The RailStaff Awards 2024

Nominations for Safety Person or Team Award

Richard Griffiths

Said the following about Chris Hemmings:

“As programme manager, Chris has worked tirelessly to develop the Remote Disconnection Device, taking accountability for designing, developing, testing and ultimately achieving product acceptance for a new piece of technology that will protect our frontline teams from being struck by trains.

This has been an 18-month journey that Chris has driven to the conclusion, working long hours, setting up his own testing station in his house, and working with the manufacturer to develop a product that will be easy to operate by our staff yet provide protection from trains and ultimately save lives.

Chris has spent the last few months speaking to people across Network Rail to tell them what the Remote Disconnection Device will do and this has created a huge demand for a product that will be a genuine lifesaver.

Chris's idea will be a game changer for safety through the use of technology that he has developed every step of the way.“