The Times 100 Business Case Studies

First Group Investing in safety

Introduction to First Group

The worlds leading transport company - operates in UK and North America

Bus the UKs largest local bus operator 4 divisions including Yellow School Bus and Greyhound intercity in the USA Rail UK rail passenger franchises First CapitalConnect, First Great Western, First ScotRail, First TransPennine Express, First Hull Trains Freight services First GBRf

Transports around 2.5 billion passengers each year Employs over 135,000 staff

Culture of safety
First

responsible for safety of passengers and employees Safety and customer service are core values Continuous improvement of safety to set highest standards Focus on Injury Prevention Zero tolerance to unsafe practices

Ban on use of all mobile phones including handsfree

Health & safety legislation

Health And Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAW)

Details the responsibilities of employer and employees towards health and safety Requires employers to set H&S standards

Inspections and safety audits through Health & Safety Executive

May order improvements May prosecute employers for breach of law Communicates H&S policy for all employees Provides training on procedures or equipment

Firsts Injury Prevention programme

H&S Employers duties

Safety

planning and risk assessment

Injury Prevention records incidents and identifies problem areas Internal H&S conference held each year to review safety record Directors carry out Injury Prevention Tours to assess safety across the business First collaborates with local authorities to identify hazardous routes

H&S Employers duties (cont)

Training

ensures employees have the skills and knowledge to behave safely

New staff given safety briefing within first week of work Training on use of Injury Prevention Handbook to record incidents Bus drivers take Advanced Safe Driving course Training simulators help drivers to deal with e.g. snow or flood

Employee and customer protection

Good employers go beyond legislation

Established working principles to keep everyone safe Speed limits for bus and private vehicles in depots All vehicles must reverse-park Vehicles are fitted with CCTV and safety notices for passengers

Safety at First is a way of life - everyone contributes to safety, e.g.

Use of high-visibility jackets; holding hand rails on stairs

Staff not adhering to safety

rules may be disciplined

Promoting a safe working environment

Sharing best practice

Intranet and internal newsletter promote safety themes Staff encouraged to discuss H&S issues with line managers Internal awards for outstanding safety practice USA - National Safety Council - Green Cross for Safety medal EU - European Road Safety Excellence Award

Highlighting areas of excellence to raise standards