Health & Safety
Shaping a Safer Future through Transformative Rail Industry Practice
In my role as Health, Safety, and Compliance Manager at Matchtech Ltd., a key division of Gattaca PLC, I oversee Sentinel coordination and onboarding compliance, bringing over 25 years of on-track experience to every decision. My mission is to drive a significant shift in how health and safety are approached for both white and blue-collar workers within the railway sector.
A key part of my work has been to establish a more dynamic internal audit reporting system that goes beyond the standard checklist approach. By transforming audits into genuine opportunities for meaningful improvement, I’ve elevated both the visibility and impact of our audit processes. The result? Our practices now not only meet but consistently surpass industry benchmarks.
Joseph Christopherson
HSQE Manager
Email: JChristopherson@matchtech.com
Tel: 0118 924 1115 Mob: 0771 589 3537
My responsibilities also extend to crafting comprehensive risk assessments, procedures, and key documents that form part of our Railway Management System. These materials are meticulously designed to incorporate the latest best practices in compliance and assurance. As the primary point of contact in investigations related to accidents, close calls, or breaches of Sentinel Scheme rules, I work closely with organisations like the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), police, and Network Rail to ensure thorough investigations and corrective actions that prevent future incidents.
Another crucial aspect of my role is continuously enhancing our health and safety protocols through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. I’m dedicated to developing training programmes and conducting safety briefings that empower our workforce with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe. This proactive approach has been key in reducing incidents and embedding a culture of safety and compliance that resonates throughout the organisation. In turn, our commitment to safety has bolstered our reputation as a leader in health, safety, and compliance within the rail and construction industries.
Health and Safety Trends Shaping the UK Rail Industry’s Future
The UK rail industry is undergoing rapid modernisation, and health and safety remain central to this evolution. As infrastructure projects like HS2 and the electrification of major rail lines progress, cutting-edge technologies are being integrated to enhance safety standards. Digital signalling systems, IoT-driven predictive maintenance, and automated inspection drones are just a few examples of innovations that are revolutionising safety in rail operations.
A key area of focus is fostering a proactive safety culture that goes beyond mere compliance. Today, the industry recognises that sustained safety excellence requires deeply ingrained practices, supported by continuous training, robust safety management systems, and open communication channels. Campaigns like "Everyone Home Safe Every Day" highlight the commitment to embedding safety into the daily fabric of rail operations.
Looking ahead, the rail industry’s push for sustainability is converging with safety priorities. As the sector moves towards greener technologies—like electric and hydrogen-powered trains—safety assessments and training must keep pace with these changes. Additionally, the growing need for climate resilience is prompting investments in infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. This dual focus on sustainability and safety will continue to shape the future of the UK rail industry.
In my role as Health, Safety, and Compliance Manager at Matchtech Ltd., a key division of Gattaca PLC, I oversee Sentinel coordination and onboarding compliance, bringing over 25 years of on-track experience to every decision. My mission is to drive a significant shift in how health and safety are approached for both white and blue-collar workers within the railway sector.
A key part of my work has been to establish a more dynamic internal audit reporting system that goes beyond the standard checklist approach. By transforming audits into genuine opportunities for meaningful improvement, I’ve elevated both the visibility and impact of our audit processes. The result? Our practices now not only meet but consistently surpass industry benchmarks.
Joseph Christopherson
HSQE Manager
T: 0118 924 1115 M: 0771 589 3537