing. We should now take time to consider how we can manage the risks involved with working on or near the line with lookout protection (Red Zone).

ACTION REQUIRED: ALL STAFF MUST; • • •

Follow ALL safety arrangements and instructions and take personal responsibility for your own safety. Never take short cuts. Challenge unsafe acts by others and prevent a serious injury occurring. Take 5 – Report all safety concerns so that preventative action can be taken to ensure safety.

ZOLLNER ZPW - LOOKOUT OPERATED WARNING SYSTEM

ACTION REQUIRED: ALL STAFF MUST; • • •

Positioning site lookouts – When your COSS positions your site lookout, is consideration given to positioning them in a permanent position of safety? Staying vigilant – If you are doing routine work you have done numerous times before in that location with the same safe system of work how do you make sure that you stay focussed on the risks? Recommencing work – When you stop work for a train to pass, do you always wait for the permission of the COSS before you leave your position of safety?

BACKGROUND:

LONDON UNDERGROUND - TRACK OPERATIONS

Recently there was a reported failure of a Lookout Operated Warning System (LOWS) used by a contractor on the West Coast Mainline. The unit had repeatedly provided warnings as trains approached but then failed when the lookout sent a warning. The work group independently spotted the approaching train, moving to a place of safety five seconds before it arrived. The LOWS unit failure was replicated in subsequent tests.

BACKGROUND:

The investigation is still on-going however Network Rail has made the following decision: Until the current investigation concludes, LOWS may not be used on Network Rail infrastructure by contractor staff. ACTION REQUIRED: ALL STAFF MUST; BY TRACK STAFF • • •

All access gates MUST be left locked and secured on entering and leaving the infrastructure. If this is not possible (such as due to a missing lock or damage to the gate) then Fault control MUST be alerted before leaving the location and a Close Call recorded. Where gates are noted to be able to be swung foul of the line this should be logged as a Close Call and with Fault Control.

BY MANAGEMENT • Ensure track staff are aware of the above requirements and the local Close Call reporting process.

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This technical briefing is issued in response to TBTC cable damage which occurred whilst carrying out thermic welding on the Jubilee line. There were two separate cases reported within as many weeks where welding work being carried by the line resulted in significant damage to the TBTC cable which lead to an immediate repair. This technical briefing is issued as a reminder to all staff to be extra vigilant whilst working within areas of TBTC especially when carrying out hot works. Staff must not forget that during the entire welding process both thermic and MMA, the cable is to remain covered with the approved Tusker Weld Stop Plus11 Fire Matting. Staff must make sure the cable is protected by the fire matting to a 1 meter radius from the point of where the works are taking place and it is to be folded to provide 4 layers. The welding contractors must ensure the condition of the Tusker matting is fit for purpose, when the matting becomes dilapidated it is to be replaced with new immediately.

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Any damage to the cable must immediately be reported to the Fault Report Centre on 0207 088 4470 and an IRF and fault raised.

CLOSE CALL CAMPAIGN

ACCIDENTS & INCIDENTS Ganymede have had two minor accidents in Q1 of 2014, our current AFR all contract (RIDDOR) is 0.15 and our AFR (all accidents) is 0.76. Our AFR for works on London Underground infrastructure is 0.00.

At Ganymede the health & safety of our people is integral to all we do. Ganymede has developed a culture and ethos of continuous improvement, which places safety at the heart of our business. Close call reporting is an essential part of the safety first, safety always ethos. A close call is defined as; “something that had the potential to cause injury or damage” (Not to be confused with a “Near Miss” involving trains or On Track Plant). If you report a close call it can remain confidential and we will endeavour to resolve the issue to close out the close call. Furthermore, please remember you can raise and close the close call with the same call i.e. arrive at a site access and the gate is left open, you close the gate making it safe again. Even though you have resolved the issue doesn’t mean you do not call it in. We need to be aware of these situations to study data and identify trends and in so doing help prevent any future accidents. You could be the person that reports a CLOSE CALL that could prevent countless injuries and save lives! As part of this initiative we are pleased to be supporting a number of local charities nationwide starting with Cancer Research Wales.

FOR EACH CLOSE CALL THAT IS REPORTED AND CLOSED WE WILL DONATE £1 TO THE CHOSEN CHARITY. For more information please visit: www.ganymedesolutions.co.uk/safety/closecall

REPORT A CLOSE CALL 01332 861 840 Text: ‘CLOSE CALL’ followed by your report to 78866 [email protected]

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TRAPPED HAND -

PULLED BACK -

FEBRUARY 2014

MARCH 2014

A Ganymede operative was working on a client site lifting strail mats and stacking them onto pallets, due to heavy rain the mats had become slippery. As the operative put one of the strail mats on top of another it slipped off and trapped their left hand between the mat and a sleeper. The operative attended Selby minor injuries unit where an x-ray was carried out, no breakage was found only bruising and the operative returned to work the next day. To prevent recurrence and in agreement with the client extra operatives were used on site for the remainder of the job, the Ganymede operative was also reminded to raise any issues on site relating to the work they are undertaking.

A Ganymede operative was undertaking clipping up on a client site, one of the clips was proving difficult so the operative exerted more strength which resulted in their back being hurt. The operative was interviewed by Ganymede the next day and following the investigation was reminded that in future the safe system of work along with the correct working methodologies that have been put in place must be followed.

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LIFESAVING RULES DRIVING

CONTACT WITH TRAINS

Always have a valid safe system of work in place before going on or near the line.

Always wear a seat belt while in a moving vehicle and always obey the speed limit.

WORKING WITH MOVING EQUIPMENT Never use a hand-held device or programme any hands-free device while you are driving a road vehicle. Never enter the agreed exclusion zone, unless directed by the person in charge. WORKING AT HEIGHTS WORKING WITH ELECTRICITY Unless it is clear other protection is in place, never work at height without a safety harness. Also have a valid permit to work where required.

Always use equipment for working at heights that is fit for purpose. Always test before applying earths. TAKING RESPONSIBILITY

Never assume equipment is isolated - always test before touch.

Never undertake an activity unless you have been trained, assessed as competent and have the right equipment.

Never drive or work while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

WHAT IS HAND ARM VIBRATION

WHAT EFFECTS DO THESE SYMPTOMS HAVE?

Hand-Arm Vibration syndrome is caused by the prolonged use of vibrating hand held power tools e.g. breakers, drills, saws etc. Exposure to vibration can lead to a series of painful debilitating conditions,including VBF (Vibration White Finger), this is collectively known as HAVS.

The effects on people include:

WHEN IS IT HAZARDOUS? Regular and frequent exposure to Hand-Arm Vibration can lead to permanent health effects. This is most likely when contact with a vibrating tool or work process is a regular part of a person’s job. Occasional exposure is unlikely to cause ill health.

HEALTH EFFECTS IT CAN CAUSE Hand-Arm Vibration can cause a range of conditions collectively known as Hand-Arm Vibration syndrome (HAVS), as well as specific diseases such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

• • • •

Pain, distress and sleep disturbance; Inability to do fine work (e.g. assembling small components) or everyday tasks (e.g. fastening buttons); Reduced ability to work in cold or damp conditions (i.e. most outdoor work) which would trigger painful finger blanching attacks; Reduced grip strength, which might affect the ability to do work safely.

These effects can severely limit the jobs an affected person is able to do, as well as many family and social activities.

HAVS QUESTIONNAIRE Ganymede has a legal duty to undertake health surveillance (regular health checks) where there is a perceived risk to health. To help identify this risk Ganymede has issued their annual HAVS questionnaire to all of their primary sponsored operatives. If you haven’t yet done so, the questionnaire needs completing in honesty and should be returned to the Compliance Team as soon as possible, if you have not received the questionnaire please contact a member of the Compliance Team for a copy to be re-sent, contact a member of the Compliance Team for a copy to be re-sent, email: [email protected]

EARLY SYMPTOMS Identifying signs and symptoms at an early stage is important. It will allow you, as the employer, to take action to prevent the health effects from becoming serious for your employee. The symptoms include any combination of: • • • •

Tingling and numbness in the fingers; Not being able to feel things properly; Loss of strength in the hands; Fingers going white (blanching) and becoming red and painful on recovery (particularly in the cold and wet, and probably only in the tips at first).

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OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION

NETWORK RAIL

THE TEAM INVOLVED IN RESPONDING TO A RECENT DERAILMENT HAVE BEEN CHOSEN FOR THIS PERIODS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION. THEY WERE PRESENTED WITH A TROPHY AND £250 WORTH OF VOUCHERS.

GLOUCESTER WORKSHOP 30TH JANUARY 2014 THE BI ANNUAL “BIG TEAM BRIEF” TOOK PLACE AT THE IRISH CLUB IN GLOUCESTER, INVOLVING ALL BRISTOL DELIVERY UNIT WORKS DELIVERY STAFF AND CONTRACTORS FROM GANYMEDE. THE EVENT IS ATTENDED BY OVER 70 PEOPLE.

The first RCM Significant Incident alert came through for a possible derailment of 4M36 Stobart Tesco train, on the SWM2 (South Wales to Gloucester) on the Up Main in towards Gloucester. Alerted by multiple track circuit failures and 764 points flashing out of correspondence behind the train, the signaller issued a GSMR alert to 4M36 and the train stopped halfway in to Gloucester station with the rear wagon against London Road Bridge, just 50 yards from the platform area. Our Ganymede contractors and those from Cardiff came and assisted with the two S&C sites, staying on beyond their contracted hours offering their experience and skills. There were many people involved in making this challenge a successful reopening. Without question, those who were involved showed immense dedication as railway people and because of a lot of modesty, we’ll never know all the individual challenges that were overcome, personal and home life sacrifices that were made and the overwhelming support we showed for each other as railway men.

The day is designed to allow staff to build relationships with each other outside of the normal day duties. On the day briefings were undertaken on safety, train performance and hot topics such as close calls. The afternoon is designed to encourage working together as a team and develop relationships. We finished off with a competitive game of Skittles! The briefings were set up 3 years ago to bring all staff working on Works Delivery together in one place for one day. They are well attended and well perceived by all as a very worthwhile day. These will continue going forward to further develop the relationship between Network Rail and Ganymede.

LEFT TO RIGHT: JUSTIN SCANNELL, EDDIE DAVIES, RHYS GOODWIN, ANDREW EGAN, RYAN OSMAN, STEVEN PENNELL, TERRY DIMOND, CHRIS HOWCHIN, ROSS HAINES & STUART FRASER.

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LATEST LATESTNEWS NEWS GANYMEDE WINS ‘BEST LABOUR SUPPLY AGENCY’ AWARD AT THE RAIL HR AWARDS 2013

OHLE EXPANSION 2013 saw the introduction of our new OHLE division. A key client indicated that their current supplier was failing and asked if this was an area that we could support. An OHLE Manager was appointed, our management system updated and a new dedicated OHLE office in Crewe was opened. Immediate success was experienced by engaging Linesman, Nominated People, Authorised People and Earthing Assistants. To ensure that we can continue the success already experienced we have teamed up with various training providers and are investing to guarantee that demand can be met with quality personnel. Now supplying experienced OHLE operatives nationwide and delivering to key maintenance projects and new developments to several different clients. This division is an exciting area of growth that we feel will become more and more successful. For further information please contact Chris Williams on 07876441699.

VEHICLE SPEED RESTRICTOR Ganymede have commenced a programme to fit speed restrictors to all of our fleet. This commenced earlier this year and is anticipated to be complete by June 2014. Speed restrictors are devices that limit a vehicle’s maximum speed; research has shown that having speed restrictors fitted to vehicles can bring a reduction of up to 7% on CO2 emissions saving up to 25% on fuel costs.

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CONTINUED GROWTH WITH GANYMEDE’S RECENT TUBE LINES SUCCESS

Ganymede has been awarded the coveted award for the ‘Best Labour Supply Agency’ at the 2013 Rail HR Awards. The award, which identifies individuals, teams and organisations deemed to have made a significant, positive and lasting impact in the area of Recruitment in the Rail industry, was given to Ganymede for their outstanding approach and expertise in supplying labour to rail clients throughout the UK.

Thanks to a successful tender and the great efforts from the resource team namely Derwyn Eaves & Steve Massett, we are pleased to have secured two more packages of work in conjunction with the on-going Tube Lines framework contract. This win gives more security and continuity to all Ganymede teams on the underground and the additional operatives will increase our presence on the JNP lines. It is proof that our steadfast approach to safety and the hard work ethic amongst all our teams has been recognised by the senior management in Tube Lines.

GANYMEDE GUYS HELP STRANDED WOMAN.... It has been reported by a member of the Police force that on a foggy night in the middle of nowhere deep in Devon, Craig Hughes and Rhys Llewellyn were kind enough to stop on the side of the road to assist a stranded female driver. Ganymede would like to thank Craig and Rhys.

Ganymede received numerous nominations by their clients for the award as a testament to their hard work and dedication throughout 2013. Paul Crompton, Managing Director at Ganymede commented: “We are very pleased to have won this award which recognised the contribution Ganymede brings to the rail industry. I’d like to congratulate the team for their outstanding efforts and I am delighted they have received this recognition. I’d also like to thank all of

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thank all of our operatives, without your hard work and dedication, Ganymede would not have won this award.” The award ceremony, which celebrates the outstanding achievements and recognises the excellent work consistently carried out by the best talent in Rail HR, Recruitment and Training departments, took place on the 6th December 2013 in Birmingham.

DERBY

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Abercynon, CF45 4SN



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CREWE

LONDON

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Weston Road, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 6DD





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