COLAS SAFETY ALERT – UNSAFE ACT / UNSAFE BEHAVIOUR / TOOLS & EQUIPMENT – IRON MAN
What Happened?
Following core works at Slough Platform 3 & during the collection of tools & equipment by the supplier, it was identified that the braking mechanism of an “Iron Man” had been tampered with by means of lodging a piece of ballast (as pictured) which would have prevented the operation of the braking system entirely if so needed to slow or stop the manoeuvre of the rail in an emergency. A close call report was submitted on 17/05/2024.
Saturday 1 November 2014 at Gwaun-cae-Gurwen, near Neath, Wales
Rail workers narrowly escaped injury when a runaway ‘iron man’ transporter ran free for six miles along a south Wales line whilst transporting a 52ft length of rail. The two workers applied the brakes, but this failed to stop them, so they jumped onto the trolleys before they built up excessive speed to keep up with. After being unable to stop the trolleys the two workers jumped clear, with one hurting his head after falling onto the ballast.
STOP, DISCUSS, RE-ASSESS, RE-PLAN, AGREE THE PLAN, & ONLY THEN … CONTINUE!
MANAGERS / SUPERVISORS
- To be clear in pre-start of work site briefings that such unsafe behaviour will result in instant dismissal from site, with potential disciplinary action
- Such unsafe behaviour constitutes a breach of H&S legislation which could lead to proceedings under statute (criminal law) resulting in prosecution
- Such unsafe behaviour WILL NOT be tolerated on SRSA worksites
