ISSUE 59 June 2016

CIRAS UPDATES 2 Three Peaks Challenge

3 Fatigue workshops

9 Conference 2016

14 Chris Langer talks

15 TfL Surface Transport

REPORTS 4 Station and platform

Network Rail deals with report delays 5 Infrastructure In the past there have been delays in Brian Tomlinson, Director of Risk, CIRAS receiving responses from Network Analysis & Assurance; Safety, Technical 8 Bus operation Rail and subsequently issues in resolving & Engineering at Network Rail, said: Rolling stock concerns raised by reporters. “We understand how vital confidential 13 reporting – and subsequently CIRAS 16 Bus curtailments However, senior management at Network – is to our ongoing efforts to further Rail clearly recognises the value of strengthen our health and safety culture. confidential reporting and the extra line GUEST ARTICLES of defence it brings, and has put in place “We have worked with our Route Phil Hibberd new measures to speed up the entire Managing Directors and... 6 process. ...cont P7

Update on first six months for buses It is six months since Transport particular, have accepted CIRAS as seems our message has been for ’s (TfL) bus operations an alternative method for reporting well received and we have had joined CIRAS, and we have concerns, with 27 of the 28 reports an excellent response from those witnessed a strong appetite we have received coming from the within the bus companies. amongst our new members to use drivers themselves. the scheme. “So far we have received reports Kerry Dolan, CIRAS Membership relating to a wide variety of Since January we have processed Manager, said: “We have worked concerns, from rostering to 28 confidential reports from hard to speak to frontline staff and footwear and from driver fatigue to colleagues within the bus industry; management about the service braking systems, with each giving a remarkable 24 per cent of all we offer and our desire to work the opportunity to engage with our reports we received during the collaboratively to help strengthen new members and work with them period. health and safety. to develop satisfactory responses.”

And it seems bus drivers, in “Even at this early stage, it ...cont P7

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THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE Climbers back after taking part in charity Three Peaks Challenge CIRAS team returns after gruelling three-day, three-country event to raise much needed funds for Railway Children charity

CIRAS recently joining forces with the challenge in the form of the to getting to children on the streets colleagues from RSSB and the thousands of vulnerable children before an abuser can, and before NHS to take on the gruelling Three who are helped each year by they become entrenched in street Peaks Challenge. Railway Children.” life.

Three intrepid CIRAS employees Railway Children works across Paul added: “The team climbed for (Susan Gray, Jenny Neill and the UK – as well as in India and an exellent cause and are grateful Catherine Gallagher) spent months East Africa – to help thousands of that CIRAS didn’t go it alone as training for their bid to scale the the support of our RSSB and NHS UK’s highest mountains in just three colleagues was be vital. days in June. “There were 12 climbers in total And they are did it all for charity – and all had been in training for seeking to summit Mount Snowden, some time as though sought to Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis in aid of get in the best possible shape to Railway Children. conquer the peaks and raise as much money as possible for Railway Paul Russell, whose son was also Children. part of the mammoth effort, said: “The Three Peaks Challenge is The Three Peaks Challenge started exactly what it says, a challenge. on Thursday 23rd June at the foot children who have run away from of Mount Snowden and conluded “For a climber, each mountain home, or have been forced to on Saturday 25th June following the presents its own difficulties and leave homes which have become descent from Ben Nevis. each can be a daunting prospect unbearable through poverty, abuse, on its own. To do all three is a violence or neglect. There is still time to support the genuine test of will, stamina and fundraising effort with a donation - concentration But the team had The charity believes reaching a please visit uk.virginmoneygiving. excellent motivation to complete child as soon as possible is crucial com/Our3peakschallenge

www.ciras.org.uk CIRAS UPDATE 033

BUS OPERATOR CIRAS and Abellio work jointly to inform staff about fatigue CIRAS shares its experience and knowledge on fatigue with bus company to develop guidance and advice for staff and drivers Fatigue is often the subject of safety reports to CIRAS.

In fact, 13 per cent of all our reports in the past year were related to fatigue, clearly demonstrating it is an issue for our members and their staff.

And, for our relatively new members in the bus industry, it seems fatigue is an even more significant issue with 22 per cent of all reports relating to the subject.

In response to our members’ from rail and other safety critical up tips, and have even been needs, we have been looking at industries to drive engagement suggesting their own. ways in which they can help their with our bus industry colleagues.“ staff better manage fatigue and Monica Monti, HSQE Manager at tiredness. As part of this process we are Abellio London & Surrey, said: “We currently working with Abellio in aim to educate employees on the Chris Langer, Scheme Intelligence London to provide guidance and risks posed by fatigue. To achieve Manager at CIRAS, said: “We are advice to its bus drivers. this, we enlisted CIRAS in the hope acutely aware that fatigue has that, by collaborating, we will raise been a concern for many of those The response from drivers so far the profile of fatigue amongst our who submit reports to us and we has been positive. Those we have staff, thus continuously improving wanted to exploit the lessons learnt spoken to said they’ve picked our safety record.” Amanda joins CIRAS to help our stakeholders We have welcomed a new member such as Mirror Group Newspapers, of staff to the team, with the sole Ketchum PR and OC&C Strategy, brief of working with our stakeholders and has worked alongside Lord in the south of England to further Browne, ex CEO of BP at Riverstone strengthen relationships. LLC.

Amanda O’Donoghue joins us from Amanda said: “I am delighted to TfL where she has been working be joining CIRAS as Stakeholder as part of the Communications & Manager (South), and am very much Engagement team on its Freight looking forward to getting stuck and Fleet Safety and Environment into the various challenges and programmes. opportunities the role brings.

Prior to that Amanda was the Public “I am very excited at the prospect Affairs & Stakeholder Manager for of meeting my new team - and our Circle Housing where she worked for members in the south of England more than seven years. Amanda has - to work together to ensure the previously worked with organisations continued success of CIRAS.”

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STATION & PLATFORM Monitors replaced and adjusted to improve Gunnersbury visibility Action taken after reporter raised concerns regarding problems with equipment on the westbound District line platform

THE CONCERN... A reporter raised concerns about the poor visibility of images on the monitors located on the westbound platform at on the District line. The monitors are used by staff to view the entire length of the train during dispatch. However, the reporter commented that on the westbound platform, the images on the monitors were so unclear that it was not possible to adequately view the platform and train doors during dispatch. According to the reporter, sunlight behind the monitors made the screens appear completely black. The images were also unclear at night.

by Sunil060902 The reporter stated Gunnersbury at different times of day. The is an LU Category A station where THE RESPONSE... new monitors have assisted in drivers require assistance with minimising this, however, if the dispatch as the whole length of The One Person Operation (OPO) Train Operator cannot see the full the train cannot be seen clearly. monitors at Gunnersbury are PTI then they must continue to The company has put in place platform based and can be affected request assistance from station the option for staff to request by sunlight. If a Train Operator staff. assistance during dispatch, but the cannot see the full Platform-Train reporter was aware that this is not Interface (PTI) then the London The platform OPO equipment at occurring on a regular basis. There Underground rules are very clear; this station will become redundant was a concern that this resulted in the Train Operator should seek in the next 12 to 18 months due to most trains departing with a risk of assisted dispatch if they cannot see the introduction of new trains (S7 passengers either being trapped the full PTI from their cab. stock) which will have in cab OPO in the doors or falling from the CCTV monitors which reduce/ platform on to the tracks. There have been five faults reported at this location in the past eliminates the risk of monitors The reporter asked if 12 months. Since this report was being affected by sunlight. made the maintainer has attended ACTIONS TAKEN could: and adjusted monitors, replaced monitors, adjusted cameras and • OPO equipment at Gunnersby • Consider replacing the assessed the equipment as working was initially adjusted and then monitors on the westbound correctly, but confirmed that it can replaced platform at Gunnersbury be affected by sunlight in certain station conditions. • In-cab OPO monitors to be part of new S7 stock in 12/18 months • Provide platform staff to assist with dispatch until the These conditions generally only • Staff reminded of process of monitors have been fixed last for a very short time, and asking for assisted dispatch and replaced

www.ciras.org.uk REPORT 055

INFRASTRUCTURE Work now ongoing to address Scotland milepost concerns Network Rail undertakes review of markers on the Inverness to Wick route and considers innovative staff ideas and solutions

THE CONCERN...

Concerns were raised recently about missing, obscured and unreadable mile post markers on the Inverness to Wick route.

The Inverness to Wick route is 164 miles long and there should be a mile post every quarter of a mile. It is reported that around half of the mile post markers were actually missing or unreadable, making it difficult for drivers to communicate their location to signallers.

The reporter commented that there are around 150 user-worked crossings on this route. There were concerns that if a driver misread a mile post marker and gave an inaccurate location to the signaller,

there could be an incident. by Rob Faulkner of those, four were missing, 205 actions to improve the situation. It The reporter asked if were obscured by vegetation and is also exploring a new approach, Network Rail could: 236 were unreadable due to being suggested by a member of our weathered. The markers are made team, to improve the markers • Identify which mile post of concrete and are painted yellow where the condition is such that markers are missing, and have black painted numbers. repainting is not the solution. This obscured and unreadable? They have been in situ for some 100 involves the production of a plastic • Carry out any necessary years. “sleeve” to fit over the marker. repair works and install new mile post markers? Network Rail’s main approach to Network Rail hopes the reporter will maintaining these markers is via note a progressive improvement in THE RESPONSE... the Track Patrollers who cover the the condition of the markers on the majority of this line at least once Wick line in the coming weeks and Network Rail was grateful the every week. They are required months. concerns were brought to its to note and also tackle, where ACTIONS TAKEN attention. practical, any vegetation obscuring the markers as they patrol. • Network Rail has reviewed the The local team at Inverness carried actions of the Track Patrollers in out a detailed assessment of the The report has shown this is not the area as successful as Network Rail mile post markers on the Inverness • Work is ongoing to address the expected it to be, due to a number to Wick line (including the Thurso issues found during this review branch) and found the following: of factors. Having reviewed this with the local team Network Rail • Innovative suggestions from staff There are a total of 644 posts and, has put in motion a number of are being considered

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PHIL HIBBERD

Giving employees a voice Phil Hibberd SAFETY AND RISK DB CARGO is key to improvements CIRAS reporting complements DB Cargo’s new UK Safety Tours

It’s good to talk, as the saying the country. Employees are able Senior management have been goes – especially when it comes to to raise concerns directly with extremely pleased to note a great voicing concerns about health and management, who in turn can attitude towards health and safety safety. observe behaviour and attitudes on their sites. towards health and safety, and And thanks to DB Cargo UK’s discuss face-to-face any problems Success stories so far include Safety Engagement Tours, which with those involved. improved kit for the breakdown were introduced in 2015, senior and recovery team at Millerhill managers and employees are able A detailed log is kept of all visits after the Breakdown Supervisor to do just that. so managers can pursue any issues said there was a problem with raised on behalf of depot staff. personal lighting. Night working DB Cargo UK is the largest was becoming an issue with winter rail freight operator in the UK, The response from staff has being the busiest period. transporting a range of materials been overwhelmingly positive, including intermodal containers, meanwhile, managers have gleaned DB Cargo UK was very receptive to metals, coal, biomass and a valuable insight into the day to the concerns raised and the team aggregates. day routines of drivers and depot were issued a box of new, tough staff and have witnessed first-hand and bright torches. The aim of the tours is to engage the challenges they face. colleagues on-site on the issue of The whole process from concerns health and safety with members On-site concerns have varied being taken on board to getting of the senior management team, greatly, from the quality of yard the new torches distributed to the undertaking two tours every quarter lighting to monitoring driver team only took a few short weeks at DB Cargo UK’s depots around fatigue. over the Christmas period.

www.ciras.org.uk GUEST ARTICLE 077 Phil Hibberd of the Safety and Risk Phil added: “As part of our Team at DB Cargo UK said: “We approach to health and safety, it is Network Rail deals place absolute importance on important to us to go even further with report delays safety, it is intrinsic in all that we do. by engaging with an independent organisation like CIRAS. ...from P1 “We continually promote our available internal reporting “If, for any reason, an employee ...Functional Directors channels to employees to ensure feels uncomfortable reporting to establish a consistent any health and safety concerns are something to us within the commitment to responding to identified and handled as soon as business, we want to ensure that reports and have introduced possible. those concerns are still captured so new monitoring arrangements that we can address them. based on structured continuous “The Safety Engagement tours improvement. This approach has provide another platform for our “The intelligence provided by seen a significant improvement in employees to raise any concerns reporting concerns forms the basis the number of reports responded directly.” for continuous improvement.” to over the past six months and a dramatic reduction in the number of overdue reports.”

Brian added: “We have doubled the frequency of our CIRAS review panels and will continue to review and challenge the quality of the responses we provide to CIRAS and, in turn, the person making the report.

“We are making a clear commitment to work with CIRAS and, in doing so, hope to send a message to our staff – and the rest of the industry – that we have a mature approach to health and safety and welcome all possible avenues which allow us to collect and analyse concerns.” SEEING THE LIGHT: The DB Cargo Breakdown Recovery Team received Update on first six new torches thanks to the company’s Safety Engagement Tours. months for buses

Latest reports currently being processed ...from P1 • BUS - Drivers are being exposed to diesel fumes inside the driver’s cab Kerry added: “We are pleased when waiting to take the bus out of the garage in the mornings. Due to with the progress we have made the way the buses are parked over-night in the depot, drivers have to in a relatively short space of wait inside their bus for the bus in front of them to leave before they can time, and want to build on this depart from the garage in the morning. to further develop our links with colleagues in the bus industry to The reporter states that the exhaust fumes from the buses located in front the benefit of all our members. and to the side then enter the driver’s cab via the heating system whilst the bus is waiting to move. The exhaust fumes can cause discomfort and “CIRAS has members across a result in staff coughing and wheezing whilst breathing them in. range of industries and sectors and, as such, working with those • RAIL - Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of the members, we are able to identify warnings pedestrians receive at two crossings on the Salisbury line. The key themes and best practice, reporter believes these crossings do not have the correct warning systems as well as developing shared in order to give pedestrians enough advance warning of approaching learning, which can assist all in trains. The reporter feels that, given the sighting distance and line speed, their approach to health and there should be whistle boards erected on the approach to both the safety for staff and customers crossings, as well as red and green lights helping users to assess whether alike.” it is safe to cross.

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BUS OPERATION Call for provision of safety boots is not necessary at Sovereign Excellent safety record at RATP Dev London suggests company’s formal uniform policy around footwear is suitable and sufficient

THE CONCERN... A reporter raised concerns that drivers are not provided with adequate safety footwear by London Sovereign.

According to the reporter, there are often spillages on the surface of the garage floor, such as antifreeze coolant, screenwash or fuel that may have leaked from vehicles.

by Au Morandarte The reporter felt drivers should be provided with adequate safety raised, as the reporter was correct are a necessity in case of falling footwear (including steel toe caps in stating that London Sovereign objects or working with plant and and oil-resistant soles) to prevent does not provide safety footwear machinery. any slips, trips or falls in the work for their driving staff. environment. In addition, London Sovereign London Sovereign has a clear stated that, in terms of safety The reporter stated it is not uniform policy which has been around the garage premises, it has mandatory for safety footwear to be in place formally with RATP Dev an excellent record in terms of slips, worn and that London Sovereign (owning company) since October trips and falls. advise staff to buy their own safety 2014. A similarly worded policy footwear. existed prior to this, when London There has been an improvement Sovereign was owned by in minor incidents of this nature in However, the reporter felt that (2002-2014). the past 12 months, with a 12 per employers are responsible for cent improvement in workplace providing adequate personal London Sovereign has considered accidents and a 10 per cent protective equipment to staff. the reporter’s request for safety decrease in “Falls at the same footwear to be provided for all staff, level”. The reporter asked but feels this is not necessary. if London Sovereign Drivers are encouraged to report However, this position will be kept any areas in the garage where there could: under regular review. As stated in may be a hazard; for instance, oil, • Clarify the company the Uniform Policy, the individual diesel or antifreeze spillage. The procedure on what footwear is expected to wear “appropriate company has a hazard defect report drivers are required to wear? footwear that…be secure on the system in place and has in-house • Consider providing all staff foot and have a hard sole.” cleaners to remove any spillages required to move around or debris from the forecourt and the garages with adequate This expectation covers most workshop areas during the day. safety footwear? footwear generally available to the public and is not specific to Finally, the company would like safety footwear. The company to make it clear that it welcomes THE RESPONSE... believes footwear deemed “safety feedback from staff and has a footwear” is specifically aimed at Health & Safety Committee which RATP Dev London welcomed the staff working in an engineering meets every six weeks to discuss opportunity to answer the concerns capacity where steel-toe caps such matters.

www.ciras.org.uk 09

CONFERENCE 2016 Safety culture under strain? A look beneath the surface CIRAS conference sees more than 200 delegates come together to look at how best to build and maintain strong safety cultures

Is safety culture under strain? at the conferences.” successfully campaign for improved health and safety culture within the That was the question posed by our In London, Tony Wilson, of Abellio UK rail industry. conferences hosted in London and London and Surrey, and David Edinburgh in April. Nicholls, of KeolisAmey Docklands, Kerry added: “Both events began explained to delegates exactly with health and safety experts More than 200 delegates from how confidential reporting and setting the scene and explaining transport, construction and other health and safety culture have been how human factors can lead to industries gathered at the events to introduced and managed within the behaviour which, if not recognised hear from health and safety experts, bus and light rail industries. and addressed, can threaten even as well as industry leaders, and Meanwhile, in Edinburgh, delegates the strongest of safety cultures. explore exactly what challenges are faced in embedding and “We then learned about the maintaining strong safety culture. “..good to see so many symbiosis between health and people and companies safety and regulation, before Kerry Dolan, CIRAS Membership are taking safety delegates were shown how CIRAS Manager, said: “It was great to and confidential reporting has see so many people committed seriously.” developed within the transport not only to developing safety quote from delegate sector and how we plan to grow in culture, but also to exploring how the future. confidential reporting fits into the mix. heard from Louis de Wolff about “We firmly believe confidential the challenges faced by CalMac reporting has a role to play in all “We have been operating for 20 (the UK’s largest ferry company). industries – working alongside years and have a well-established other existing health and safety relationship with the rail industry, Edinburgh also played host to Pam reporting lines – and are seeking but it was particularly pleasing to Warren (The Lady in the Mask) who ways in which CIRAS can help those see colleagues from other sectors survived the Ladbroke Grove rail industries which are new to us.” (bus, construction and supply chain) crash and has since gone on to

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CONFERENCE 2016

LIGHT RAIL: David Nicholls of KeolisAmey Docklands ex- plains how health and safety is approached on DLR

SMILES AHEAD: The tone was serious, but there were some light hearted moments at CIRAS 2016.

www.ciras.org.uk CONFERENCE 01111

CONFERENCE (Clockwise from top left): Committee member and speaker Gary Cooper chats to colleagues. • CIRAS’ Chris Langer answers questions • Delegates discuss some of the issues raised • Tony Wilson of Abellio explains how CIRAS fits into the REGULATION: The ORR was represented by Johnny Schute bus industry who explained how health and safety and regulation goes hand in hand. • Rob Miles, CIRAS commitee member, explains the chal- lenge posed by human factors. • A packed room waits to hear from the next guest speaker • Stephen Watson details the theory behind strong safety culture

DISCUSSION: Delegates were given plenty to think about during the two events.

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CONFERENCE 2016 Iceberg model helps delegates to explore sub-surface behaviour Apathy, complacency and blame are factors in poor safety cultures

What’s really going on in your safety culture?

Using the 2016 conference, CIRAS put this question to our members, using the iceberg model. What happens beneath the waterline is just as important as the safety incidents (above the surface) that can result from largely invisible factors.

In fact, when looking at the causes of a safety incident, factors beneath the waterline are critical. If a serious incident occurs, the subsequent investigation will often reveal a failing within the safety culture of an organisation.

Confidential reporting to CIRAS can highlight these cultural issues well curve had been switched off two mindset. The problem is often one before they ever result in an injury years earlier, and automatic braking of failing to observe that apathy is or fatality. was not operational on that section beginning to take a hold. If staff are of track. apathetic, they will not be inclined Some of these ‘subsurface’ factors to report something that could include blame, complacency, and Is it perhaps complacent to assume endanger lives. apathy. And where one of these that a driver can drive a high-speed factors is present, it is likely others train without the support of those The longer apathy is present, are too. safety systems in place? the greater the danger and it will Whatever the case in these eventually translate into an incident At Santiago de Compostela blame particular circumstances, blame with the potential for loss of life. for the high-speed rail derailment and complacency can prove to be was initially placed on the a toxic mixture within the prevailing In the quest to get staff to engage ‘distracted’ driver. But it emerged safety culture. meaningfully with safety, novel that the driver alert system within strategies to increase awareness the cab to warn of the approaching Apathy is also a dangerous may be required. Audience gets interactive to see the value of confidential reporting An interactive session explored reporting methods, into working have made a difference to the the potential consequences of long hours. outcome. companies not taking health and safety concerns seriously. As a result of the hours worked, Head of Communications at CIRAS, Gordon’s nephew is inolved in a Glyn Hellam said: “We approached Gordon’s Story - run by Forum fatal road traffic collision and the Forum Interactive as we really Interacive - showed three scenes as fall-out was shown to delegates, wanted to bring the subject to life Gordon and a younger nephew are who were then asked to dicuss and there is little doubt they did coerced, through a poor approach where the safety culture failed and just that.” to safety and lack of adequate how confidential reporting could

www.ciras.org.uk REPORT 01313

ROLLING STOCK South West Trains clarifies its policy on rolling stock faults Train operator responds to concerns over reporting procedure for faulty doors and operating process once problems are identified

by mattbuck

the Defective on Train Equipment THE CONCERN... The reporter asked if South West Trains could: (DOTE) contingency plan, in accordance with Railway Group Concerns have been raised on the Standard GO/RT3437, ‘Defective • Clarify the procedure for procedure for reporting rolling On-Train Equipment’ and follow the reporting train door faults? stock faults. instructions therein. • Clarify if a train is allowed A reporter has sought clarification to continue in service with a Should it be determined that the from South West Trains following faulty door? train is unsafe to run, as per DOTE issues with faulty doors. instructions, the train will then be THE RESPONSE... taken out of service and relevant Following several incidents in which departments will be made aware. the train doors on the Class 444s South West Trains confirmed that, It is important that trains with were unable to open, the reporter whenever a train defect occurs that defective on-train equipment are was concerned that, even though affects the safe onward movement worked to a suitable location for those faults were reported, the of the train, which includes repair and also, in some instances, trains were allowed to continue in door faults, the train crew are for an investigation to take place service. instructed to advise the signaller into the circumstances of the failure. and then contact Fleet Control for The reporter felt that, if trains are instructions on how to deal with the It is also vital that any technical allowed to continue in service with fault. evidence is not lost before a door faults, it could potentially representative from the engineering result in passengers being trapped Following a report of a defect department has examined the on board in the event of an that affects the safe onward vehicle (e.g. when a power door has emergency or create a delay in help movement of the train, the Fleet opened in service). being provided. Control Manager must consult

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CHRIS LANGER Why is talking about mental health so tough © Pixabay Chris Langer CIRAS INTELLIGENCE MANAGER in the workplace? In this article our Scheme Intelligence Manager explores the hazards of labelling those with mental health illnesses and explains by Sander van der Wel how such thinking can impact on relationships in an organisation

Why do we find it so difficult to talk if they think - rightly or wrongly - CIRAS, people confide in some about our mental health at work? their employer will take a dim view of the mental health difficulties of it, and it may affect their job they are experiencing, and the In a recent study, nearly a third prospects. potential impact it has on their of 2,000 employees surveyed felt ability to do their job safely. It is unsure about where to find help or But the fact is that we all struggle only in an atmosphere of trust, support regarding mental health, or with our health and well-being and in confidence, that they find who to talk to. sometimes. The oft quoted statistic themselves able to disclose such is that one in four will suffer a personal information. Labels for mental health illnesses mental health problem in any given have the potential to both year. One in four! Look around People are often sceptical stigmatise and alienate individuals, you at work. No doubt, there are that they won’t be listened to and nowhere more so than in the colleagues suffering in silence in compassionately at their own workplace. You are either healthy your team or department. workplaces, and often fear being in this respect, or suffer a mental labelled. There is evidence to illness of some sort, such as anxiety One of the main drivers of mental suggest that labels, once acquired, or depression. Labels create an health issues is stress, which is are difficult to shake off. artificial divide between ‘normal’ now the most common reason for and ‘abnormal’. workers being signed off on long- People are probably right to be term sick. wary. Return to work after suffering No wonder workers find it difficult a mental health problem and there to disclose such illnesses, especially Occasionally when reporting to is a real risk of being stigmatised,

www.ciras.org.uk CIRAS UPDATE 01515 or even suffering discrimination. difficult for employers to tackle, story which we can better attune Perhaps unsurprisingly, after because they are unaware of the ourselves to. We needn’t label it, experiencing a mental health issue, scale of the problem. but we can attempt to listen to it 32 per cent said they felt they were non-judgmentally, benefitting both treated differently by their line Traditionally, employee assistance workers and their employers. manager on their return to work. A programmes, which often include fifth felt their colleagues’ attitudes counselling, aim to fill the gap. Managers can encourage workers towards them had changed. There is another line of approach, to talk more openly about what is however, one which emphasises really bothering them. No-one wants to be labelled more attuned listening to our as having serious psychological colleagues’ struggles, and their To break down the culture of problems in the workplace. This potential psychological difficulties. silence, the mental health elephant creates a ‘catch-22’ situation. Many in the workplace needs to be fully are afraid to discuss the subject Beyond a person’s presenting acknowledged. The result might at work for fear of being labelled. state of mind, whether that be well be less sickness, absence This contributes to the masking of an ‘anxious’ or ‘depressed’ one, and staff turnover, and greater the problem, which then makes it for example, there is a personal productivity.

TFL SURFACE TRANSPORT TfL’s Surface Transport services join CIRAS to build on partnership Surface Transport signs up to confidential reporting scheme to give cycles, taxis and river services the same access as rail and underground

CIRAS now covers a significant portion of ’s network following the news that Surface Transport has fully joined the scheme.

Earlier this year TfL’s bus operations joined CIRAS, building on the partnership already established with overground rail services and London Underground.

Now staff throughout Surface Transport (which also includes cycles, river services, taxis and ) will be able to report health and safety concerns, confidentially, to CIRAS.

Kerry Dolan, CIRAS Membership Manager, said: “We welcome TfL’s Surface Transport operations and look forward to working with by Elliot Brown our new members to help further the scheme and their decision to Kerry added: “This marks a strengthen health and safety across expand CIRAS to so many modes of significant milestone, achieved London’s transport network. transport clearly demonstrates TfL’s during our 20th year, as we mature approach to its health and continue to expand and develop “We have been working with our safety culture, as well as a genuine ways of facilitating shared learning colleagues at TfL for some time desire to give staff as many avenues and the dissemination of best in preparation for the roll-out of as possible to report concerns.” practice across transport sectors.”

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BUS CURTAILMENT TfL reviews bus curtailments Operator addresses reporter’s concerns with investigation into current practices and possible operational improvements

by Au Morandarte

THE CONCERN... provided inside the bus via the dot The reporter was also concerned matrix sign and the pre-recorded that the Seven Sisters/Tesco bus A reporter raised concerns that the announcement do not match the stop, located southbound between curtailment menu listed on iBus is blind on the front of the bus, this Tottenham High Cross and Seven not being kept up-to-date for the can increase the risk of drivers Sisters underground bus stop, has W4 route. experiencing verbal confrontations been moved further down the road. from angry passengers and the The reporter stated that, when potential for escalating conflict. As a result, the reporter stated buses are stuck in traffic, it is that when the bus stops and the common practice for the bus The reporter stated that the doors open at the new location, to terminate prior to its final curtailment points on the W4 route there are no announcements made destination point in order to are not accurately listed, with or visual information provided to regulate the service. , Tottenham passengers. High Cross, Bruce Grove and Wood According to the reporter, the Green Wolves Lane absent from the The reporter added that, if bus will then be turned around menu. passengers do not get off at in service at the next available this stop because of the lack of curtailment point. Although the driver can make information available to them, an announcement on the public they have to travel on towards However, the reporter states address system inside the bus, the Tottenham Hale and this can cause that, if the information about the reporter believes this does not them to become frustrated and curtailment points for the route always defuse the confrontation could potentially cause further from angry passengers. opportunities for confrontation.

www.ciras.org.uk REPORT 01717 This was due to curtailments being identify and resolve faults in order The reporter asked if at locations not agreed with TfL or to ensure the curtailment menu Transport for London due to technical faults. contains the most appropriate and could: effective curtailment points. This The destination descriptions for includes Bruce Grove and Wood • Consider making amendments the curtailments on the front of Green, Wolves Lane. to the curtailment menu for buses and on the on-board next the W4 route to make sure that stop signs have been reviewed • The Seven Sisters/Tesco bus the information on iBus is up- and discussions have taken place stop southbound Bus Stop J to-date? with W4 drivers to establish other (“College of North East London”) • Investigate whether the associated issues. is now included on the iBUS current curtailment menu for system providing information to the W4 route contains the “..some curtailments passengers. most effective curtailment authorised by service points? • The bus operator has confirmed controllers were not that only curtailment points agreed • Consider providing a valid previously available for with TfL will be implemented. location for the bus stop It is appreciated that the issues that has been moved drivers to select.” reported can cause incorrect so announcements and or inadequate information for information can be provided ACTIONS TAKEN passengers and drivers. to passengers on-board? • The curtailment menu will be It is anticipated that the accuracy further investigated to ensure that THE RESPONSE... and consistency of the iBUS system the appropriate curtailment points on route W4 will improve because are available. This will include of the investigation and actions The bus operator and TfL have Tottenham Hale Bus Station. taken by TfL and the a route record with curtailment bus operator. points listed. These should be • TfL is undertaking testing to included on the driver’s curtailment menu if there are no faults. Each curtailment point has a blind destination name and these are chosen to reflect the local area the bus curtails or terminates at.

The curtailments have not been on the driver’s menu due to three main reasons:

• The bus operator has implemented curtailments not on the route record

• Technical faults with the drivers’ curtailment menu have not been identified and therefore not reported by the bus operator

• The route record was not up to date on one curtailment point (Tottenham Hale Bus Station) following changes on the routing.

As a result of the report an investigation was carried out to determine the full extent of the issues raised.

This investigation found that some curtailments authorised by service controllers were not previously available for drivers to select.

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MEMBERSHIP UPDATE Spring reps’ meetings highlight frequently asked questions Membership team tackles those queries posed by CIRAS reps

We reported on our spring new those who have joined from the bus may hesitate to report concerns reps’ meetings in the last edition community, to report any health on client sites for fear this may of the newsletter, and promised to and safety concerns they encounter damage their employers’ business. share the questions we were asked. in their working environment. From Confidentiality comes first at CIRAS experience, we have been able and we will do everything we can to With so many new members it’s not to facilitate resolutions to issues ensure any report we process does surprising the questions reflected that are common across a range not lead to the identification of the some interesting new issues. Here, of sectors. We will always listen. If contractor involved. we’ve picked out the 10 most we are unable to help, or we think frequently asked questions, and an issue may be better handled by How can CIRAS investigate a shared our answers: other agencies, for example local concern if the report doesn’t give detailed, specific information? councils, we would work with you Does CIRAS report the to establish this and make sure your We cannot compromise performance of members to concern is heard. Network Rail or Transport for confidentiality and recognise this means that reports can sometimes London (TfL)? Why is CIRAS mandatory for lack information on specifics. It all Network Rail suppliers, can mean the member has to No. We are completely regardless of size? independent of all other investigate more widely to address the safety concern. However, the organisations including Network Network Rail decided to make it alternative may be that we would Rail, Achilles and TfL. Network Rail compulsory for Sentinel sponsors have to redirect the report, which and TfL are members, and can to be members of a confidential view information on reports via our removes the opportunity for the safety reporting scheme. We don’t member to address the safety issue. members’ portal, in the same way mandate anyone to join CIRAS, as any other member can, but do but we do want to ensure every What does CIRAS do if it gets an not have privileged access to data. member gets the most out of their inadequate response to a report? membership, regardless of why Only part of our company works they joined. Our role is to facilitate the response in rail – can we apply CIRAS and our analysts will go back to across the company? What power does CIRAS have to the CIRAS rep to highlight any compel a member to respond to gaps and explore how to improve We would not turn a genuine safety concerns? the response, providing as much report away, regardless of which support as possible. We’ll work with parts of a member’s business it We have no regulatory power, and the member for as long as it takes came from. If a member had a large we hope members will respond to achieve a response which they, number of reports coming from to concerns because they want to and the reporter, are happy with. non-rail staff, we might review how address safety risks. It’s rare that their membership fee is calculated, a member doesn’t respond, but if Have CIRAS members seen a but we would do this in discussion this happens we can escalate it to reduction in use of their own with them. our governing committee, which is internal reporting systems? made up of senior representatives As a bus operator, we are more from across the sectors we work Quite the opposite. Members who likely to have concerns about with. respond positively to CIRAS reports issues such as road safety. Can tell us they often see an increase in How can CIRAS protect CIRAS handle these? the number of internal reports they contractors who want to report receive. We think that if staff see Yes. We are interested in any safety issues on a client site, their employer takes their safety genuine safety concern, whether but worry there might be concerns seriously, they become this is likely to affect staff, repercussions for them or their more confident about reporting customers or the public. We would employer? future concerns directly to their encourage all members, including We recognise that contractors company.

www.ciras.org.uk 019 Do you have any concerns about safety?

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If so, please provide your contact details in the space below. Any information you provide will be treated as confidential.

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What happens next? • A member of the CIRAS team will get in touch and discuss your health and safety concerns. • A written report will be prepared on your behalf. • We will make sure the report does not contain ANY information that can identify YOU. Fill out the form, cut along the dotted line, moisten the gum seal and post. We’ll do the rest. Fill out the form, cut along dotted line, moisten gum seal and post. We’ll • We then send the report to the relevant company for a response. • Once we receive the company response we will then provide you with a copy.

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