Management of health and safety continues to improve at DB Cargo UK

DB Cargo UK’s Maintenance Teams at Crewe, Stoke and Toton have successfully achieved the coveted ISO 45001 standard for the management of health and safety.

Despite the disruption to rail freight operations caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the teams took the opportunity in 2020 to pursue their aspiration to improve the understanding, management and mitigation of risks across the three sites.

DB Cargo UK offers industry-leading maintenance solutions to Freight Operating Companies and Train Operating Companies across the UK and Europe. Collectively, its professional team of engineers has over 10,000 years’ experience in traction and rolling stock maintenance.

National Maintenance Manager Raj Basi said migrating from OHAS 18001 to ISO 45001 was testimony to the Maintenance teams’ commitment to continuous improvement.

“Considering the restrictions that have been in place over the past 12 months, this is a fantastic achievement and will give our customers the assurance they need that the maintenance activities we carry out on their behalf are being done safely and in line with all our legal requirements,” said Raj.

“The ISO 45001 standard means that going forward Maintenance colleagues at all levels in the business will have a much greater involvement in the identification and management of health and safety risks through greater consultation and participation.

“Strong leadership and giving colleagues a greater voice will ensure we continue to develop a safety culture rooted in local, grassroots experience as well as industry best practice,” added Raj.

The migration process was led by Stoke-based Maintenance Team Coordinator Peter Edwards and Toton-based Locomotive Maintainer Nick Gosling, both of whom are nominated Health & Safety champions.

DB Cargo UK offers a range of Maintenance services from its three depots – Crewe IEMD, Stoke WMD and Toton TMD.

Services include traction & rolling stock inspections, routine maintenance, general and heavy overhauls, modifications, load bank testing, wheel-set overhauls, paintshop services, pantograph overhauls and wagon repurposing.

In addition, every year DB Cargo UK’s Breakdown and Recovery Team provides a national re-railing service, enabling a rapid and effective recovery service to keep the UK’s rail network moving.

Photo credit: DB Cargo UK

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