On the 22nd May 2023, the RAIB published its annual report for 2022. One of the key findings is that track workers still face considerable risk.
The report highlights that although there has been progress in the safety of track maintenance works in British railways, the near-miss incidents in 2022 suggest that "considerable risk still exists" for trackside workers.
While there were no workforce fatalities in 2022, there were six accidents involving track workers, including four near misses and two strike incidents.
"One of the things that railways rely on for safe operation, is properly maintained infrastructure. Such maintenance work is often hard and has the potential for serious harm to those undertaking it; managing the risks is vital."
In its report, the RAIB praises the ORR and Network Rail, who have "continued to make great strides in recent years towards radically altering the way track maintenance activities are delivered on the GB mainline railway." Together, the ORR and Network Rail have abandoned the practice of working on lines that are open to traffic and relying on warnings provided by lookouts, instead introducing new, more reliable systems such as the greater use of technology to protect those working on the railway.
But the RAIB also notes that “considerable risk can still exist on a railway with low levels of red zone working”, evident through the three near misses and ongoing investigation into a very close near miss at Penkridge earlier this year.
"Whether working in planned red zones or not, lower-level risk controls relating to safety behaviours and site safety leadership remain important, if we are to avoid the type of near miss we continue to see, that one day may turn out to be another tragedy."
To help address the ongoing safety challenges for track workers highlighted in this report, Tended has developed revolutionary geofencing technology that helps teams stay within safe working limits and out of the path of oncoming trains. For over two years, Tended worked with Network Rail to develop this incredibly precise technology, going through rigorous R&D and live trials with its trackside teams. The system has been a key contributor in the ORR and Network Rail's plans to reduce lookout working and increase reliance on technology to protect the workforce.
In September 2022, the solution received product acceptance for use on UK railway infrastructure and is now being deployed across Routes and by principal contractors. Learn more about how our geofencing technology is transforming the safety of trackside workers here.
