Network Rail – S&T Working at Height Steering Group

Our Ref: HSR/2/6
Head Office Circular: NP/149/16
19th May 2016

The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague

Network Rail – S&T Working at Height Steering Group

Further to Head Office Circular NP/094/16, 24th March 2016 a number of further meetings and discussions have taken place and an agreement has been secured with Network Rail in line with the four point plan put forward by this union.  

On considering reports and a letter from the company the National Executive Committee has adopted the following resolution:

That we note the latest report on file. The union welcomes the interim commitment from Network Rail that until such time as the “Working Group” has concluded then any work involving the climbing of signal structures will be carried out by teams of at least 3 people. Where the company fail to provide a minimum of 3 people then members are instructed to invoke the “worksafe procedure”. Members should contact their local health and safety rep for advice on how to do this.

Further in welcoming this letter we instruct the General Secretary to write to Network Rail seeking assurances that the information will be cascaded down the management chain and that we do not get reports of managers saying that they cannot carry it out due to “budget restraints”. Further we instruct the General Secretary to circulate the information to our Network Rail H&S Representatives.

Relevant Branches and Regional Councils to be advised.

Please find attached a copy of the letter from Neal Lawson, Director of Maintenance and Operational Services. If members or representatives experience any difficulty with management refusing to carry out this agreement they should inform Head Office Health and Safety section for further assistance and guidance.

Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of relevant members.

Yours sincerely
 
Mick Cash
General Secretary