Learning from Operational Experience

Learning from Operational Experience (LOE) is the process by which knowledge from the operation of systems is gained, exchanged and used, leading to continuous improvement and the development of a positive safety culture.

There are five high-level principles which support this vision for the railway industry in Britain:

• Industry decision makers should have access to good quality intelligence in a way that meets their needs.
  
• Accidents and incidents should be investigated promptly and proportionately with relevant learning points effectively identified and acted upon.
  
• Good practice should be proactively identified, shared and used among industry partners.
  
• Organisations should have processes to understand, interpret and embed lessons so as to prevent recurrence of similar/repeat events.
  
• Industry processes should support the retention and communication of knowledge and experience.

Much of the work undertaken by RSSB on behalf of the rail industry is LOE related. Click on the graph below to link to each department concerned.