This article asks, ‘What is a safety-critical worker? Safety is a crucial aspect of any industry, and it is especially important in fields such as rail and civils, where the consequences of a safety incident can be catastrophic. Safety-critical workers play a crucial role in maintaining safety in the workplace and our Resource and Recruitment division can assist you with your requirements, particularly for rail and civils staff.
A safety critical worker is someone whose job involves activities that, if not performed correctly, could lead to serious harm or injury to themselves or others. For example, a train driver who falls asleep at the controls could cause a catastrophic accident. As such, safety-critical workers must be carefully selected and trained to ensure they have the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to do their job safely.
Safety-Critical Worker Roles
The list of roles supplied to illustrate a safety-critical worker’s various roles includes various jobs. These jobs include 360-tracked excavator drivers, arborists, bricklayers, concrete finishers, cleaners, chainsaw operators, drainage ground workers, foremen, fencing installers, forward tipping dumper roller drivers, gangers, ground workers, kerb layers and pavers, labourers, painters and decorators, plasterers, PTS and CSCS rail gangs, rope access climbers, shuttering joiners, site access managers, slab layers, slinger signallers, steel fixers, storemen, telehandler drivers, traffic marshals, vegetation management, and vehicle and plant banksmen.
Each of these roles is essential to the smooth running of rail and civils projects, and safety-critical workers must be present in each of these roles to ensure that safety is maintained. For example, a telehandler driver must be trained to operate the machine safely, as the machine’s weight and size make it a potential hazard to other workers on the site. Similarly, a slinger signaller must be trained to safely direct the crane’s movements and communicate effectively with the operator.
Key Skills for Safety-Critical Workers
In addition to their specific job skills, safety-critical workers must also possess certain personal qualities. They must remain calm under pressure, make decisions quickly and effectively, and communicate effectively with others. They must also be physically fit and able to work in various conditions, including working at heights, in confined spaces, and adverse weather conditions.
It is important to note that safety critical work is not limited to the rail and civils sectors. Many other industries, such as construction and manufacturing, rely on safety-critical workers to ensure their operations are carried out safely.
Keeping Workplaces Safe
In conclusion, safety-critical workers play a vital role in maintaining safety in the workplace, especially in fields such as rail and civils. They perform various roles, each essential to the smooth running of projects. Safety-critical workers must possess the necessary job skills, personal qualities, and physical fitness to do their job safely. By carefully selecting and training safety-critical workers, we can ensure that our workplaces remain safe for everyone.
