What will track workers do if there are no physical WSMBs for them to see?
According to the rule book, WSMBs are only required to indicate the worksite limits for on-track plant, on-track machines and engineering trains. As people-only worksites don’t require WSMBs, there is no change to standard practices when it comes to how track workers identify their designated worksite limits.
Geofencing devices can be used to support track worker location awareness by alerting them if they cross safe zone boundaries. This can help increase their situational awareness and provide additional guidance on the location of their worksite limits.
How will virtual WSMBs change the workload for the ES?
Initially, the ES may need to carry out a few extra steps that will add minimal time onto their existing workload. These include checking the worksite limits are correctly set up on the Dashboard and ensuring that devices are assigned to the geofenced worksites. However, this additional time is countered by the improved efficiencies from the virtual WSMB solution.
The primary benefit is the direct removal of the numerous phone calls required per physical WSMB placement (two phone calls per board for each placement and removal). The enhanced visibility over plant movements and locations can also reduce the number of phone calls the ES needs to make to confirm locations and whether they have on/off tracked.
Overall, the ES can benefit from a reduction in their day-to-day workload and smoother flow of works that’s easier for them to manage, as well as improved assurance about the activities going on in their worksite.
How often does the device alert?
The devices will only alert on the rare occasion that the operator has crossed the geofence boundary and is approaching worksite limits. Once the device is in the cab, it will remain silent so operators can forget that it’s there and continue works as normal, only responding when the device alerts.
Can VWSMBs be used alongside T3A and T3D?
Yes, provided that any limitations or requirements that are part of T3A and T3D are followed.
Can VWSMBs be used on hybrid possessions?
Yes. While no individual worksite can be hybrid (e.g. one end that's physical and one end that's virtual), there can be a mix of virtual and physical worksites within the same possession.
When will OTM and engineering trains be included in the national deviation?
Work is starting to include these in the deviation in 2026.
How do I get a virtual worksite approved?
This can be done by engaging with the ops delivery team in your region and seeking approval through them. They will be able to authorise a virtual worksite so it can be entered into the WON.
How do I create a virtual work site?
Once a suitable worksite for virtual WSMB use has been identified and approved, simply start a new project on Tended’s Dashboard. Input the required ELRs and mileage data to define the virtual boundaries of your worksite. These should be 100 metres short of where the WSMBs would have been placed, in line with current rule book standards.
In-cab positioning devices can then be assigned to the geofence and attached to the inside of plant cabs. Works can then continue as normal with devices only alerting should they cross the geofence boundary.
On the Dashboard, the ES can also monitor the movement of onsite plant and be notified if they are approaching worksite limits so that they can take appropriate action.
What happens when I get a device alert to say that I've left the safe zone?
The geofence is designed so that you receive an alert 100 metres from where the WSMBs would be, which means operators won’t have exceeded the worksite limits. In this instance, you can move back to the safe zone and either check your position or call the ES to validate your location.
How does virtual WSMBs work for planned worksite changes?
Different worksites can be started and stopped on the Dashboard depending on when the limits are authorised to be changed. With worksite visibility, the ES is able to check that plant is within the correct limits before making changes. Changes are made at the click of a button, a significant time saving compared to recovering and placing physical WSMB.
Has Tended engaged with the unions for virtual WSMBs?
The virtual WSMBs programme has engaged with all four unions (ASLEF, RMT, TSSA and Unite unions), each of which nominated a national health and safety representative to liaise with the programme. Union engagement is ongoing, particularly with Aslef and RMT, as we work toward updating the national deviation for on-track machinery and engineering trains.
Are there any scenarios in which we can't use virtual WSMBs?
If there are any on-track machinery or engineering trains within the possession, virtual WSMBs can't be used until the deviation is updated. If any worksite limits are located within or close to the entrance of a tunnel, this may exclude them from being used as a virtual worksite due to potential positioning interferences.
Does having a tunnel within my work site exclude me from using virtual WSMBs?
No, provided that the tunnel is a reasonable distance from the worksite limits, then virtual WSMBs can still be used. The ability to track the location of vehicles accurately within the tunnel may be affected and we would not recommend using the system if your works are wholly within the tunnel.
