Costain's rail sector has achieved 2.5 million man hours with a zero accident frequency rate (AFR).

Staff have also racked up an enviable all accident frequency rate (AAFR) of 2.01, which is also below the Group's limit of 2.5.

Rail has a number of challenging projects, often in safety-critical environments, usually in full view of the client, authorities and travelling public. The sector’s safety record showed continued improvement in the first half of 2012, with potential areas of weakness being carefully scrutinised as, or even before, they develop.


"It's all about strong leadership, open and honest reporting culture and the trending of data to mitigate developing trends," said Rail SHE Manager, Matthew Wilcock. "We also ensure that we learn from previous accidents / incidents and ensure we change the way we do things to do as much as we can to prevent a repeat.

"We also focus very closely on near-misses. If you fully close out your near-misses, then you’re significantly reducing the potential for a major accident or incident.” The more near-misses that are reported, the more opportunities there are to nip a problem in the bud."

(CD/GK)