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The importance of effective site control in achieving site safety

Hello everyone,

Today I would like to talk to you about the importance of the correct use of On Track Plant (OTP) following an incident which occurred on the Wales and Borders route.

So many of our engineering works rely on large yellow plant being used for carrying equipment, and excavations – meaning tasks can be done quicker, or using less staff - however they pose certain dangers when travelling around our infrastructure and extra care needs to be taken when using them.

In this case, a road rail vehicle (RRV) on an Amco Giffin worksite, recently came off the rail and damaged 5 sleepers beyond repair and several others. As standard, an investigation is currently underway whilst we work to establish the cause of the incident.

Rob Cairns,

Regional Managing Director

Bellhouse Ramsden, May 2021

Whilst I was really alarmed to hear about this incident, I want to take this opportunity to stress the importance of effective site control as being a major factor in achieving site safety compliance.

In 2021, I was in charge of a site in Essex where two machines collided, and an overhead lines person was injured terribly leading to the very worst life changing injuries. It was devastating.

There are two things I would really underline as being important in my experience – planning of the works, & allocation of correct roles & responsibilities.

When utilising On Track Plant (OTP) it is always important that we maintain a detailed plan with our crane controllers or machine controller, being clear on what the plan looks like and ensuring that the lift plan associated with any lifting is communicated effectively.

Having a clear understanding of the engineering requirements as well as understanding what the machine is capable of is key to safe delivery. It is important that regular assurance of all our work is carried out. We need to ensure that our plant operating supervisors (POS) are on site as not only to undertake the duties of licensing requirements but also to assure that the utilisation of machines is done safely.

The POS representative will be responsible for implementing controls to maintain site safety during OTP operations. The OTP brief provided to the machine controller should detail the type of OTP and the specific work which is to be undertaken.

When plant operations are not effectively controlled, safety becomes an issue. An example might include an RRV moving a load which is not effectively secured, or a load which encroaches or goes over the weight capability required or even which protrudes beyond the trailer. In the many incidents investigated, poor communication has also been identified as a contributory cause.

Effective, clear, concise communications is absolutely essential to supporting safe operations and especially critical when using an RRV.

A detailed key point guide is available to support you with all aspects of On-Track Plant Operations Scheme (POS) should you require further support or knowledge around the compulsory requirements and minimum means of compliance.

You can also direct any queries to Adam Quinn Area Plant Manager.

Thank you and stay safe

Rob

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This update is provided by the Wales and Western Communications team. For any queries, please contact walesandwesterncomms@networkrail.co.uk