Our ref: HSR

Head Office Circular: NP/237/24

2nd October 2024

To: The Secretary

ALL BRANCHES

REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

Dear Colleague

 

BUS FIRES REPORT

 

I have received a report form the lead officer advising that we currently have one member dismissed in Cornwall and a second member being investigated in relation to what the company referred to as a thermal event which occurred on Monday 22nd April 2024 on the A30 In Cornwall.

 

The root cause was a mechanical failure; the company conducted their own internal investigation into the incident and reached conclusions based on a biased assessment of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

 

The outcome reached sought only to apportion blame instead of using it as a learning opportunity.

 

With approximately three catastrophic bus and coach fires here in the UK most months someone will lose their life or suffer life changing injuries either physically or mentally and emotionally.

 

CCTV footage showed that within four seconds smoke is in the rear saloon, where passengers sit, within 20 seconds the smoke had reached the stairwell and within 30 seconds the smoke had reached the front part of this vehicle and was pouring out of the front door.

 

There is a serious risk to the environment with these incidents where water courses are contaminated with leaking chemicals and fuel. The air is contaminated with toxic fumes which are harmful to the environment and to individuals.

 

At its meeting on 24th September 2024 your National Executive Committee noted and adopted the following report from its health and safety sub-committee:

We note the report on file from the lead officer for which he is thanked.

We further note that Bro. West received a Certificate for Excellence in Health and Safety 2024 for RMT’s Bus Fires Campaign at this year’s Hazards Conference for which he is congratulated.

The General Secretary is instructed to raise the matters brought to our attention by the Regional Organiser with the union’s Parliamentary group for consideration of the matter of questions and an inquiry.

The General Secretary is further instructed to invite Regional Organiser Barry West to a future meeting of the union’s National Health and Safety Advisory Committee as requested.

Relevant members, branches and regional councils to be informed.

            I am acting in line with these instructions. Please bring this circular to the attention of all relevant members.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary