RTBU members have raised their concern about safety procedures and poor air quality at the unloading site within Weston Milling at Enfield.

Dusty, narrow and dark walkways at Weston Milling

A number of representatives from Weston Milling, both RTBU members and officials with Pacific National Bulk, were in attendance at an onsite dynamic risk assessment on Monday 11 April.

This assessment process raised some significant health & safety concerns as well as some procedural lapses. These included concerns that:

• the lighting and walkways throughout the shunting process are lacking;

• the presence of dust within the area of unloading operations is substantial; and

More narrow walkways for workers

• general housekeeping procedures are inadequate.

Following from the meeting, management will work on implementing general procedures, including further inspections, and will meet with members to discuss improvements to lighting and narrow walkways.

Concern still remains regarding air quality and the RTBU Loco Division will meet with Workcover representatives to discuss the best way to address this and other issues.

Members will be kept up to date as the issues progress.

A number of members raised concerns about lighting issues within the new Epping to Chatswood rail corridor, and possible short-term and long-term effects on drivers’ health and welfare.

RailCorp initially denied any concerns existed that were being raised by our members. There is now evidence that members concerns were correct and their health and welfare was compromised.

The lights between Epping and Macquarie Uni have been turned down; this was achieved by turning off emergency lights and leaving one normal light on every 15 metres. The flicker level in a drivers’ cab was measured and a flicker rate of 6hz was established, well above the tolerable level when operating within the ECRL.

Further testing with the changed lighting at this level to see if it falls within the recommended design figure of 3hz is still being conducted. These tests will also have to include:

Further investigations are being organised to clarify and identify any outstanding health and welfare issues.