Safety on the railway should be a number one priority for all – rail workers and the public alike. The RailStaff Awards champions those who strive to improve the safety record of their workplace, those with an enthusiasm to instil in others the importance of respecting the track and remaining aware of its dangers.
In the face of strong competition, this year’s winners of the Safety Person or Team award was
Travel Safe, Travel Smart (TSTS), from SouthEastern Trains & Network Rail. The team, made up of Sanchez Virginie-Down, manager at TSTS, and Nicola Dooris, Network Rail Community Safety Manager Southeast Route, work in collaboration to manage Margate Station’s railway education and learning centre. The aim of the centre is to prevent future trespass through education.
TSTS undertakes educational workshops for junior school children and youth clubs. Consequences, hazards, and electricity story boards are used to help visitors understand the impact of their behaviours. The centre boasts a real-life platform and railway which becomes a viewing area for conducting safety talks and showing safety videos. Outside is a designated area for visitors to take part in games that reinforce the railway safety message and help with their learning. Over 1,000 children visited the centre in 2022.
“We started a couple of years ago with the aim of educating children so that they do not come to harm on the railway,” said Nicola. “Just to be put forward for this award means so much, and winning it is just unreal. We didn’t set to win awards – it’s all about keeping children safe.”
McGinley Support Services supported the Safety Person or Team of the Year at this year’s Awards. As one of the UK’s largest specialist recruitment businesses, McGinley provides permanent, contract and temporary staff, at all levels across the rail and infrastructure industry. It builds and manages workforces all over the UK, finding jobs for workers, developing their skills and experience, and forging long-term relationships.
Highly commended
Hi 5 Safety Team, Freightliner
Safety Task Force, Network Rail
