COSS Non Technical Skills
Programme
What can this programme offer you?
• Practical skills to help you do your job
• Communications skills for better conversations and
briefings
• Practice strategies to handle challenging situations
• Learn more about the leadership aspects of role
• Reflect on strengths & development needs
Some real incidents that led to the
creation of this programme…
Stoats Nest 2011
A COSS had left the work group believing that a
request to pick up kit had been made by their line
manager. The line was handed back without the
COSS being with the group who continued work,
unaware the line was now open.
A member of the group was stuck and injured by a
passing train, they all narrowly escaped death
Ruscombe 2007
A COSS was stood behind a Welder on an open line
with the lookout stood next to the COSS. The lookout
called for an approaching train, but the Welder
continued to work, believing it would not be routed
their way. The COSS didn’t challenge the Welder’s
assumption and they all stayed in position.
The Welder was struck and killed, with the COSS and
lookout narrowly escaping death.
Trafford Park 2005
A group of experienced track workers went out
inspecting equipment. One signed in and wore the
COSS armband, but no SSOW was planned or
discussed. The group were pre-occupied with the
technical task and by a phone call and did not notice
an approaching train.
One worker was struck and killed, with the others
narrowly escaping death.
In most incidents, the COSS knows
the rules and what to do, but other
factors or distractions can stop them
doing the right thing.
Non-Technical Skills (NTS) are skills
that that can be developed to help a
COSS take the right action and
manage mistakes.
What Are NTS?
• Support the way you apply technical knowledge •
• Influence the way you do your job •
• Skills needed for good, safe job performance •
• Can be learned •
Technical
Knowledge
Experience
NonTechnical
Skill (NTS)
Attitudes &
behaviours
Competent
Performance
Non-Technical Skills
Development Day
2 Specialist trainers
Strengths & development needs
Practice strategies to perform better
Relevant to COSS role
Leadership
Taking responsibility
COSS
Assessment of NTS
New ways of thinking and working
1 Day’s training
The ability to challenge
Communicating to stand your ground
Skills needed to be an effective COSS
Want to find out more?
• Ask your line manager if you would like to be
one of the first to take part
• Visit http://www.safety.networkrail.co.uk for
more details