Following trials earlier this year AmcoGiffen has launched the first module of a specially tailored Controller of Site Safety (COSS) Academy programme. Feedback has been very positive and the course is proving to be very popular.
It’s a one day module with the following objectives:
● Understanding and practicing positive behaviours as a COSS
● Delivering clear briefings
● Using and cross referencing all available information to determine location and which line is which
● Dealing with conflicting information and only progressing when 100% verified and sure
● Explaining to the team why you are confident regarding location and line identification
● Conversations about access and protection with the signaller
The course was developed after the team used a behavioural science toolkit to analyse actions and environmental variables that can affect behaviour. We were able to identify the exact behaviours required. This course is about setting our safety critical people up to succeed.
Each course has two facilitators and six delegates and includes practical role play, 1-2-1’s and theory. So far 66 delegates have completed it, including some supply partners and the initial aim is to reach over 260 safety critical roles.
Delegate feedback includes
“Thank you for the course today at Pontyclun. I found it useful as COSS / SWL1 isn’t my primary role, but is still a great competency for me to be an effective part of the team.”
“I believe many other COSS’s within the business will benefit from this roll out.”
“You have both created a very good session that had a good tempo and definitely beneficial for a COSS.”
“Firstly thank you for making me feel welcome and treating me the same as your own employees.
“I felt the COSS academy was very well thought out and delivered professionally. It was very informative and a real eye opener with the realistic scenarios.”
This course is in addition to other significant training for safety critical roles such as: 019 Responsible Manager, Person in Charge (PIC / COSS), Planner, ALO (Any Line Open) Responsible Manager, ALO Coordinator and ALO Planner.
There will also be workshops with operatives to understand how further improvements can be made to the planning and safe delivery of work especially on and about the line.
These interventions are part of AmcoGiffen’s SHEQ24/7 strategy and action plan that started in 2018 and was updated in 2020 for delivery this year. It was formed following a structured review of systems and culture in 2020 using the standard industry assessment tool RM3. The results were used to develop an updated SHEQ24/7 strategy which has six key focus areas. Each focus area has a sponsor from the senior leadership team responsible for completing the actions.
1. Competence Management
2. Safety Critical Systems
3. Business Management System
4. Behavioural Science
5. Assurance
6. Sustainability
As Rail Safety Week aims to address, engage, promote and bring rail safety to the forefront of people’s minds across a dedicated week. Amcogiffen’s aim is to have SHEQ at the forefront of minds 24/7.
In doing this, the objective is to get people home safe every day, protect the environment and deliver the job right first time.
Photo credit: AmcoGiffen
