Site safety training
Following trials earlier this year we’ve launched the first module of our bespoke Controller of Site Safety (COSS) Academy programme. Feedback has been very positive and the course is proving to be very popular.
It is a one day module with the following objectives:
● Understanding and practicing positive behaviours as a COSS
● Delivering clear briefings
● Using and cross referencing all available information to determine location and which line is which
● Dealing with conflicting information and only progressing when 100% verified and sure
● Explaining to the team why you are confident regarding location and line identification
● Conversations about access and protection with the signaller
We take only six people on each course with two facilitators, it includes practical role play, 1-2-1’s and theory. So far we’ve had 66 delegates, including some attendees from our supply chain and we’re aiming to reach over 260 of our people in total.
I felt the COSS academy was very well thought out and delivered professionally.
Delegate feedback so far
“Thank you for the course today at Pontyclun. I found it useful as COSS / SWL1 isn't my primary role, but is still a great competency for me to be an effective part of the team.”
“I believe many other COSS's within the business will benefit from this role out.”
“You have both created a very good session that had a good tempo and definitely beneficial for a COSS.”
“Firstly thank you for making me feel welcome and treating me the same as your own employees.
We’re also rolling out a significant training programme for safety critical roles such as:
019 Responsible Manager, Person in Charge (PIC / COSS), Planner, ALO (Any Line Open) Responsible Manager, ALO Coordinator and ALO Planner
We’re also holding additional workshops with our operatives to understand how we can further improve our planning and safe delivery of work especially on and about the line.
These interventions are part of our SHEQ24/7 strategy and action plan that we started in 2018 and updated in 2020 for delivery this year. We carried out a structured review of our systems and culture in 2020 using the standard industry assessment tool RM3 and used the results to develop our updated SHEQ24/7 strategy which has six key focus areas. Each focus area has a sponsor from the senior leadership team responsible for completing the actions.
- Competence Management
- Safety Critical Systems
- Business Management System
- Behavioural Science
- Assurance
- Sustainability
We’re well underway with progress and share updates via our monthly managing director’s SHEQ leadership webinar, newsletters and internal campaigns around some of the initiatives.
Rail Safety Week aims to address, engage, promote and bring rail safety to the forefront of people’s minds across a dedicated week. Our aim is to have SHEQ at the forefront of our minds 24/7.
In doing this we’ll get our people home safe every day, protect the environment and deliver the job right first time.
