Infrastructure support services provider SWGR has demonstrated how it is leading the way for access to health and wellbeing services after a demo of its mobile health, safety and wellbeing units (MHSWU) in Edinburgh.

SWGR has provided Network Rail’s Scotland region with leaf fall clearance services for a number of years and has continued to receive strong commendations for the work it does to clear the lines and keep Scotland’s trains running.

As part of a Network Rail event in Slateford, Edinburgh, SWGR reaffirmed its commitment to providing as much health and wellbeing support as possible for colleagues by placing units on the frontline at specific sites where it is completing works, staffed by an occupational health nurse and fully equipped with specialist testing equipment.

The company is using these units across all frameworks and contracts it is working on and has been used as an example of best practice with many of its clients. As SWGR’s work on this seasonal framework continues, it is adding initiatives, such as the units, to further strengthen its support for all frontline colleagues and further enhance the service is has received many accolades for.

Discussing the showcase event, SWGR Rail Delivery Manager David Kirkwood Snr said: “Over the last few years, we have been proud to lead the way in providing seasonal support to Network Rail to ensure we keep passengers on the move without delay. Working on Network Rail’s leaf fall framework is significant for us, and our teams’ professionalism has been a superb example for the brand of SWGR and our profile on Scotland’s railways.

“It was fantastic to hear Network Rail’s project manager’s praise of our project team for its knowledge, professionalism and behaviours, and the values SWGR stands for.

David added: “Our team delivered a great showcase in front of Network Rail and demonstrated how we are striving to improve the industry by bringing dignity and respect to all, especially our frontline colleagues that serve this great industry.”

The units have redefined the way that health and wellbeing is embraced across the rail industry and are being made accessible to help all members make their health and wellbeing their priority. Bringing the MHSWU service to the framework means SWGR can highlight the importance of regular health and wellbeing engagement for all – not only through standard health checks, but the need to recognise the benefits of proactively seeking mental health support.

SWGR is working closely with Samaritans and Mates in Mind in order to support from a mental health and wellbeing perspective.

Network Rail was demonstrating its specialist rail-head treatment trains which will be in operation around the clock. The vehicles use high-pressure water jets to the clean tracks before coating them with a special adhesive.