Business profile
to learn from the actions of other companies. As well as the circulation of each newsletter, the previous editions are archived on the website and can be easily accessed. All reports and responses are on the website so everything is accessible for those who are interested in learning more. Companies that subscribe to CIRAS all have a representative whose main role is to receive the initial report and ensure that it gets to the intended party within their company. These reps have the opportunity to meet twice a year at a meeting held by CIRAS, the objective of which is to share knowledge and experiences from all sectors. The interactive discussions allow for the suggestion of changes and new ideas that can be taken on to help the reporting systems work even more effectively.
Whatever the reason, CIRAS could be used as another way to seek a resolution or explanation to an issue. Take the example of fatigue. In the rail industry, ensuring that staff are well-rested is important in all areas of employment and it is absolutely crucial in safety critical roles that a staff member is fit for work and if not, can make this known to someone. A report was received earlier this
year highlighting the fact that in some incidents staff were reportedly working in excess of the 14 hour door-to-door recommendation supplied by Network Rail. As a result, the company looked into additional software to monitor staff hours and observe the potential risk of fatigue for individual staff members. Another company that received a
report on fatigue acknowledged the need to review staffing and hours as a result of this being brought to its attention. The outcome was to instruct staff not to work mornings when they are rostered on for an
evening shift on the same day.
Focus on shared learning Integral to CIRAS is the focus on shared learning. Initially a report may not be welcomed but it can prove to be a valuable tool to impart knowledge and ensure that the rest of the industry also learns from the outcomes provided. One way that this information is shared is through The CIRAS Newsletter published every two months. This features some of the reports that have been dealt with and resolved, and breaks the details down into the following sections: the employee’s concern, considerations for the company in question to take on board, the company response and any actions that have been taken which directly address the subject of the report. Issues including staff hours and fatigue, safety equipment and the workplace facilities could potentially be faced by people in all sectors, so the newsletter can offer the opportunity
Looking to share its methods As 2013 comes to a close, and still holding a firm place within rail, CIRAS is now looking to share its methods of confidential reporting with other transport sectors. Still in the early stages of this expansion plan, there is potential for companies within light rail, bus, aviation and marine to all join up to CIRAS so that their staff can benefit from a multitude of options for reporting health and safety concerns. The purpose of CIRAS is not just for
the staff reporting but also for senior staff members whose job it is to ensure that the organisation they are part of offers appropriate reporting systems. It provides a corporate safety net which raises awareness of health and safety issues that may not have been reported or resolved internally. This is something that everyone
can learn from. • Nikki Holman, CIRAS editor Visit
www.ciras.org.uk Tel: 0800 4 101 101 Freepost CIRAS Text 07507 285887
November 2013 Page 101
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