Prioritised safety measures a success in 2009

Despite the focus during the year on the faltering economy and cost savings, safety measures continued to be a high priority at Green Cargo. As a result, the company's results in the traffic safety index have been positive. This success can be explained by the long-term focus on attitudes about safety procedures, clear leadership and the development of safe vehicles. 

The year opened and closed with difficult winter conditions, which contributed to several derailments during shunting. During the spring, there was smoke build-up in a number of locomotives, which precipitated the implementation of a number of fire prevention measures.

During the months of May and June, there were three derailments due to "sun curves" in the track, which were caused by warm temperatures and tension in the rails.

The gravest accidents occurred in November when an employee was seriously injured by a shunter as it backed up at Hallsberg's shunting yard and when a train passed a stop signal at Haparanda and drove into a bumper block. As a whole, the number of accidents and costs for shunting accidents were at a record low since the start of the company.

Safety efforts within our Road operations were successful and there were only a few accidents. The most serious event occurred in Skövde in August when a truck and trailer drove off the road and flipped.

EVENTS IN 2009

Personal sign-off of safety controls

In order to increase personal responsibility during safety controls conducted before train departures, personal sign-off systems and procedures for these controls were implemented.

New traffic safety regulations for Swedish rail

All personnel in the operational portion of the rail operations underwent a comprehensive training course during the spring to be informed about the new traffic safety regulations issued by the Swedish Transport Agency that entered into effect on 31 May. The new rules have been successfully implemented and rekindled interest in traffic safety among our employees.

Industry collaboration for safe round timber transports

A collaboration for improved safety when transporting timber resulted in a joint policy document signed by the Association of Swedish Train Operators, Swedish Forest Industries Federation and Swedish Association of Road Haulage Companies. The collaboration includes training courses, a clear division of responsibility and joint follow-up of loading, unloading and transports of timber by rail.

PRIORITIES FOR 2010

Continued modernisation of safety training courses

The annual safety training courses will be implemented using a one-year cycle and combine traditional lectures with self-study in an interactive IT environment, operational training in the field and knowledge checks. The intention is to move toward methods for behaviour-based safety coaching inspired by several large industrial companies where reinforcement of good behaviour has been a key factor to success.

A role model in the haulage industry

Green Cargo Road continues to strengthen its position as a role model in the haulage industry in terms of traffic safety. An employee brochure defines the company's safety values as well as implemented and planned measures. We also hold internal workshops to raise safety awareness among our employees. Visit www.greencargo.com for definitions of measurement methods.

Scorecard safety

• Our operations in 2009
• Our stakeholders
• Green Cargo's management
  • Scorecard
  • Safety
  • Employees
  • Society
  • Environment
  • Customers
  • Finance
• Risks and risk management
• Outlook and profit appropriation