Following the global pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, passengers across the world are gradually returning to railway travel.
In fact, although the ongoing Covid pandemic meant that rail travel was still quiet at the start of 2022, by March 2022, passenger traffic was already at a 160% increase from the previous year.
So, as our railways resume to their usual busy-ness, we wanted to share our top tips to help staff and passengers keep our train lines and platforms safe.
How Rail Staff Can Help Improve Railway Safety
The Railway and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations
In the UK, railway safety is governed by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The legislation within this act is then supported by the Railway and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations (ROGS).
The document of the ROGS regulations covers a variety of railway safety topics, including guidance surrounding:
- Safety reports
- Safety management systems
- Safety verifications
- Risk assessments
- Safety-critical work, and the best way to manage it
Following these regulations is a legal requirement. So, it is key that railway safety managers and their teams are all very familiar with their requirements.
Driving and Fatigue
Driving and fatigue are amongst two of the biggest workforce safety risks in railways. To reduce the numbers of road traffic accidents, road risks need to be identified and managed, and specific safety reports and risk assessments will need to be completed.
Alongside this, staff fatigue will need to be managed carefully. A common practice here is to introduce a fatigue management project. This should outline common scenarios, and the best ways to manage them, alongside setting a safe fatigue management standard for teams.
For example, if you know you will be driving at work, but have to travel a long way each day to get there, speak to your safety manager, so that you can find a way to remain within the fatigue management standard.
Hazard Labels and Signs
Signs and labels ensure that everyone in the railway – both staff and passengers alike – are fully aware of any risks that are present.
The most common hazard labels that feature within a railway are:
- Warnings of electrical hazards
- Risk signs
- Railway walking signs (for example, signs that indicate where passengers must not cross)
- Emergency exits
- Overhead electrics
- Rail crossing
- Warnings for trespassers
One of the quickest, easiest and cheapest ways to maintain high railway safety standards is to make sure all of the required labels and signs are added and up to date.
Railway Safety Barrier Systems
One of the most severe risks within railways is the risk of construction staff being hit by a train, whilst they are working on the railway.
At Triptex, we offer a wide range of railway safety barrier systems, available for purchase or hire.
These barriers ensure the highest standard of safety is adhered to, throughout the project. They are universal and adjustable, meaning staff don’t have to encumber any hassle or project delays.
If you would like to find out more about our railway safety equipment, or you would like to enlist our services to improve the safety standards of our site, the Triptex team is on hand to help.
How Rail Passengers Can Ensure Safe Travel
Passengers also have an important role to play in keeping railways safe for all staff and travellers.
Alongside adhering to the signs and enforcements made by staff, passengers can also help to keep each other safe, and ensure any risks are addressed quickly and safely.
The British railway network has a number of safety contacts in place. This allows members of the public to report an issue as quickly as possible, so that it can be dealt with by the relevant authority.
So, if you see any issues, either during your journey or whilst you are at the station, speak to one of the following:
- The British Transport Police – often there in person, at stations or on trains. Or, you can call the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or by texting 61016
- Rail Community Officers are travel – often there in person, at stations or on trains
- Help points – at least one of these is present in almost every station
- In the case of an emergency, always call 999
For more railway safety related news, see our news page.