50459 Safe system of work ‘lacking’ at Hitchin depot

May 2012 in Network Rail and Suppliers

Method of working Rules and procedures South East

Track Workers have recently been sent on track without a SSoW in place, or been allowed to work alone when their lack of experience requires supervision.

The reporter would like Network Rail to:

• make sure the SSoW process is consistently adhered to at Hitchin; and
• review recently reported incidents to see if any lessons can be learned.

 Response from Network Rail

Network Rail and the Hitchin Infrastructure Maintenance Delivery Manager (IMDM) thanks the reporter for expressing their concerns. Track Worker safety is regarded as being of paramount importance and any reported incidents are always investigated.

During their initial training all Controllers of Site Safety (COSS) and Individuals Working Alone (IWA) are made fully aware of the need to have a documented Safe System of Work (SSoW) in place before they go lineside.

The depot management team regularly check the robustness and suitability of SSoW during their safety inspections which have consistently provided assurance that effective SSOW processes are in place.

The IMDM will commit to a number of actions:

1. Have a 'stand-down' brief on the use of theWorksafe Proceduredelivered to all staff at Hitchin depot by the end of the first week of January 2012. This brief will also reiterate to all COSSs and IWA that they are to have full SSoW in place at all times.
2. Re-brief Line Managers by 10 December 2011 that staff must not be allowed to work alone when their lack of experience may place them at additional risk.
3. The management team will continue to carry out safety inspections over the coming weeks
4. We will continue to encourage feedback from the depot Health and Safety Representatives own inspections, and review their findings.
5. Review recently reported incidents to see if any lessons can be learnt and these will then be communicated throughout the depot.