HSQE director speaks at Rail Safety Seminar in Florida

VolkerRail began exploring the link between behaviour and safety in May 2016, after securing a three-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) grant; to look at new ways to enhance safety through psychological and behavioural expertise.

Now in its second year, VolkerRail is working with Leeds Beckett University’s leading psychology lecturer, Dr Jim Morgan, and health psychology masters graduate, Maria Matthews, to design a data driven, user centred, behavioural intervention programme to enhance rail worker safety, and teach the company how better to understand and improve safety behaviours and well-being.

Tom Groark, president of the Rail Safety Seminars, said: “It was of particular interest to us, to hear a perspective on rail safety from the UK. Stuart’s presentation showed us a new way of addressing behavioural problems through the use of psychology. His presentation was particularly effective because he brought together real problems and their solutions, which have had a positive impact on the UK’s railway safety. “

Speaking of the event Stuart said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for VolkerRail to demonstrate our leading edge approach to understanding and influencing behaviours. It was clear that we are pioneering a unique approach that will see demonstrable benefits to our business and the wider rail industry in time, both domestic and international.”

2017 marked the sixth year for the annual International Rail Safety Seminar and Expo. With international presenters and attendees from across the globe, including the United States, Canada, Spain, South Africa, Korea, and Nigeria, this event brings together rail safety experts, researchers, suppliers and industry professionals to provide real world thought provoking rail safety information.