40912 Signallers expected to work two workstations at the same time

March 2010 in Network Rail and Suppliers

Workload Rostering Scotland

A reporter had contacted CIRAS with a concern about a change to the rosters at Edinburgh IECC, which would mean signallers working two workstations at the same time on the night shift.

Currently there are seven workstations at Edinburgh IECC which require seven signallers to be on duty. The proposed change would see this number reduced to four signallers on duty. Workstations one and two, four and five, six and seven would be paired, with one signaller working both workstations. Workstation three would be exempt from this change as it is considered to be the 'busiest', although the reporter views all of the workstations as being 'busy'.

The reporter comments that an ergonomics assessment has been carried out, timing how long it took staff to move from one workstation to another. However, the reporter feels that this type of assessment is irrelevant and that the workload and ability to answer safety critical calls should be assessed. It is feared that an incident could be occurring on one workstation while a signaller is preoccupied with another.

Please comment.

Response from Network Rail

Network Rail would like to thank the reporter for bringing their concerns to our attention. Ergonomic assessments that are undertaken at signalling locations take into account all factors that affect the ability of a signaller to undertake their duties in a safe and efficient manner. The ergonomics assessments that have been done at Edinburgh have complied with wider requirements, not just those set out in the report.

Any roster or mode of working at Edinburgh IECC or any other signalling location would be assessed for safe operation and deliverability prior to any change or implementation.