Leading infrastructure specialist SWGR has launched four new mobile control and compliance units, strengthening its commitment to onsite safety and reinforcing its aims to revolutionise safety approach on the UK’s railways.
The units, which will be operated by Mobile Control and Compliance Officers (MCCOs) on the frontline, provide an opportunity for SWGR to personalise support and safety expertise specific to team requirements.
The data generated through SWGR’s digital safety infrastructure for resourcing and deployment is utilised by the officers so that the MCCO’s vehicles allow for specific safety information to be presented to frontline colleagues at the press of a button.
The units represent a significant investment and epitomises the state-of-the-art digital infrastructure the company has formulated as part of SWGR’s ongoing drive to further professionalise and streamline operations on the infrastructure support services market.
The liveried vehicles will enable the MCCOs to engage with frontline employees and deliver essential health and safety training onsite – specific to roles any colleagues are carrying out.
Each unit is fitted with audio-visual equipment, which can be used to play video presentations on everything from possession management to road safety. Simple onboard food preparation facilities mean that workers can take time out to participate in this training and truly revolutionise how safety is measured and how teams are supported on site.
Supported by SWGR’s WorkSafe app (which enables staff to access railway rulebooks and health and safety material quickly and easily), the MCC units are part of SWGR’s industry-leading safety strategy. HSQE director Mike Bennett hopes that they will facilitate open and productive conversations about health and safety – particularly, the non-technical skills so often overlooked onsite.
Mike explained: “According to the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), there are 26-non-technical skills, including calmness under pressure, listening, and self-preparation – and many accidents are caused by failings in these skills. I’m looking at them in considerable detail, and when we build a fuller picture of what our workforce is good, and not so good, at, we can start providing hints, tips, training and coaching on how to improve. That’s where our officers come in.
“We’re using these video presentations to encourage a two-way conversation about things that have happened – looking at the learning points – and I’m really pleased that our colleagues have been happy to share their experiences. Ideally, there will be some good, creative discussions, with people able to make suggestions and share observations.”
Mike added that the MCCOs driving these new vans also serve as onsite role models, monitoring and assessing safety and compliance, and supporting teams.
He said: “We look for emotional intelligence – people who are empathetic and able to engage properly with frontline employees, whose jobs can be challenging. Ultimately, we are one family that works together and succeeds together, and we have to do our utmost to look after everyone and provide them with as much support as possible.”
This approach reflects SWGR’s wider organisational culture, which is founded on a commitment to health and safety and employee wellbeing.
The units (which are also fitted with solar PV panels, making them more sustainable) are currently in use throughout the northwest of England. SWGR is already growing the fleet, bolstering its HSQE efforts across the rest of the UK.
Alex Sharkey, Alliance Director for Rail Systems Alliance, Network Rail, said: “I commend SWGR’s approach to delivering frontline resources and services, it’s engagement with their staff – their intrusive and supportive leadership and the whole professional ethos and digital infrastructure of their business that proactively supports safe delivery. The introduction of these units is another significant milestone in this successful approach.”
“SWGR scaled up for our works in record time and I support their drive to be the catalyst for real change in the deployment of skilled frontline resources into the Rail Industry.”
To learn more about SWGR, visit https://www.sw-gr.com/
