Network Rail - S and T Maintenance Working at Heights

Dear Colleague

NETWORK RAIL – S&T MAINTENANCE WORKING AT HEIGHTS

The General Grades Committee have given consideration to a resolution from Norwich Branch regarding the above matter. The Branch are concerned that instructions issued by the company on working at height as two man teams may lead to potentially unsafe working practices. The Branch note the work being done on work at height by the union nationally and raises concerns over the lack of movement in this regard from the company.

On considering the Norwich Resolution the General Grades Committee carried the following resolution:

That we note the resolution from our Norwich Branch and endorse the sentiments within. We further note that in line with the views of Norwich Branch this matter has been going on for far too long, and despite previous decision of this GGC to set up a separate S&T Working at Heights Working Party and the best efforts of our Lead Officer and of our Lead Health and Safety Reps (LHSR) the company have dictated how they felt matters should be handled and little progress has been made.

Finally we note that there is a further meeting of the Working at Heights Working Group on Wednesday 15^th May 2013 in Manchester and therefore we instruct the General Secretary to take up this matter in line with the Norwich Branch resolution and place a report from the meeting before this GGC by 29^th May 2013.

Branches and Regional Councils to be advised.

I am acting in accordance with these instructions and will keep you informed of developments with this case.

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

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary