RAIB highlights crossings and ‘near misses’ as major issues
A reliance on signallers taking the correct action to ensure the safety of level crossing users on userworked crossings, and the dangers to trains when earthworks and structures fail are among the major issues resulting from investigations published or started in 2017 by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).
Other areas highlighted in RAIB’s annual report, published on May 17, are the number of ‘near misses’ involving track workers and moving trains, the actual and potential consequences of the actions of staff suffering from fatigue, and the potential for serious accidents when errors are made during the installation and commissioning of new infrastructure.
In 2017, RAIB started 19 investigations and published the same number of full investigation reports and safety digests, started 14 safety digests, completed 50 preliminary examinations, published two interim reports, and issued urgent safety advice on three occasions.
The number of serious accidents prompting mandatory investigations fell from five to four in 2017, while the number of ‘near misses’ or incidents which under different conditions could have led to a serious accident remained stable at 14.
RAIB has also expressed concern about the implementation of some of its recommendations. On the response to an accident involving a track worker at Redhill in June 2014, it commented: “We are concerned that the actions taken are inappropriate or insufficient to address the risk identified during the investigation.”
Regarding a track worker struck by a train at Grosvenor Bridge (London Victoria) in November 2007, and a tram collision with a pedestrian near Market Street (Manchester) in May 2015, RAIB states: “We note that substantive actions have been reported, but we still have concerns.”
Most recommendations (39) were directed at Network Rail, followed by 17 for tram operators, eight for tram infrastructure, four for passenger train operators, three for the RSSB (Rail Safety and Standards Board), two each for the Rail Delivery Group and Office of Rail and Road, and one each for metro, rolling stock leasing companies, rolling stock maintainers, railway contractors and other public bodies.
RAIB Chief Inspector Simon French said: “The UK’s railways continue to provide a safe and convenient means of travel, comparable with the very best in the world.
“However, in order for these high levels of safety to be maintained, and improved even further, it is vital that the sector continues to learn from experience.
“Over many years, UK railways have continued to develop their technology and operating methods in order to address the gaps they have found in their safety defences, or newly identified risks. I see no sign that this willingness to adapt and improve has abated.”