Birse Rail Supply Chain Awards
Birse Rail's Supply Chain Awards, which are now in their second year, recognise and reward those organisations that can demonstrate excellence and best practice.
The 2010 awards were presented at our Annual Forum which took place on 5th October at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon in Warwickshire.
Awards were presented in two categories:
- Visible Safety Leadership
- Innovation
The winners were selected from a diverse field of entries and judged by senior safety representatives from Balfour Beatty Rail and Network Rail.
2010 Winners
Visible Safety Leadership Award Winner – KGJ Price (Railway Contractors) Ltd
Strong visible leadership is the single most important element for developing a safety focussed culture. Entrants were asked to demonstrate how leaders within their organisation reinforced their commitment to safety and set an example for others to follow.
Judges comments:
The judges applauded the ‘hands on’ approach taken by senior management and directors of KGJ Price throughout the contract delivery process; to the extent of delivering site safety inductions themselves and the reviewing of safety systems of work and associated risks. Senior management take an active role in understanding site inspections with the belief that “if work procedures and instructions are to be taken seriously then site management must practice what they preach, and senior management must attend site regularly to ensure that this is so.”
Innovation Award Winner – FLI Structures
The Innovation Award recognises organisations that challenge the norm by developing new and original ways of working as well as techniques or products that offer real benefits to the railway industry. Entrants were asked to demonstrate how their innovative approach had improved safety performance, minimised environmental impact, improved efficiencies or minimised disruption to the network user.
Judges comments:
FLI's innovation demonstrates how it is possible to reduce health, safety and environmental risks and increase productivity for routine works activities. The innovation is a ‘hand install screw piling solution’ which allows access to work green zones even where space is limited. This removes the need for heavy plan typically associated with piling, less waste arisings from deep excavation (the traditional method) and as works can be undertaken green zone – there is no need to work during possessions. Furthermore the design is based on the use of lightweight handheld plant that are within prescribed limited for manual handling.
Innovation (Highly Commended) – Story Rail
The Innovation Award category generated a number of high quality entries which resulted in Birse Rail presenting a Highly Commended award to Story Rail.
Judges comments:
Story Rail's innovation was a third rail launching system which was developed following the lessons learnt from a RIDDOR reportable accident. The judges particularly noted that the workforce themselves fabricated, tested and then commissioned (with management support) the product. The benefits include the removal of large plant for the final position of the third rail, plus providing more control and less people/plant interface – a solution to a well-known problem within the industry.