Safety
Chris Thompson
A varied 40-year career in the civil engineering/ infrastructure departments on three BR Regions, covering track technical, training and safety management in the pre-privatised rail industry, ranging from surveying for track renewals to HQ management roles. Resuming college studies in mid-career, gaining a Degree in civil engineering from what is now the University of Northeast London, Chris is now an Incorporated Engineer MICE and Chartered MIOSH and has been a member of the venerable and developing Permanent Way Institution since 1966.
Chris took severance in 1996 and has since operated independently via his limited company Baseline Safety, supporting clients in construction, rail, roads and related activities. This second career has thrived, offering great variety, due recognition, many interesting challenges and considerable freedom regarding the work/ life balance.
The mainstay continues to be the provision of independent, mature and practical safety management advice and documentation, offering ongoing support such as review & development of policy, risk assessments/ safe working arrangements, following site liaison. Highly experienced 'upfront' trainer and relates well to workface teams. Good understanding & evaluation of engineering issues (especially P-Way). Widely read on safety including the official investigation reports of disasters and major industrial/ rail/ maritime accidents.
Sample roles:
Post-Hatfield (high speed rail disaster) track inspection throughout Network Rail Wessex and other regions in an assessor/ mentor role (6 years).
Hand back Auditor for the ECML maintenance contract from Jarvis to Network Rail - intrusive technical and safety systems audits at Peterborough Regional HQ office and track areas, also covering the Hatfield curve.
Consultancy - retained safety adviser for a number of clients in construction and roads (13 years).
Developing suite of track standards for the Colne Valley Railway (2nd year)
Maintaining a 7.25 in gauge miniature railway (4 years 'hands-on')
Health & safety adviser and 'CDM-C' to the Glyn Valley Tramway Trust in North Wales, developing the last Welsh narrow gauge Heritage Rail Renaissance project - to be undertaken under CDM, T&WA and ROGS.
Skills and Expertise:
Safety/ technical writing, able to develop/ review safety management, engineering & technical/ quality standards documentation for construction/ rail/ general, including safety assurance, work instructions, risk assessments and health & safety plans (inc. CDM)
Assist organisations to gain and maintain rail industry "LinkUp" Scheme
Undertake safety liaison/ consultation visits with managers and workface staff
Safety, civil engineering technical compliance inspections - audits - investigations
Make visual and technical inspection & monitoring of track, earthworks and other assets
Develop and present training on wide range of safety and track inspection/ maintenance, etc. matters
Assess track technical/ engineering competence and provide mentoring
Research for advice of key news and changes to relevant safety legislation, industry technical and competence requirements.
Chris can be contacted directly at: chris.thompson@tir-ltd.co.uk
