Safety-critical information and process design*

Client: Network Rail
Overview: Two-year multi-million pound safety programme – Planning and Delivering Safe Work (PADSW) – to change the UK rail industry’s control-of-work system for on-track workers.
Role: Lead Visual Communication Consultant, ERP Delivery and Management Team
Brief, aims and outcome: Work with risk management consultants, Network Rail front-line staff and programme managers to develop an at-a-glance, information and permitting system to reduce workplace accidents and fatalities by making safety-critical information accessible to frontline staff with a low reading age and/or English as a second language in order.
Tasks: Audit existing ‘safe system of work’ forms. Devise, develop and test new visual language system. Design control-of-work documents, applying the visual language and ensuring the logical flow of pertinent information. Project manage interactive prototype production (sub-contracted technical staff). test and prove the visual information concept through trials with front-line staff.
Additional tasks: simplify/standardise terminology, design infrastructure maps with environmental/risk symbology, devise logical flow format of planning forms, project lead sub-projects: produce presentation materials for Board approval, write reports and next-step recommendations, design PADSW industry information/engagement materials.

"[Kate's] work on the initial successful pilot in the Wessex Region helped to accelerate the programme to national level. Kate proved very able to work with frontline staff, management and risk management consultants to translate findings into a logical flow of clearly presented, pertinent information. She championed the principles of clarity throughout the many stages of the programme's development." Reference from Programme Manager

summary of progress.pdf

Safe system of work permitting information design*

Role: work closely with risk management consultants and NR staff to develop physical and digital permitting forms to be taken on-track; incorporated symbol and map design . Permitting forn shaped through inputs from internal experts and trackside staff to understand the processes, risks and current safety measure; staff opinion, grievances, annoyances and preferences.

Physical form designed to fit in PPE pocket:

information design, permit, control of work, rail, high-risk

 

PADSW process diagrams*

Overview: PADSW created necessity of change in rail industry work culture. Infographics presented new process and structure approval from senior management sought at key stage meetings and consultations to release next-stage funding and strengthen management support.

PADSW control of work process diagram:

visualisation of proposed control of work process

PADSW roles and responsibilities infographic:

new job roles diagram for rail worker safety

 

Network Rail work safety publicity*

Role: design PADSW work safety programme staff/industry publicity including staff leaflets, exhibition materials and press adverts for industry publications.

Industry conference flyer:

Press ad, network rail, stuart browning, control of work, Rail Live