'We want to know'
14 March 2024
We spoke to Bobbie Enright, head of site safety and sustainability at Transport UK London Bus.
Above: Bobbie Enright (left), with David Wecke (right), head of operational safety at Transport UK London Bus.
What do you enjoy in your job?
I get to talk to everybody, meet everybody, work on different things… It’s never boring!
What are your safety tips for anyone working around buses?
Look where you’re going. We’ve had so many slips, trips and falls because people are walking backwards, they’re on their phone, or turning around to talk. Take a few seconds to check that where you’re going is clear, and that you’re on a walkway. We’re all rushing in everyday life. Are you wearing PPE? Are you on the walking route? If you need to use your phone, stop in a safe place first.
Also, take ownership. If there’s a problem, tell us about it. If you’ve had a near miss, tell us. If you’ve done something wrong, also tell us. We can’t fix it if we haven’t been told.
Is someone less likely to tell you if they feel it’s their fault?
I hope we’ve proven you won’t get into trouble. We’re not going to penalise you for being honest and coming forward to raise something we need to work on. We want to know. If it’s not safe, don’t do it. I think it’s more that people think, ‘If I tell someone, I’ll have to have a meeting and it’ll take time out of my day.’ We still struggle with that.
Do people think reporting takes longer than it does?
It would only take time if we haven’t got key information. Today I had to go back to an accident report and say I didn’t understand what had happened. So, in the first place, tell me everything, step by step. Don’t skip anything. Be clear as you can. Provide videos or photos in the first instance, if possible.
What if there’s violence at work?
Everyone across TfL gets the pocket-size Little Red Book at induction, with pages on different scenarios. It highlights calling iBus control centre and what to do for Code Blue and Code Red emergencies. To keep safe in a vehicle, don’t open your cab door. You might think you’re helping someone hear you better, but you’re now in a position of danger. The seal over the cab door prevents spit coming through, and we have spit kits too. A lot of attacks are through the driver’s window. It’s about being vigilant and closing it if someone’s coming over.
In depot, it’s about politely challenging. Say, ‘Good morning, are you ok? Can I help you find reception?’ It might be a member of public looking for a bag. If it’s someone there to do something they shouldn’t, hopefully they will now leave. If there is a problem, back away, report your concerns, and tell your colleagues.
What reporting channels do you offer, apart from CIRAS?
Our intranet, Blink, is new. It has reporting forms and should encourage more reporting. If you’re out and about, you can call iBus. Call your manager or speak to them face to face. Or message me.
Find out more
Violence at work is never normal
View from the driver's seat: Matt Herod, Manchester train driver