About the project

On this project, On Track Technicians Ltd (OTT) are the Principal Contractor directly to Translink. The scope of this contract is for maintenance and renewal of all Stock Proof fencing across Translink’s entire network. OTT plan the sequence of work depending on various factors, but predominantly work is prioritised in locations which have the potential to allow livestock and the public to access the railways property. OTT regularly liaise with the Client in order to determine the Client’s priorities for the works to be carried out.

OTT assesses each location for safe access, which can be weather dependent in some cases and subject to public / stakeholder disruption. OTT locates and discusses with the current landowners / users, which fencing is to take place and meets with adjacent landowners / users to coordinate agreed access. OTT then CAT scan the new fencing locations to avoid buried services before carrying out heavy and light de-vegetation, Light de-vegetation can be carried out using hand tools and heavy de-vegetation using plant, such as excavators. Installation methodology was that, fencing posts are installed using an excavator with post driving attachment. Although, in some locations where plant is not accessible, they are installed manually.

Fencing wire is tightened using manual wire pullers and fixed to posts using staples. All fencing and materials are installed as per the specification within contract. OTT produces site specific RAMS prior to works commencing. Almost all works are carried out in separated green zones.  In addition, a daily Risk Assessment is completed with standard PUWER and LOLER checks for all work, plant and equipment. As the Principal Contractor, OTT manages all aspects of Health and Safety in line with its internal processes which comply with its ISO 45001 accreditation and CDM Regulations NI 2016, coordinating with the Client throughout the project. OTT carry out risk assessments to identify potential hazards and risks associated with the activities.

This involves evaluating tasks, equipment, materials, and the work environment in order to determine potential dangers. All necessary training and mentoring is provided to staff and managed using OTT’s in-house resourcing software which has a competency management module to ensure all staff have the relevant, and up to date, competencies to match each task assignment. This software also has a fatigue management module, that will not allow staff to be resourced beyond certain set parameters in line with industry standards. OTT conducted regular inspections of the site in order to identify any safety hazards, rule violations, and ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety regulations, codes, and standards set by local authorities and regulatory bodies.

OTT regularly reviewed the safety performance on site using feedback from site operatives and data from site inspections, making improvements where necessary. All changes were communicated to staff on site using toolbox talks.

OTT promotes the use of effective communication channels for reporting and addressing accidents, incidents or safety concerns from all staff using it’s Good Catch Policy and reward accordingly.

To date, OTT has executed over 53,000m of fencing in 139 locations on the NI railway network.