RUGBY SAFETY MAN HONOURED

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: november/december 2015 :: RMTnews 23 Adrian Fricker, safety improvement specialist, has won the Rail Safety Person of the Year award for his work with Track Safety Alliance (TSA). TSA is an industry wide group which was formed in 2011, to allow a number of concerned stakeholders across the industry to develop and share best practice. This is largely focussed on the improvement of health, safety and wellbeing of track workers. Adrian works very closely with RMT health and safety reps within IP – Track Renewals. “We have now run four Close Call champion behaviour training courses, which has encouraged nearly 200 champions to challenge unsafe behaviours and unsafe conditions, giving them the skills on how effective challenge is key. “They can then pass on the skills they have learned across the rail industry. “We organise staff reps conferences for frontline workers and supervisory and technical forums for the managerial side. “These are reflected across the Track Renewals principal contractors and Labour supply companies recent key themes have covered fatigue, working at height, occupational health, behaviour and Close Calls, welfare and PPE to mental health wellbeing and isolations. “During the forums, we ask for feedback about best practices that we can share with other colleagues around the organisation,” he said. He has also been instrumental in the development of the TSA website. Network Rail scheme project manager Paula Marshall said that Adrian had set up forums that has allowed over 1,500 front line and technical staff as well as contractors to openly debate and discuss safety issues. “As a result a veritable harvest of good ideas and best practice is finding its way into agreed safety protocols within the rail industry. “Under Adrian’s leadership, the TSA has led a number of design and development safety initiatives including fatigue surveys, supplying track workers with hot and cold drinks and a nominated driver scheme. “Adrian also ran the first TSA safety improvement suggestion scheme which awarded cash prizes to track workers who came up with practical ideas,” she said. Adrian is an S&T engineer by trade and lives in Rugby where he is the local RMT branch chair as well as being involved with the RMT/NUR welfare committee. Paula Marshall said that Adrian’s enthusiasm and passion for the job was never- ending. “He is a relentless advocate of safety and is a tireless in getting colleagues involved. “He has been known to undertake numerous middle- of-the-night site visits getting alongside inexperienced staff, displaying the same knowledge, good humour and passion to challenge unsafe behaviours,” she said. On the night at the awards ceremony, Adrian said: “To e nominated is really humbling and when you walk from the back of the room through all the people and everyone is clapping, it’s quite moving, winning is an Honour,” he said. RUGBY SAFETY MAN HONOURED RMT activist and safety specialist Adrian Fricker wins prestigious Rail Safety Person of the Year