Trips and slips derail V/Line passengers

MORE than 180 slips, trips and falls occurred on the V/Line network in the past year, with a fifth of incidents on the Geelong line.

About 60 incidents occurred at Southern Cross Station, which is used by more than 50,000 passengers on an average weekday.

About 20 per cent — or 36 falls — happened on the busy Geelong line, used by more than 35,000 passengers on an average weekday.

V/Line said this was proportionate with the high number of passengers using these services.

On the Geelong line, 10 incidents were recorded at both Geelong and Tarneit, two of the busiest stations on the line.

More than 5000 passengers get on or off a train at Geelong on an average weekday and more than 10,000 people move through Tarneit station.

The most common times for passengers to experience a slip, trip or fall are when boarding or departing a train.

V/Line executive general manager health safety and environment, Dean Matthews, said the train operator focused its efforts on keeping customers and staff safe and secure.

“Slips, trips and falls happen too often at railway stations and the vast majority are caused by people rushing to catch a train,” he said.

“We ask passengers to not rush, and take care when using the stairs or boarding, so everyone can arrive at their destination safely and injuryfree.”

V/Line said workplace occupational health and safety inspections took place every three months at stations. This included a station precinct inspection targeting hazards.

Walkways leading from a town, pathways within a station, underpasses, bridge walkways and station platforms were all assessed for their condition.

If defects are found, V/Line has an internal report system where staff can request a fix.

The V/Line facilities department also carries out its own yearly inspections, with identified defects prioritised for work.

Customers also have the ability to log a PTV feedback report for trip and slip hazards.

Recently, walkways at Geelong railway station were repainted with non-slip paint to mitigate possible slips.

Passengers who need help to board can wait in the Boarding Assistance Zones painted on all regional V/Line platforms, as well as platforms 3A and 15A at Southern Cross.