NETWORK RAIL STANDARD ON FATIGUE 2022

Our ref: HSR/2/26

Head Office Circular: NP/199/23

17^th November 2023

To: The Secretary

ALL BRANCHES

REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

 

Dear Colleague,

 

NETWORK RAIL STANDARD ON FATIGUE 2022

 

I can report that your National Executive Committee (NEC), at its meeting on 14^th November 2023, noted and adopted the following report from its Health and Safety Sub-committee:

 

We note that a maximum 60 hours may be worked in any rolling seven-day period and that an individual Risk Assessment must be undertaken once 60 hours has been exceeded and that there are a number of tasks which cannot be performed once 60 hours has been reached.

 

RMT does not accept members working in excess of 60 hours in any 7-day period in any circumstance. The Standard was improved as a result of two rail workers killed in an RTA after they were allowed to work and travel while fatigued with no controls governing their working time. The company has had plenty of time to recruit the number of staff needed to comply with the Standard.

 

The General Secretary is instructed to demand that the company fully complies with the Fatigue Standard. If it is unable or unwilling to do so, this to be reported to the ORR. The General Secretary is further instructed to issue an instruction to all Network Rail Safety Reps to adhere to the Standard and to provide an explanation and advice for members.

 

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

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary