Bernd, Reiner, when you look back over the past few years, what has been done at VTG when it comes to workplace safety?

Bernd: Over the last three years, we’ve managed to reduce the accident frequency rate and the lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) by more than 50 percent. That’s a big success for us. The measures we’ve taken have been both technical and organizational nature. For example, we have set up training courses particularly aimed at changing behavior and improving communication as regards workplace safety. In 2023, the VTG Group’s LTIFR stood at 11.5 points. Although this represents a slight increase over 2022, we’re convinced that we will be successful in the long term if we continue to vigorously pursue the path we’ve embarked upon. 

Reiner: To achieve this long-term goal, we devised a four-year plan in response to the high figures for accidents at our workshops in 2020.  At that time, the coronavirus pandemic prevented us from traveling, so we couldn’t carry out any walk-throughs or other initiatives. As a result, there was a lot less dialogue with our colleagues and some safety issues weren’t even put on the table.

What specific measures were you able to implement last year?

Reiner: After a serious shunting accident, we decided to make shunting safer and to designate it as the workplace safety topic of the year in 2023. Shunting is one of the most dangerous activities at the workshops. The aim was to reduce the use of cable winches and eliminate shunting with forklift trucks as well as manual shunting. To do so, we spent more than a million euros in total to purchase various new vehicle types that are precisely tailored to the needs of the workshops. That was already a significant step – and a visible signal to the employees.  

Bernd: Our goal has been to put in place a uniform safety standard in all of VTG’s workshops. Another important measure in terms of standardization is so-called “near miss reporting.” So far, we have introduced this in Brühl, at Graaff and in Joigny. This year, we have plans to do so at SEMA and Želos. 

Why is it so important to report near misses?  

Reiner: We aim to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. It helps to identify unsafe situations and actions at an early stage that could almost lead to an accident so that precautionary measures can be taken if necessary and the work can be made safer going forward. That’s why we encourage employees to give us tips and offer them incentives like prizes to boost the number of employees who are providing them. For us, it’s all about increasing the safety of employees in the workshops rather than finding any fault with them. 

Bernd: In addition to near miss reporting, we also want to analyze first aid measures. This will allow us to determine whether certain incidents are becoming more frequent. Housekeeping, the tidying up of the workshops and workplaces, also plays a big role, as workplace safety is improved if the working environment is keep neat and orderly. On top of that, we’re always thinking about whether there are some specific areas where we can take targeted measures to further reduce the risk of injury.  

How do you generally promote workplace safety at VTG?  

Reiner: We’re trying to get everyone on board. The key issue here is dialogue, so that everyone feels actively included and mistakes aren’t repeated. We’ve learned that colleagues in the workshops are more likely to adhere to measures that they’ve developed themselves than to mere top-down guidelines. As part of the “CERO” safety campaign, we’ve been raising awareness among all managers in the workshops, in particular, as they are the driving force in their function as role models and show that workplace safety is practiced in the workshops every day. 

Bernd: Our new CEO, Alberto, also embodies this culture of dialogue. He believes it’s important for the management to directly interact with the staff. He has already been to SEMA to gather his own impressions and speak with his colleagues on site. Approaching employees in a targeted manner and showing a stronger presence on site is something we want to push ahead with in the management circle over the next few years. 

VTG has also owned Želos in Slovakia since 2020. How has workplace safety evolved there?  

Bernd: The workshop’s new director, Vojtech Čepec, has pressed ahead with important improvement measures. Cableless lifting systems, modern welding equipment and ergonomic bogie tables have been purchased, and safety boards have been installed in the halls. The paint shop is a lot safer now, too, as tank cars previously had to be painted using ladders while in full protective clothing. Now there are lifting platforms on both sides that can be maneuvered vertically and horizontally so as to protect the staff from falling while painting. Investments have also been made in new work clothing, a new canteen, new showers and employee lounges.  

Reiner: Investments were also made last year to build the first system to protect employees while working high up. This equipment will enable employees to work safely on tank cars. We’ve already resolved this issue in other workshops, and now we’ve also started to do so at Želos. This year, two more safety systems will be put in place to eliminate this source of danger by the end of 2024. 

Looking back at the past year, what was challenging for you?  

Bernd: Now that we’ve jointly succeeded in significantly reducing the number of accidents over the past two years, the main challenge has been to keep awareness of the issue high among all colleagues. We’ve already taken a lot of technical measures, so now the focus will be on fostering a safety culture in line with our motto “Safety takes us home.” 

Reiner: Especially at the beginning of a new year, we always have to contend with an upsurge in workplace accidents resulting from carelessness. We wanted to keep that from happening this year. For example, employees were briefed on this on their first day back at work, and cards with the most important safety rules were handed out. On top of that, we instituted a competition with a prize. A safety bench was set up in the workshops, and various hazards were hidden on it. Employees were asked to find and discuss the hazards to boost their awareness of workplace safety. At the same time, colleagues were able to win an attractive prize, such as a fuel voucher or an extra paid day off work. 

What were your personal highlights from last year? 

Reiner: For me, it was the “Together for Safety” meetings of safety experts, which are held virtually each month and in person each quarter. Last year, colleagues from France also took part and, this year, Želos will also be represented by a safety expert. The meetings allow us to come up with a strategy for and a joint approach to putting uniform safety standards in place at all the locations.  

Bernd: I was happy to see that cooperation on the management level and in the workshops has evolved in a positive way. Overall, there have been improvements in terms of dialogue and exchanging best practice examples. The silo mentality of the past has been overcome by getting the workshop managers involved. This is reflected in many meetings and discussions, and it’s enhancing the safety culture, dialogue and collaboration at all levels.