Be-Safe update

Hi Everyone,
              I thought I would update everybody with 'Be-Safe' and where we are as a company and  how we are getting on in Essex. Nearly, all of UK Bus have now completed the training program, with currently Manchester and Eastern Counties receiving training which only leaves Scotland East and Cornwall left to complete. Across First Group, all companies have completed or are intending to complete the process.  A version will even be developed for rail colleagues due to the benefits the programme has seen and will continue to see.

It takes time to change a culture but over time we are starting to see an improvement in our safety results. I would encourage everyone to have conversations relating to be Be-Safe or any safety related issues in your depot.  Once behaviours are embedded they become instinctive, we are all safer if we instinctively perform our duties safely.  Let's make 'Be Safe' a way of life and see safe behaviours increase within work environments.  Remember, some awareness of safety, when performing certain tasks, can filter through to our outside world when not in work.
I am always available and am more than happy to go through the basic principals so just come and ask me and I will endeavour to share the knowledge I have. Also, talk to your Line Manager or Supervisor as they would welcome any input that you have, after all most of the workable and effective ideas come from the colleagues that action the day to day duties in their role -whether that be operations or engineering.

We need to recognise colleagues who not only demonstrate consistent safe behaviours but also carry out their role effectively and benefit others alongside them.  Be-Safe creates a strong team ethos and begins to break down any of the barriers that may exist between colleagues.

I would welcome any feedback  regarding our safety culture. Have you noticed a new approach?  Do you feel that there is enough relevant information?

Be-Safe opened my eyes to all the positive behaviours that are carried out daily.
 The picture below demonstrates this:

• Steering wheel cover in place 
• Safety steps being used
• Pit barriers in place
• red fault sticker in place
• housekeeping maintained

Keeping hydrated while driving

Why we need to Stay Hydrated While driving

 We all  need to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months when outside temperatures can climb

above 70.  Yes, I know it's not exactly been a decent summer so far has it!  But in Essex it can easily reach 80

degrees fairly regularly.  Our bodies thrive on water, lack of it can pose health problems. Our cells, tissues and 
organs must have water to function properly, so it’s no wonder that water makes up more than half of our body
 weight. Keep in mind that the body regulates itself, and sweating and passing water reduces our water levels, we
 even lose it just by breathing. Therefore, we need to stay hydrated, taking in water to make sure our systems

are operating at optimal levels especially whilst driving a bus as peoples lives are in our hands.  A very valuable 
cargo

A study has been carried out at 'Loughborough University' where every 30 minutes a driver was monitored for his 

driving reactions as he was denied any liquids. The results were very revealing as his concentration and reaction 

time dramatically declined during the test.

So, here’s a question: 'How do you know when you’re dehydrated?' Well, it's very difficult to recognise, 
symptoms of dehydration include extreme thirst (obviously).  Here are some tips:

• Don't leave it too late, keep sipping water throughout the day
• Carry a water bottle with you during a shift so you have easy access to water
• Stop at turning points and in the bus stations refill if it is available
• fruits can be ideal for snacking and help with re-hydrating (melon)
•  In general, the goal is to drink up to 8 glasses (2 litres) of water per day in order to stay well hydrated.

Thank goodness for air conditioning and shady spots!