'Bigger and better' safety day

More than 80 representatives from May Gurney, Network Rail and the supply chain attended an annual seminar to help all parties work together to improve SHE performance and spread best practice.

Peter Jones, Rail Services SHE Manager, felt that the third annual Rail Services Framework Safety Day, held at York Racecourse on 9 August, was the 'biggest and best yet'.

He said: "The day brings together our customer, employees and supply chain to discuss a range of issues to help us all improve SHE performance."

Speakers included: Nikki Allbut, HSE Inspector on Working at Height; Amanda Hall, Occupational Nurse with York NHS, who spoke about working with lead; Mark Tingay from the Network Rail Safety Improvement Team, who talked about current and future rail industry initiatives; and supply chain partner 'Speedy Hire' who gave an enlightening talk on respiratory issues.

After lunch Craig O Brien, Rail Services Environment Manager, and Tris Pearce of Pearce Environmental gave a visual and engaging talk on protected species.

The final presentation of the day was given by the SHE team on the Engineering and Project Services SHE plan for 2007 / 2008, showing the push for zero accidents and how they hoped to achieve this.

Steve Hyde Network Rail Senior Programme Manager said afterwards: "I want to express my gratitude for an excellent day. Arranging such an event each year shows May Gurney's very positive and proactive drive to improve safety and the environment."