Reporting of Unsafe Practices
If you are aware of ANY practices taking place which you feel are unsafe, or contrary to any rules, regulations or procedures it is essential that the management team are made aware of them so that they can do something about it.
If you are aware of any of the following occurring you owe it to yourself to report it, lives could depend on it.
A safe system of work is not always established in accordance with the rule book (particularly where the line speed is slow, the sighting good and/or work is of short duration). The unexpected can happen at any time, preventing things happening as planned.
Some staff use their knowledge or judgement to determine when trains may approach. Trains may run out of course or on a different route to normal.
Signallers are asked about the whereabouts of trains and work takes place in the "margin" before the next train without making formal arrangements. The signaller could make a mistake, or the work could take longer than expected.
Red Zone work takes place without Lookout protection, or without enough Lookouts. It's very easy to be distracted and not notice a train is approaching - it only takes one train to be missed!
Site wardens are not always appointed when working close to lines open to traffic. If you are engrossed in the work, it's easier to stray into danger.
There is not always adequate clearance between worksites and passing trains. This speaks for itself and is obviously unsafe.
Work takes place on the track without a COSS (or IWA) being appointed. Nobody else is qualified to set up a safe system of work.
Site briefing are not always carried out properly and/or they are not recorded and signed for by all personnel. How else can you be absolutely sure everyone knows what the safety arrangements are!
Staff sometimes carry out duties for which they do not hold competency certificate. It might seem an easy task but how can you be sure the persons know all they need to know!
Anything else you consider to be unsafe.
CIRAS
We would obviously prefer to feel that you can report your safety concerns within the company. However, we understand that you may not always feel comfortable reporting such things in case it makes trouble for you, your friends and colleagues, or even your supervisors or managers. If this is the case we would encourage you to use the CIRAS system if your employer is a member.
You will remember from the material that was circulated before, that this is completely confidential. It is run by an independent organisation that ensures that ANY specifics that could trace the report back to you are removed before details are passed on to the employer.
FINALLY
As the tragedy as Desborough proves, the consequences of an accident on the railway could be greater. Therefore please help us to make sure none of us ever face these practical circumstances again. Always work safety and make sure that any unsafe practices are reported either within the company or to CIRAS.
Click here if you want to go through RAIL SAFETY again.