FEATURE PROCESS SAFETY
SAFETY ON TRACKS
Upgraded lines and modern trains are part of the transformation of Britain’s rail system. But in this move to modernisation, the safety of workers is paramount. In this article, Russell Stuart, marketing manager at ZARGES, considers ways to improve worker safety
B
ritain’s railways are experiencing a transformation, the like of which has
not been seen since the Victorian Era. Modern trains and upgraded lines promise an answer to road congestion, pollution – and even the eternal productivity puzzle, thanks to faster commutes. Yet, as the rail industry grapples with the
‘performance or capacity’ choice, the issue of safety is ever-present. This question is not just one of passenger safety, but the less talked-about – but no less important – issue of protecting workers on the railways. The unsung heroes of the industry – those
helping repair and maintain rail infrastructure and rolling stock – face multiple risks of their own such as exposure to electricity and falls from height. A single death or serious injury is one too
many. Figures provided by four of the UK’s most high-profile public works construction projects following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request earlier this year showed that 11 per cent of all health and safety incidents are related to working at height. Of all respondents, Network Rail’s Crossrail project - the largest construction project in Europe - reported the highest number of total incidents, and highest number related to Working at Height – 321 and 35, respectively. Crossrail does not build skyscrapers, but
trains, platforms and stations. Meaning, the average height at which workers operate should allow for preventable working at height accident management - whether through thorough planning, comprehensive training, or use of certified equipment. ZARGES is acutely aware that its products are
about so much more than simply helping businesses with their access challenges: they actually save lives. The company is always thinking of how it can improve workers’ safety. The UK’s railways are undergoing a
transformation, with the biggest infrastructure investment in the industry for well over a hundred years. Meanwhile, train operating companies like Greater Anglia and GWR have spent billions buying new, faster and more reliable trainsets from Bombardier and Hitachi, respectively. Yet, this is also a period of great uncertainty.
The fate of HS2, which would be Europe’s biggest infrastructure project, hangs in the balance. Critics are calling for the money to be spent on upgrading existing lines instead, or on a proposed “HS3” to connect the cities of the ‘Northern Powerhouse’. Whatever the future of Britain’s railways, we
will continue to see major investment in improving infrastructure. That means more jobs and therefore more lives placed at risk – unless we can make a similar investment in safety systems for maintenance workers. Any worker will tell you that you need the
right tools for the job, and this is especially the case for such a safety-critical industry as the railways. There is no room for one-size- fits-all access solutions, especially given the diverse range of trainsets and depot layouts. That is why ZARGES products such as its industrial stairs and platforms do not just feature full adjustability, but can be configured before ordering so that customers can tailor them to their own specific needs and measurements. In its quest to reduce deaths and injuries to
railway workers, ZARGES has developed industry-specific products that are made of non-conductive fibreglass (GRP), which are
22 AUTUMN 2019 | INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE
ideal for working near electrical hazards. Furthermore, its range of access platforms include products that are specifically designed for train maintenance, which are far safer than ladders for working at height on complicated tasks. It is also important to ensure that you have
both the necessary quality equipment, and that it is in good condition before starting any work at height. It is recommended that mobile platforms and ladders are subject to a pre-use check, as well as more detailed inspection at least once every three months. In order to ensure equipment is safe, companies should ask their safety officer to perform a risk assessment as soon as possible. Effective safety management requires an individual risk assessment to take into account various factors before carrying out a task involving mobile platforms or ladders. These factors include the purpose of use and duration of the activity. With the rail industry undergoing its
transformation and creating more jobs, it is also placing more lives at risk. Therefore, ZARGES emphasises the importance of regularly inspecting equipment used for even ‘minor’ jobs at lower heights and ensuring that the quality of those access systems is never willingly overlooked or compromised.
ZARGES
www.zarges.com/uk/ / INDUSTRIALCOMPLIANCE
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