Never think you’ve cracked it – A perspective from the world of bus

Tony Wilson – Managing Director, Abellio London & Surrey

CIRAS – Safety Culture Under StrainTuesday, 26th April 2016

As at end 2015Turnover: £173m Staff: 2370Depots: 6Buses: 770Routes: 76Miles p.a.: 29.4mPassengers p.a.: >150m

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In the old days ……..

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But what did bad experience tell us we were missing?

• Intensive vehicle movements during run-out and run-in

• Engineering staff working in an unprotected manner• Driving staff exposing themselves to risk by walking

between the front and backs of parked buses• Cleaning staff walking around and between moving

buses • Visitors and ‘office’ staff walking into dangerous

areas without guidance or obvious protection

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New thinking & developing technology

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Now we have to win hearts & minds – give staff the ‘why’

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But where do we kill or seriously injure the most people?

• Defensive driving techniques – The 3 “Sees”• Mental aspects of driving – TfL’s ‘In the Zone’• Fatigue management and medical issues• Root cause analysis and feedback into driver

training/induction• Random drug & alcohol testing• Technology

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On-road incidents are now in focus

We seem to be making a difference, but can never be comfortable

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How do we maintain focus?

•Willingness of staff to report incidents or areas of concern is key•Effective in-house systems are fundamental to success in tackling safety issues

•Whistle-blowing policy adds an extra layer but this can still be seen as part of ‘the Company’

•CIRAS offers another avenue that we should not be frightened of

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CIRAS can help

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