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A safety net when all else fails

50668 ‘Poor’ positioning of workstations at Darlington travel centre

July 2012 in Train Operations

tagged Equipment Work environment North East

Concerns have been raised about the positioning of workstations in the travel centre at Darlington station.
 
The reporter comments that, due to the position of the workstations in relation to the ticket machines and customer windows, staff are constantly having to twist, turn and stretch when carrying out their duties. This is resulting in back and shoulder problems for many members of staff.
 
It is believed that workstation assessments have been carried out on numerous occasions but that the recommendations have never been implemented.

Could East Coast:

  • Carry out new workstation assessments at the travel centre and ensure any recommendations made are implemented?
  • Comment on any plans in place to refurbish the travel centre?

Response from East Coast

Workstation and ergonomic assessments have taken place and a number of the resulting recommendations have already been implemented.

Physical amendments and improvements made include the installation of microphones for staff and customer use, and changes to the workstation lighting to allow individuals to make alterations in line with their own personal preferences. Non reflective keyboards, screen filters and adjustable foot rests have also been ordered. It is acknowledged that there is still work to do and repairs to the air conditioning system are still to be completed, but this is being progressed.

In terms of the wider travel centre refurbishment, the East Coast property team, local station management and Union Representatives have carried out a site visit and together with staff involvement have generated two options for the teams to review and feedback on. Once a period of consultation is complete we will be seeking to implement the preferred option.​

50668