Everyone should be able to do their job without someone threatening, assaulting or harming them. But on the railway’s front line, sadly, that isn’t always the case. In fact, RSSB statistics show that a staggering 94.1% of frontline staff have experienced workplace abuse. In this session, British Transport Police’s Inspector Keith Barnes describes how incidents of violence against railway staff can occur and how to de-escalate them. He also talks about how body-worn cameras can be both a deterrent and an aid to evidence-gathering once an assault has occurred.
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Welcome to Rail Wellbeing Live 2023
Panel discussion: supporting young people’s mental health
Young workers aged 18 to 30 are perceived to be under almost twice as much pressure in their lives as their more senior peers. They’re more likely to be worrying about debt or struggling to pay their bills, which is likely to add to their stress. Companies can and should focus on creating a more inclusive environment and be prepared to step up and support their people.

Tips for staying alert and energised during your shift
Deborah Edmonds and Rupert Lown will explore how we can all contribute to improving our alertness when we are working on shifts. Shift working can be a bind, but a bit of thinking and with some small adjustments we can make ourselves more alert – and you won’t need cans of energy drink or treble expressos! Our lives are hectic, we often have young families, caring for parents, grappling to sleep in very hot weather. All of these are things we have to live with, but there are tips and tricks to help us and we will explore these with you.

Footcare for the railway industry
Good footwear that meets health and safety requirements is essential in the industry but knowing how to take care of what goes inside your boots (feet) is also important. By taking care of your feet, foot and ankle injuries can be avoided. This can also improve overall comfort when working long hours on uneven surfaces. Kelly Edwards, a podiatrist with experience working with the railway industry, shows you simple ways to help you feel better and healthier on your feet.