Hundreds of schoolchildren have learnt about staying safe around the railway, after VolkerRail visited Spellbrook Primary School in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire and St Mary and St Andrew Catholic School in Barton, near Preston.
VolkerRail visited the two schools, located near to two of the company’s current projects, to promote level crossing safety, overhead line safety and railway hazards to the school’s key stage one and key stage two classes. The team showed the children what to do when near the railway and arranged Network Rail’s safety truck to attend; which gave the children the opportunity to learn more about safety on the railway.
As part of the events, the pupils also met VolkerRail’s safety mascot; TED. TED, which stands for Talk, Explain, Discuss, explained the safety requirements needed for working on the national network, by showing the pupils the personal protective equipment they must wear on site.
HSQE director at VolkerRail, Stuart Webster-Spriggs said: “Being able to visit local schools and promote safety is vital to help educate children on railway dangers and how to act, but also for them to take the message away and discuss with their families and friends. We all want to avoid the devastating impact felt by families and communities when accidents happen.”
Anya Cross, head teacher at St Mary and St Andrew Catholic School said: “We are really keen that children enjoy their surroundings and feel confident in them however, it is vital that they understand the dangers around them and know how to stay safe. I was very keen, particularly as the summer holidays approach, that we engaged with VolkerRail to teach children about the dangers of the railway and keeping safe. I know the children's understanding of hazards really improved. Thank you to VolkerRail for promoting these vital life lessons.”