50020 Fatigue created by lack of rest days

May 2012 in Network Rail and Suppliers

Fatigue Rostering Rules and procedures Not Specified

The reporter is aware of other contractors using a system that helps Managers allocate work and provide appropriate rest days based on the hours staff work and travel. For example, one system requires staff to log the times they leave home, arrive at work, their hours on site, the time they leave work and then reach home. If a more robust system is used, the risk of fatigue could be reduced.

Although a specific location cannot be provided due to confidentiality reasons, it would useful if McGinley Infrastructure could address these concerns, particularly in light of the two recent reports received by CIRAS on similar issues.

McGinley Infrastructure are asked to consider:

• limiting exceedances of the 14 hour door-to-door recommendation;
• ensuring staff receive at least one rest day in every 13 they work; and
• improving their current rostering system.

Response from McGinley Infrastructure Services

McGinley Infrastructure Services Limited would like to thank the reporter for bringing this matter to our attention.

The company has investigated the CIRAS report to identify any potential breeches of the company's strict and robust policy with the following conclusions.

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.