All posts by Saleem Ali

Wessex Safety Hour – 24th May 2016

23rd May 2016 Saleem Ali Leave a comment

Safety Hour Attendance Last Week – 69%

Number of Close Calls Last Week – 43

Incident this week –

15/05/2016	Clandon	A COSS working for Vital Rail working within item 144 (Down Cobham at Clandon) removed the detonator protection before an engineering train (7J03) had reached the location. Competent person moves protection on the instruction of an ES (Worksite) or PICOP (Possession).
15/05/2016	Pooley Green Level Crossing	A member of the Feltham S&T sustained an injury to his Right index Finger when closing the maintenance van door and caught it within the locking mechanism. He later attended hospital and received 3 butterfly stiches and the wound dressed. It is best not be distracted; focus on one thing at a time.
17/05/2016	Pirbright Junction	A Strapman placed an earthing strap on the wrong line which was still live causing an electrical flashover. He did not follow the correct procedure for fitting a short circuit strap. He suffered minor heat damage to his face. Always follow the correct short circuit strap procedure.
18/05/2016	Wimbledon EMU Depot	2 members of Network Rail staff walked across number 11 road exit when they didn’t have in place a safe system of work. This incident is currently under further investigation. Always have a safe system of work, check your pack to ensure this is so before leaving the depo, report any shortcoming to the SSOW planner.
19/05/2016	Earlsfield	Duty Station Manager Wimbledon reported that 3 of the fatality mitigation gates had been left open. It was later identified as an oversight after a busy T3 possession. Please check all potential points of access to the infrastructure are made reclosed before leaving the location
19/05/2016	Wandsworth Town / Richmond	A line blockage irregularity occurred within Item 503/504 Wandsworth Town – Mortlake that was meant to encompass a TS11 section 3 disconnection. Upon S&T Cover disconnecting the 650v Power supply for their investigatory work, the signalling failed outside of their protection limits.
19/05/2016	Eastleigh / Yeovil	A road traffic accident occurred in heavy traffic at 20mph when the Network Rail vehicle was hit from behind and subsequent hit the vehicle in front.
20/05/2016	Waterloo	A member of staff was the COSS for a group carrying out arc welding repairs. The following day he appears to be suffering from arc eye and was not fit for duty. All staff in the vicinity of arc welding activities must take care not look at the flame. This is under investigation and additional PPE for those in the vicinity of arc welding is being sought.
20/05/2016	Waterloo	Whilst pulling a hose from a lubrication blade a Team Leader’s hand slipped causing his little finger to strike the blade which resulted in a laceration. Correct gloves for the job is important, however they can only protect you so far.
21/05/2016	Princes Bridge Level Crossing	Signaller received a report from a member of the public that a car had gone through the level crossing onto the track. On investigation, it appeared that the car had come around the corner too fast and hit the down side pedestal. The pedestal ended up in the 4ft of the Up line. A rear wheel of the car was also on the cattle grids. There was a lot of debris to clear. Great teamwork by all involved – Thank you very much!
21/05/2016	Aldershot / Farnham	A member of contracting working for B&S on structure 23 at Lower Waybourne Road received a minor cut to his head when a lump of steelwork fell through a gap. A safety helmet was being worn at the time. This is textbook working at height; items falling from above. This is subject to investigation.

2. This Week’s Home Safe

3. Mental Health Awareness Week booklet (May 16)

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Safety Hour Calls

Wessex Safety Hour – 10th May 2016

9th May 2016 Saleem Ali Leave a comment

Safety Hour Attendance last week – 68%

Close Calls – 100

Incidents this week –

03/05/2016 – Fratton Depot – Eastleigh ECRO reported that the Shunter had local isolations G and H in place all day, both of which are hook-switch operations. The Shunter then operated 242 hook-switch (attached to isolation G in number 7 siding) and 241 hook-switch (attached to isolation H in number 8 siding) without the permission of the ECRO.

No injuries were sustained.

04/05/2016 – Pirbright Junction – PICOP for Item 51 (Pirbright Jn – Winchfield 0105 – 0545) the Basingstoke signaller to arrange the possession but did not contact the Woking Signaller. The Woking signaller only found out by contacting Basingstoke about the last booked service.

04/05/2016 – Petersfield – Signaller slipped whist going down the signal box steps and grabbed on to handrails with both arms causing a heavy impact. No absence from work was anticipated or a hospital visit.

05/05/2016 – Vauxhall – A major fire occurred at Vauxhall affecting various cables feeding traction, signalling and telecom equipment caused by a rail grinder setting fire to rubbish underneath the country end platform 3. This spread into the wooden platform and bridge decking.

This is subject to a formal investigation.

The recovery was outstanding and huge praise for everyone involved for getting the railway back up and running. so quickly and safely. The full service was able to run by 20:00

Our Safety Workshops

Our Safety Workshops were a great success with over 1000 attending.

Your input was extremly valuable and has given the Safety Team lots of ideas and actions to work on.

The output of these sessions shall be fedback to you shortly.

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Safety Hour Calls

Wessex Safety Hour – May 3rd 2016.

3rd May 2016 Saleem Ali Leave a comment

Safety Hour Attendance – 72%

Number of Close Calls – 83

Incidents this Week –

27/04/16

Old Kew Junction

During a cab ride, a Track Engineer witnessed two contractors spraying weed killer in the up and down cess with no apparent protection staff (e.g. lookout).

The Mobile Operations Manager attended and examined the area and found no one in the area.

Off track were consulted to investigate which team were in the area.

Southern Shield 27 April

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Safety Hour Calls

Wessex Safety Hour – 26th April 2016

25th April 2016 Saleem Ali Leave a comment

Safety Hour Attendance – 73%

Number of Close Calls – 104

Incidents –

17/04/2016	A Wimbledon signaller lowered the barriers at Motspur Park CCTV level crossing and cleared the signal for 1D24 (1007 Dorking – Waterloo). The signaller then saw movement and realised that he had trapped someone within the confines of the barriers so placed the signal back to danger to enable the person to exit.
18/04/2016	A Depot Operative from the National Supply Chain slipped on leaked de-icer fluid at Eastleigh Depot injuring his back.
19/04/2016	A Contractor from Dyer & Butler staff suffered a fractured bone in his ankle whilst alighting from the rear of a van, he inadvertently stepped into a pot hole half filled with rubble near an access gate at Shalford. *If you see any unsafe conditions like pot holes near an access point, please fill them or report it so it can be remedied by someone who has the equipment to do so.*
19/04/2016	Light Engine – 0V31 (2013 Eastleigh – Westbury Yard) had a CAT A SPAD on SY61 near Salisbury and passed the signal by 100 yards. There was no allegation against the signalling and no damage was incurred. The driver advised that he had passed over Wilton Junction at the correct speed but did not heed the cautionary signal and was travelling too fast to stop at the red.
20/04/2016	Passenger service – 1W57 (0805 Waterloo – Weymouth) had a CAT A SPAD on DR185 and passed the signal by three coach lengths at Dorchester South without authority. There was no allegation against the signal and no damage was incurred. The Driver had been expecting the signal to change to a proceed aspect, but it remained red due to another train (2O70) being within the section ahead.
21/04/2016	A member of P-Way discovered they were working on an open line at Portsmouth Harbour after finding line blockage requested was not in place. Two COSS’s had agreed that one of them would be a Protection Controller, however, a clear understanding about the full arrangements between the two had not been reached. *Always be clear, check and repeat back any arrangements relating to Line Blockages; a clear understanding is paramount to staff safety.*
22/04/2016	A Tamper, 6J61, having departed from possession Item 43 was then signalled into possession Item 89 (Clapham Junction to Durnsford Road) via W153 signal in error. The train then proceeded over the protecting detonators and collided with the PLB before coming to a stand. Three members of Wimbledon P-way staff were about to lift the PLB, and fortunately heard the automated Clapham station announcement ‘Stand clear, fast train approaching’ and placed themselves in a position of safety. *This incident is subject to further investigation*.

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Safety Hour Calls

Wessex Safety Hour – 19th April 2016

18th April 2016 Saleem Ali Leave a comment

Safety Hour Attendance Last Week – 71%

Number of Close Calls – 103

Incidents this week

– Woking S&T reported Van at Weybridge station reversed into a barrier fence within the car park. There is only slight damage to the rear step at the back of the van on the near side, no aparent injuries to any staff members at the time of accident. When reversing a vehicle it is adviseable to have someone guide you back from outside the vehicle.

– Whilst assisting with the loading of equipment to the rear of a van, the IP sustained slight injury to his fingers when another member of staff went to raised the side panel and his hand was still in the way. Verbal warning should be issued to make sure others are not in the way of the side panels when they are raised and lowered.

– Run through on 649B points. ES was crossing a Tamper over from the Up Windsor Slow to the Up Windsor Fast. Believed that he had set the route correctly, but when the Tamper made the movement, points were not set correctly and Tamper had a Run Through. ES to set Route and operator should check as back up.

2. Near Miss with Track Gang – South Wales

3.Back to Basics

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Safety Hour Calls

Wessex Safety Hour – 12th April 2016

11th April 2016 Saleem Ali Leave a comment

Safety Hour – 72%

Close Calls – 56

Incidents for the Week –

03/04/2016 – Northam Depot Reception Line – Eastleigh ECR reported that the traction current was not re-charged after part 2 of Item 40 was given up. When the MOM attended, he found that a strap had been left in place.

06/04/16 – Southampton – A member of Eastleigh PWay reported that could hear a person crying trackside at Southampton. He and a colleague investigated and found the female laying on the track and assisted her back to the access gate. The female had jumped from a wall onto the track for reasons not known, but sustained what looked to be electrical injuries.

06/04/2016 – Bursledon Station – Member of S&T was loading a trolley when he sustained a minor cut to his left hand finger. Full PPE was being worn at the time of accident and first aid was given. No doctor or hospital visit was required.

06/04/2016 – Bracknell Station – Station staff reported roofing insulation had blown onto the track and was blocking the down line at the station. Minor works followed this up by checking and securing the structure.

2. Manual Handling Training – MH Training Promo vs3

3. Close Call – Presentation

4. Close Call App Information
Close Call App Video (mp4)
Close Call App Video (wmv)

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Safety Hour Calls

Safety Hour Material – 5th April 2016.

4th April 2016 Saleem Ali Leave a comment

Safety Hour – 71% Another great week with a really strong finish to the year.

79 Close Calls Raised

Incidents this week –

27/03/2016	London Waterloo – Member of Clapham P-Way staff, while working for Works delivery within their worksite, was struck by a pandrol clip on the ankle. Pandrol clip had apparently been dislodged by a spanner coming into contact with it. It struck the IP, who was looking in the other direction at the time. IP was treated on site and taken to hospital. Scans have shown that ankle is broken. LTI
01/04/2016	A member of staff was turning out of Winchester Station car park in a Network Rail van. The offside rear of the van caught the side of a low barrier along the side of the car park exit. This dented the vehicle slightly but there were no injuries.
31/03/2016	A Hi Top van clipped a NR vehicle side mirror and front bumper when trying to merge in front at a roundabout. NR vehicle was stationary at the time as he was queuing to get onto the A3 at Guildford. He sustained no injuries as a result of this accident.

Slips, Trips and Falls – Don’t Let Bad Habits Break You!

41% of LTI’s are caused by Slips, Trips & Falls.

3. Slips-Trips-and-Falls-Route-Stats

4. Slips-Trips-and-Falls-NR-Presentation

5. NR-STF booklet

6. NR-STF-Track-Poster

7. Occupational Health –

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Safety Hour Calls

Safety Hour Material – 29th March 2016.

29th March 2016 Saleem Ali Leave a comment

Safety Hour – 72% – Another great week.

73 Close Calls Raised

Incidents this week –

22/03/2016	Southampton Central Station – An S&T Technician scalded the back of both hands when washing them under the tap. He ran them under a cold water, put signs up to warn staff and turned the thermostat down upon the advice of the Property Action Help line. He did not think the scald would need medical attention, but would monitor it.
23/03/2016	Christchurch Station – An operative from Bournemouth PWAY was whilst barring some plates in for a gauge fault when the bar slipped out and hit him square on the nose. He sustained a deep gash to the bridge of his nose which drew a considerable amount of blood but no absence from work anticipated or hospital visited was required as a result of this accident/injury.
24/03/2016	Motspur Park Junction – 2M56 passed W410 signal at danger without authority. Due to a backlog of trains during a level crossing failure at Motspur Park. The Driver had thought the previous signal (W410R) was displaying a yellow aspect and a TPWS intervention bought the train to a stand approach half a coach past.
25/03/2016	London Waterloo Station – Duty Station Manager reported an incident on the concourse with the mock-up 707 unit when the cab door became detached and narrowly missed a child. The ‘exhibit’ was secured put out of use. 20:29 – Upon investigation it had seemed that the cab door had been hung on temporary runners and as the child slid the door, it fell.
27/03/2016	Waterloo – A member of Clapham P-Way working within possession WON 53 item 1 injured his right foot when a fastening key sprung off and hit him. The strike caused swelling and bruising. First aid was given and he also visited St Thomas hospital. Currently off duty – LTI

2. Safety Bulletin – Serious Near Miss Clapham

3. Home Safe – This Week

4. Weather – There is on-going stormy weather. Please be extra vigilant when driving, on track and generally out & about.

5. REMEMBER – Personal Safety Action Plans to be completed for Bands 1-5.

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Safety Hour Calls

Safety Hour Material – 22nd March 2016

21st March 2016 Saleem Ali Leave a comment

77% – Safety Hour Attendance last week. Another brilliant week!

104 Close Calls reported last week

Please find incidents below from the past week:

13/03/2016	Between Pirbright Jn and Farnborough – The PICOP reported that a strap had been left in place at 32m 47ch post possession for item 34 and shorted out when the current was restored. 08:00 – For Cause Screening arranged for the ES and Strapman (Ganymead). The ES examined the rail head no damage and no further action required.
13/03/2016	Cosham Junction – The PWay Section Manager at Havant reported a staff accident involving a Ganymede contractor who felt a twinge in his back when shovelling ballast. The injury was deemed to have occurred from the previous weekend whilst he was playing football. No anticipated lost time at this stage.
14/03/2016	Waterloo – 6N60 was incorrectly routed (via route cards) into a possession for the Waterloo International Terminal vice platform 20. 01:10 – The Shift Signaller Manager stated that he gave the wrong route card to the signaller which should have been withdrawn due to a change in the layout.
16/03/2016	London Waterloo Station – 1A32 (12 car) was signalled into Platform 7 and it was too long to be fully accommodated. The Signaller had overlooked the stock working of the train and the Driver also overlooked that the train would not fit. The next working was talked out with the leading cab being beyond the signal.
16/03/2016	Ashurst Station – A Works Delivery Operative strained his lower back whilst lifting cement from the back of a van. He felt the strain when he bent over to lower the cement to the floor. No absence from work anticipated as a result of this injury.
16/03/2016	Clapham Junction – Clapham PWay manager reported that two members of staff had a minor road accident. One member of the PWay allowed the other out to filter into the traffic when his foot slipped off of the clutch causing a minor collision between them. The collision ripped the wing off the passenger side of the vehicle, but no injuries were sustained.
17/03/2016	Wimbledon – Earlsfield Station – Telecom Manager reported a COSS working with a team from Colas with his foot between the running rail and conductor rail. When challenged, the COSS realised their error. 13:00 – Upon the MOM reaching site, they were no longer at the location where the incident occurred.

3. Home Safe – PPE, E-Cigs

4. Safety Flash Report – Preventing Hand Injuries

Van tool Vaults

5. Manual Handling Training Dates – MH Training Promo vs2

6. 41% of our LTI’s are Slips, Trips and Falls! Please stay safe when out and about. (Video)

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Safety Hour Calls

Safety Hour Material – 23rd Feb 2016

22nd February 2016 Saleem Ali Leave a comment

68% – Safety Hour Attendance last week

71 Close Calls reported last week

Please find incidents below from the past week:

17/02/2016	Petersfield – A Signaller was walking past an open locker box in the signal box when they caught their right leg above their knee on a padlock clasp holder breaking the skin and bruising.
18/02/2016	Wool – A Pway Operative was on a bance (machinery for track chair screws) for within the specified time of up to 15 when he reported a back ache to the COSS. The Operative was taken off duty and it required a GP visit.
19/02/2016	Wool – A member of Works Delivery was stacking up sleepers within a possession with sleeper dogs when his hand slipped trapping his middle finger on his right hand. He did not think much of it at the time, home but later had to go to hospital with the onset of a lot of pain due to him having fractured/ broken it.
19/02/2016	Basingstoke Capus – Control Centre Technician at was waiting at barriers leading into car when the traffic light changed to green and he drove forward. The road barrier had not fully lowered and the underside of his car struck it. The Individual was driving his personal vehicle (which was damaged) but he sustained no injuries.
19/02/2016	Raynes Park Station – A member of Electrical & Plant was carrying a transformer over the tracks when his glove slipped. He tried to re-adjust his grip but as he did so, his foot became caught and his chest landed on the running rail. The individual continued working but was in a lot of pain. After a hospital visit the next day he was told that he had cracked his rib/s.
Late report 19/02/2016	Waterloo – Works Delivery Manager reported an accident which had occurred on Monday 15/02/16 where he had been stepping down 2 steps from a Clapham P-Way cabin. By the steps were 2 round ferrels (a part connected to base chairs) which he was not aware of. As he stepped on them he ell backwards injuring neck and finger requiring a hospital visit.