job to be classified safety critical

[jimicrowbar]

Hi. My currant job is not safety critical but was told today that it is getting upgraded to safety critical. My issue is that in the past I have already failed a safety critical eye test. (with glasses) due to one bad eye. Does anyone have a clue where this puts me in the frame for my job. My managers just keep telling me it will be ok.

 

[Quickthorn]

Are you in a union? It might be worth having a word with your rep.

 

[jimicrowbar]

Thanks for the reply, Im not in the union. Spoke with my bosses today and they said all would be fine but i worry. Im well liked as i do alot for them so hope it can work its self out.

 

[Firestarter]

Join the union as a matter of priority then start asking question, trust me.

 

[455driver]

Why are you not in a union?

That is a very bad position to be in.

 

[jimicrowbar]

Ok guys i trust you ill join the union tomorrow. thanks for the advice. RMT

 

[edwin_m]

What does you job involve? If you can do the job safely and effectively with your present eyesight then dismissal or any disadvantage would probably be illegal under the Equality Act.

 

[jimicrowbar]

At the moment we work on platforms at unmanned stations. We cut back vegetation and the likes. They want us to start painting the white lines at the edge of the platform and this involves PTS which we do not have. This is where it turns safety critical

 

[whhistle]

If you're not in the Union and haven't needed it before, then it might be worth asking a local rep before joining because there's no point in joining if they can't help or support you.

 

[185]

I honestly would consider joining anyway. I consider it a good investment and sensible insurance policy for any railway employee. The RMT can, and will intervene if requested in instances of downgrading or redundancy, especially on medical grounds.

As for the medical standard for PTS, the standard for grades working on tracks is relatively basic, and is quite achievable.