Supply chain partnership working a priority for new Lanes Rail H&S manager

Lanes Rail’s new health and safety manager Amanda Maloney is making supply chain cooperation a priority following the business unit’s success in winning major new contracts with Transport for London.

She has joined Lanes Rail, part of drainage and maintenance solutions specialist Lanes Group plc, after working as a senior advisor for a leading construction health and safety agency.

During 2017, Transport for London (TfL) has awarded Lanes Rail with three major contracts, including a new facilities management (FM) contract, which increases the amount of assets Lanes Rail is responsible for by 40%.

Amanda Maloney said: “I have joined Lanes Rail at a very exciting time. Over the spring and summer, there has been intensive activity to mobilise the new contracts, which has increased the size of our supply chain considerably.

“Health and safety has been at the heart of this process, and both TfL and London Underground have both recognised and welcomed how open and cooperative Lanes has been in working with supply chain partners.

“It’s my intention to continue to a deepen this approach as the new contracts bed in. Lanes Rail must lead by example on health and safety, and encourage our supply chain partners to buy in to our standards, and help us maintain a strong health and safety culture.”

She is also encouraging Lanes Rail personnel to broaden their understanding of health and safety by encouraging largely office-based managers and supervisors to join her and other health and safety personnel on night-time site visits.

Amanda Maloney said: “The response has been excellent. Colleagues welcome the chance to see the challenges our operational teams face, and how excellent practice in health and safety is an integral part of what we do.

“Lanes Rail already has a very good record on health and safety, but a good way to embed these values still further is to involve all colleagues, listen and act on their ideas, and communicate brilliantly at all times.”

Fresh emphasis would also be put on health and wellbeing, as well as safety, to especially support operational colleagues. Many of them work unsociable hours, which can impact on mental health, in particular.

Lanes Rail Commercial Director Matthew Todd said: “Amanda’s enthusiasm, energy and collaborative approach to health and safety is already making a positive impact with our staff and clients. With our broader remit, as a tier 1 TfL supplier, and our desire to be both a conscientious employer and supply chain partner, her support for colleagues will be invaluable.”

Lanes Rail won the new FM contract in April, part of TfL’s new approach to FM. It is consolidating 50 contracts into just six, delivering £34 million in savings, while supporting the Mayor of London’s plans for improving transport.

Lanes Rail had previously won a drainage contract for the Sub-Surface Lines, and the Bakerloo, Central and Victoria Lines. It had also been re-awarded the contract to maintain structure and drainage assets associated with the Jubilee, Northern, and Piccadilly lines.

Lanes Group continues to hold the RoSPA Gold Medal for occupational health and safety, and is the Construction News Specialist Supplier of the Year 2017, in part because of its innovative approach to health and safety.