(19 Mar 2022, 1:59 pm)Adrian wrote Maybe that is to do with resourcing too? Bus operators schedule for the exact scenario, so outside of leading drivers covering some mileage, there isn't really a fall-back plan. Supermarkets dynamically resource, so not only do they ensure that their staffing matches the peak checkout times, they have the flexibility of borrowing from other duties (such as shelf stacking) to cover what will most adversely affect customers - queuing at checkouts.Thats not quite right. Operators tend to need between 10 and 20 % spare resource to cover holidays and "normal" levels of sickness.
Putting resourcing aside though, I do think that both examples you gave (and in fact most other industries) have working conditions on their side. If, and we're assuming, the absence is COVID related, then I think operators need to look to do more to improve those conditions.
It's been law for a long time that employers must make sure there's an adequate supply of fresh air (ventilation) in enclosed areas of the workplace, yet until the pandemic hit, it was very rarely followed up on. Most supermarkets for example are a huge open space and have mechanical ventilation systems, whereas most bus drivers are squashed into something the size of a postage stamp with 50+ other people and rarely a window open. It creates a high risk environment for the spread of COVID and whatever else, which was evidenced ages ago: https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3223
I'm actually surprised that operators and safety representatives haven't done more about this, such as ensuring all windows on all buses are wedged open to prevent them being shut. That in itself is a really small step, but would massively increase ventilation on packed buses and would do more to reduce transmission to those working in these conditions.
There is - Working Time Directive. Rest time/breaks can't be opted out of, unlike the maximum working week, and is actually greater for those outside of transport than it is within... no idea why that is, but it always struck me as a bit odd! https://www.gov.uk/rest-breaks-work
Rotas therefore have either spare lines on main rotas or a dedicated spare rota. These usually deal with planned absence such as holidays or long term sick. Operators will also only allow a certain number of drivers holiday on the same day for this very reason. Most operators then have a smaller team of "on the day" spare drivers to cover on the day sickness or a breakdown. Leading drivers and such like tend to only get involved when something exceptional occurs.
So, normally there are quite a few layers before the $hit hits the fan.
Regards the buses themselves. Personally, I think mess rooms and garage facilites are a bigger risk.