Our One Team Wessex colleagues safely and successfully completed a 52 hour-weekend possession between Farncombe and Petersfield – on time for our customer and without a single accident or incident.
The team carried out preparation works to facilitate the installation of modern signalling systems, which is part of Network Rail’s Portsmouth upgrade, to renew and replace systems the original systems that were installed in the 1970s. Work on this essential project has been underway for over a year and during the latest abnormal possession in February, the team completed several final elements of the project. This included platform works at Petersfield and the installation of the final signal pile, signal lay down areas, ladder guards, 17 signal structures, a kingpost wall and much more.
Whilst onsite members of the team also completed some gardening works for our lineside neighbours, read more about about they went and beyond to look after the community.
Looking after the health and wellbeing of our people
At Octavius we recognise that out carrying out complex works within a short period can put a lot of pressure on, and be very demanding on the health and wellbeing on our workforce. To help alleviate the team, in collaboration with our Partner, Vital deployed an innovative state of the art mobile safety bus onsite throughout the possession. Equipped with cutting edge technology, their welcoming rolling classrooms provided a dynamic training space to enable safety conversations.
During breaks, colleagues joined the Vital team onboard the bus to discuss the importance issue of fatigue and shared strategies for recognising and managing fatigue, particularly prevalent when working irregular shifts. Additionally, to make sure everyone goes home safely and we all can look after each other, guidance was given on identifying fatigue in teammates.
To ensure our workforce remained energised and focused throughout the weekend, our team also provided a variety of free healthy fruit snacks for everyone to enjoy.
A huge well done to the team for completing the works successfully for our customer, Network Rail and caring for the health and wellbeing of everyone.
