Rail Safety Person of the Year

Name: Cathy Hunsley
Job title: SQE Manager
Company: TfL
Location: Bonhill Street

Why they should be this years rail safety person of the year?
“Cathy is reliable, efficient, knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. She did a superb achievement in overall safety performance of ELL project!”

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"Cathy is the TfL’s Safety Quality and Environmental Manager for the East London Line Project. She has ensured that all our contractors have maintained the highest site safety standards with two periods of over 1million hours without a RIDDOR and more recently 12 months without incident. She has also led the safety team to ensure that the safety documentation has been in place to enable the project to successfully and smoothly transition from a construction project to an operational railway.

Undoubtedly without her we would not have opened the railway ahead of programme".

Date of event: 27-4-10

Name: Tony Stapleton
Job title: SQE Team Liaison Manager – Stations and L&E
Company: London Underground Limited
Location: Central London

Why they should be this years rail safety person of the year?
"Tony is one of the most pragmatic, energetic and enthusiastic Health and Safety professionals I have ever met in the rail sector. Since joining the team he has shown an unflappable approach and is able to swiftly sift the wheat from the chaff and identify where the health and safety focus of the team is best applied. His depth and breadth of knowledge, on all matters relating to and aligned with health and safety, is impressive and thorough, and he is always willing to educate and assist his subordinates, peers and superiors – no task is to small and no challenge to large for him. When he took over his position he was faced with a mountain of data, gathered across the company and manipulated by many, which told vastly varying stories about the areas of health and safety concern, and the team’s ability to focus on the key issues. Small items of smaller concern were being addressed with the same vigour and energy as more important items – in short his team were being swamped by data and unable to identify where the real areas on concern were. Tony wasted no time in clearing the confusion. Driving his team and leading his peers, he rapidly sorted out the procedural problems, closed out issues that had lain open for a considerable period and was able to provide the management with accurate, concise and timely health and safety data, with excellent root cause analysis which has allowed my team to focus on improvement and achieve real results. He has transformed our health and safety approach to one which is forward looking, timely and focussed on the greatest areas of need. We are a safer organisation as a result of his drive and can-do approach, and are better able to identify and mitigate a potential problem before it becomes a health and safety issue. People go home un-injured because of Tony’s efforts. He is a very worthy recipient of this award".

Date of event: 25-8-10

Name: Ray Wadey
Job title: Ops Standards Safety Manager
Company: LOROL
Location: Swiss Cottage

Why they should be this years rail safety person of the year?
“Ray is a key role in the team. He is always a helpful link for engineering to liaise with for the ops and safety aspect of the railways. Always a nice bloke to deal with. Key successes involve Ray's TPI and DOO work, which involved lots of night test running to ensure safe introduction of the Electrostar fleet”.

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Ray plays a key role in ensuring that all changes have been managed safely and effectively. His role has encompassed everything from going out with trial trains at night to check the platform train interface for new trains and stations, developing new standards and procedures for the new services and trains and playing a key role in safety validation of these major schemes. His knowledge and experience is respected not just within LOROL but by all the organisations with whom he works, sometimes in situations where professionalism and good inter-personal skills are vital to solving potential conflicts and problems. Whilst he is not prepared to compromise the high standards of safety he sets he has the knack to look at a problem from different angles and come up with a solution that suits all parties but still retains the necessary safety standards. This is where his experience and wide knowledge come in extremely useful, as does his wide network of contacts.

Ray is prepared to stand up and be counted when that is needed which is one of the reasons why he commands such respect within LOROL. His involvement in all the projects I have listed does not detract from his engagement with the day to day operations where his attention to detail is invaluable.

Date of event: 27-4-10

Name: Stephen Ward
Job title: Train Manager
Company: Virgin Trains
Location: Liverpool

Why they should be this years rail safety person of the year?
This is a statement from the Train Manager:

"1F16 12:07 London Euston to Liverpool service. After just passing Milton Keynes the train started to drop speed, as we were not in an area due to stop or slow for points I contacted the driver to check if he was ok or if he had a problem. The driver said there was an emergency broadcast on the NRN for 2 other set's to slow, but the area that was mentioned (Wolverton) was coming up so felt it wise to slow also the call mentioned that there was a possible drunk trespasser on the line.

On the approach to the north end of the platform we slowed to a stop, once again I called the driver to check he was ok. At this point he informed me he had a red signal, after a few minutes we rolled forward at cautionary speed and by the time we reached the next signal I was near the cab as the driver came out to head to the SPT to talk to the signaller, as he came out he informed me that we had just passed the male by a few meters. He informed the signaller there was someone on the line, the request was to proceed at cautionary speed until we were clear, my driver refused to move the train until the man was clear as if he fell the train could kill him. (As we understand it no train should move in the affected area while there is a trespasser on the line until the person is removed). I supported the driver’s choice and said I would make my way to the rear cab and call him when the male was clear of the train.

On my way to the rear cab 2 of the staff informed me they had just seen the male pass along the side of the train and came with me to point him out. On arrival into the rear cab one of the crew immediately identified a person on the track around 200 yds behind the rear of train as the male she had seen earlier. I picked up the phone to inform the driver that the male was clear from the train and it was safe to move the train out of the affected area. (The male did appear to be very drunk, he was staggering and fell over a couple of times, I was uneasy with leaving him but we were under the assumption that the line was closed as with procedure). As I was informing the driver we were both very alarmed as a 390 passed at speed on the UP FAST (we were located DOWN FAST), having seen the male fall 3 times and discovering the line had not been closed I informed the driver I would be leaving the train to get the male as his chance of survival was slim.

The driver informed me that he would call the signaller to get the line closed. As I left the train the girl from the crew that was with me remained in the cab and observed me as we were unsure if the male may be violent, and from there she could inform the driver of any complications. I made my way up the track until around 6 meters from the male, I then approached him slowly while talking so he could see I was no threat, within a few seconds I could tell he was not a drunk but someone with mental issues and was clearly lost and very scared. I informed him we had to move quickly as I was it this time unsure if the line next to us was still open or not. Talking with him I could make out that he was heading to a work placement and had missed his stop so got off at the next one to go back (in his mind it was not far as he just passed it) by the time he realised it was to far trains were going past him and he got scared, he tried to get to the road which he could see at the bottom of the embankment but hurt his leg and head in trying to do so. I picked him up and carried him along the track another 100yds towards Wolverton station as it was closer than my train, and with around 10yds to go the BTP was on site to take him from me.

Once I arrived back on the train I informed my driver what had happened and that it was now safe to move off, the driver then informed the signaller that it was safe to re-open the line".

Once again taking into account a possibly life saving incident, it was also an act of bravery, which Steve had to make a quick decision to avoid a fatality towards the unwell male.

Date of event: 24-6-10

Name: John Harradine
Job title: Safety Business Partner
Company: First Capital Connect
Location: London

Why they should be this years rail safety person of the year?
"John gave invaluable support to the King’s Cross station redevelopment programme, especially during the works to build a new platform. He was consistently helpful, pragmatic and focused on seeking solutions to project challenges. John demonstrated the kind of collaborative approach that in a complex project makes everyone’s lives easier, and saves endless trouble in the long term".

Date of event: 21-7-10

Name: Mike Harris
Job title: Access & Possessions Director
Company: Bridgeway Consulting Ltd
Location: Nottingham

Why they should be this years rail safety person of the year?
"Mike joined the rail industry nearly 12 years ago and during that time he has worked his way up from being a Handsignaller up to a SPICOP and is now the Possessions and Access Director for Bridgeway.

Mike has an infectious nature when it comes to safety and as a Bridgeway Consulting Director he always leads by example, sets the right standards and never turns a blind eye if he see’s something that’s not safe. He is a natural leader and has an exemplary attitude toward safety. His team are responsible for delivering highly complex and demanding possessions every day and night of the week. His leadership and commitment are demonstrated by the excellent results achieved by the team as a whole – always with safety as their first priority.

Mike is also a trainer, mentor / coach to newly qualified staff. Mike develops Rimini Safe System of Work Plans, Work Package Plans and Possession Site Packs – this in turn helps improve the quality of information on site and in turn is reflected in Bridgeway Consulting’s safety culture.

Mike not only talks the talk – he also walks the walk. He is holds many safety critical competences and he often undertakes activities such as Senior PICOP. This has proved to be invaluable when providing safety advice and guidance to Bridgeway staff. His performance has helped to turn Bridgeway into one of the most forward thinking and safest rail consultancies – specifically in the area of possession management.

His overall attitude and helpfulness make him an excellent ambassador for Bridgeway Consulting and also rail industry safety. Safety comes first – every time in everything that Mike does and he would be a worthy winner of the Safety Person of the year award 2010".

Date of event: 9-8-10

Name: Richard Bartrop
Job title: Assurance Manager
Company: Bridgeway Consulting Ltd
Location: Nottingham

Why they should be this years rail safety person of the year?
"Richard has consistently shown a high degree of leadership qualities and professionalism in developing and maintaining the Bridgeway Consulting Health and Safety Management System. He has developed the system to ensure that Bridgeway are fully complaint in relation to legislation relating to Health, Safety and the Environment. During his nine years at Bridgeway he has acquired an excellent, all round underpinning knowledge of rail industry safety and operational rules and regulations. Richard has helped to instill a sound safety culture within the company and this has resulted in a 60% reduction in trackside incidents and a Zero Accident Frequency Rate over the last four years. Richard has also been instrumental in developing and monitoring systems to ensure that work is only undertaken by competent and properly equipped staff. Richard regularly drives home the message to all staff that “everybody has responsibility for health, safety, and the environment”.

Some of Richard’s other contributions and key achievements within the company include:

• ISO 9001 / 2000 accreditation
• Investors in People accreditation
• Contractors Assurance Case audit – with no non-compliances raised
• Development of the Bridgeway 3-4-3 safety newsletter

Richard not only talks the talk – he also walks the walk. This has proved to be invaluable when providing safety advice and guidance to Bridgeway staff. His performance has helped to turn Bridgeway into one of the most forward thinking and safest rail consultancies – specifically in the area of possession support.

Richards’s overall attitude and helpfulness make him an excellent ambassador for Bridgeway Consulting and also for rail industry safety. He is a passionate advocate of safety and is a well respected safety professional. Richard would be a very worthy winner of The Rail Safety Person of the Year 2010 award".

Date of event: 9-8-10

Name: Peter Stanton
Job title: Senior Safety Risk Advisor
Company: Network Rail
Location: Kings Place, London

Why they should be this years rail safety person of the year?
"Peter is constantly working both within Network Rail and externally to raise the profile of rail safety. He is knowledgeable and professional and goes above and beyond his role by organising events for the Safety and Reliability Society, where he sits on the national council and is financial director.

Peter also contributes to events, enthusiastically spreading knowledge of the rail industry. An example of this was at the recent Language of Safety Event for the Safety and Reliability Society (a registered charity where he volunteers), where, after a presenter dropped out and a facilitator became ill, he stepped in to present and also facilitated the sessions – all at extremely short notice.

Peter is responsible, personable and a credit to Network Rail. I am proud to be able to nominate him for Rail Safety Person of the Year".

Date of event: 17-6-10

Name: Dave Newell
Job title: Child rail Safety adviser
Company: Chiltern Railways
Location: Marylebone

Why they should be this years rail safety person of the year?
“I would like to nominate Dave. In the period of time I have known him it has really been an eye opener, how some of life’s certain people act like shepherds guiding others from danger and assisting with life’s questions. His day is never done, he is always downstairs helping passengers on his break or in times of need, I tell you he is like a walking information booth he knows every bus and train in London and where to catch it, but this is about rail safety. While down on the platforms walking to his train he would politely point out to any children or other passengers if they were too close to the Yellow line, too near to the end of the platform or not in a position of safety and this is all before he starts his other duty as a train driver. He ensures everyone is always well informed & carrying out the every day chores safely. He has been a child safety adviser for many years now, he started out with one of his best friends Mick they both carried out rail safety talks at lots of schools on and off their patch. They would carry out these duties in or out of work without any extra cost just for the love of the job their professionalism was second to none. It was their passion and duty in life to keep people safe from harm. Sadly Dave’s friend past away earlier this year. He was also a fighter until the end. Near to the end he needed to get taxi's to school runs just so he could take part in the rail safety talks they would bounce off each other and get all the children interacting together. Dave has found it harder than ever this year carrying out his duties as a child safety adviser, going back to the schools they both worked together to teach the hazards and danger of being on or near the line. But he knows his friend will always be looking over him, to make sure he's carries out his duties to best of his ability and keeping children safe”.

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"Very high level of Health and Safety awareness and practice. Goes above and beyond the call of duty. Reliable, professional and hardworking".

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From the moment that I started Chiltern Railways and I was introduced to Dave and Mick, I was overwhelmed by how much they love their job and how much dedication to rail safety that they have. Losing Mick this year has been a great loss and Dave has carried on visiting schools, with the same love as he had before. Something which I later remembered and recounted with Dave and Mick was that one of their very first schools that they went to teach at as a duo, I was there in assembly learning about rail safety from the people I would later work with. The lesson they gave me definitely stopped me ever wanting to trespass or throw stones at trains and I remember it being really exciting to have a real train drivers come into the school, it made the lesson even more hard-hitting.

Over a decade later, Dave is still doing this, teaching children and saving lives. He receives praise letters and emails from children and teachers.

Not only does Dave give up his time to teach children, I’ve also witnessed many occasions where he has shown such care for his passengers. People who are so passionate that much day in day out, deserve recognition and I hope he wins this.

Date of event: 25-7-10

Name: Ann Savides
Job title: SQE Advisor
Company: Babcock Rail
Location: Preston

Why they should be this years rail safety person of the year?
“Ann has worked with our IMT for a number of years and has been dedicated in reducing the number of safety incidents throughout our very large team.

She is very approachable and always willing to support any ventures, and particularly over this last 12 months Ann has worked with development to ensure that our future works are planned to ensure a safe working environment for all our staff particularly with the push for ALO, and reduced safety cover speeds.

She has been heavily involved in the near miss campaign, and worked closely with suppliers to focus on safety. This has helped the development team plan in a safer, and more efficient manner”.

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"For their hard work and dedication in such a difficult work place that is facing massive changes and difficulties and yet has managed to make a difference and stick to her principals in safety. This has been shown through her work with the IMT northwest and recently the LNE".

Date of event: 20-7-10

Name: Gary Jennings
Job title: Possession Planners
Company: Geoffrey Osborne
Location: Clapham Junction

Why they should be this years rail safety person of the year?
“Gary consistently delivers the best possible information to the protection teams. His Rimini packs are always comprehensive with lots of information to enable those who depend on them to do their jobs safely. He actively goes out of his way to get the most up to date information, pictures and reference material together to put into the track access packs he produces. Gary uses site visits, mapping websites, local knowledge and information from others to produce simple to understand diagrams to help teams to be as well informed as possible out on the network. He frequently has to provide these at short notice which he does with the same diligence he always provides. He also regularly acts as ES/COSS to the same exemplary standards, he listens to the workforce feedback and uses it to improve what he does. His briefings are always to the point and professional delivered to emphasise the risks facing the team. Changes to the plan are always well thought through and discussed with everyone affected, solution found and the change re-briefed to the team. He takes the lessons learnt forward to improve everyone’s safety. His cheery, nothing is too much bother attitude keeps the whole site upbeat. Gary is a great colleague and a credit to himself”.

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“Gary is always helpful and will always go that extra mile. For example, when I was going though a hard time at work this guy always listened to me going on and would always offer his advice and see that I was okay, he would always be the first to offer to lend a hand and be the first guy to come up with a “Plan B”, all in all a great guy”.

Date of event: 24-5-10