Download a CIRAS report form
  • Freephone: 0800 4 101 101
  • Text us on: 07507 285 887
  • Freepost: Freepost CIRAS
  • Call me back
A safety net when all else fails

50005 Exceedance of the 14 hour door-to-door recommendation

May 2012 in Network Rail and Suppliers

tagged Equipment Signalling Not Specified

Concerns have been raised about staff working for McGinley Infrastructure exceeding the 14 hour door-to-door recommendation.

The problem mostly occurs at weekends, when staff work a 12 hour shift and travel more than 2 hours to and from their work site.  The reporter also comments that there have been occasions when a full eight-hour rest period cannot be taken because of the way shifts are rostered, resulting in staff being fatigued whilst either working or travelling.

The reporter is concerned about fatigue experienced by staff working long hours. However, the reporter recognises that assigning designated Drivers to transport staff to and from work may not necessarily relieve fatigue levels, unless lodging or rest areas are provided.

Could McGinley:

  • Review their rosters and consider revising them?
  • Ensure staff receive 8 hour rests between shifts and do not exceed the 14 hour    door-to-door recommendation?

Response from McGinley Infrastructure Services

The planned travel time for all personnel has been re-checked and is within company guidelines and procedures.  We have since verified compliance using an independent audit.

The perception that workers are expected to work 12 hour shifts is incorrect. The average shift time on site is between 7 and 8 hours, however workers are paid for a 12 hour shift.

Further internal audits did not identify any exceedances in relation to personnel not receiving rest days after 13 consecutive shifts.

The company policy on the 14 hour door-to-door guidance is briefed to all staff allocating workers. Additional checks are made by our compliance team who identify any potential breeches, which are rectified before personnel are sent to site. Guidance includes allocating named Drivers who do not work on site, and accommodation is booked and paid for by the company where an exceedance cannot be avoided. The company has an equally robust policy and procedure as those described by the reporter.

Workers have been issued with guidance in our last edition of the company safety publicationSafety IN Rail.

50005