The industry objective as outlined in the Strategic Safety Plan is to reduce the risk from signals passed at danger (SPADs) by 70% of the March 2001 baseline level was achieved in April 2005. By the end of the year, SPAD risk had been reduced by 87%.
Announcing the latest figures, RSSB’s Director, Policy and Strategic Initiatives Aidan Nelson said: ‘2005 has seen continued safety improvements in a number of areas which reflects the industry’s continued efforts but there is no room for complacency.’
For further information please contact the Rail Safety and Standards Board press office, on 020 7904 7524/5
Notes to editors:
1. Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) builds industry-wide consensus and facilitates the resolution of difficult cross-industry issues. It provides knowledge, analysis, a substantial level of technical expertise, powerful information and risk management tools. This delivers a unique mix to the industry across a whole range of subject areas.
2. The Annual Safety Performance Report 2005 covers the full calendar year, in line with European Reporting Requirements.
3. The Annual Safety Performance Report, compiled and published by RSSB on behalf of the industry, chronicles safety performance on the national rail network.
4. A copy of the report can be found on RSSB’s website at www.rssb.co.uk/aspr.asp
5. RSSB manages a programme of national initiatives that brings together key experts from the industry and external agencies to analyse future needs and identify ways to reduce risk in the longer term, and supports operators and Network Rail in their own safety management responsibilities. RSSB runs a Research and Development programme to support these activities.
6. Behind the headlines:
The number of train accidents with the potential for serious consequences continues to fall. The rate of train accidents leading to fatalities to passengers and workforce, based on a 10 year average, is at its lowest ever level at less than one per year. In addition, the operation of the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) together with a range of other industry initiatives has brought about a reduction of more than 80% in the risk from signals passed at danger (SPADs) compared with five years ago.
The overall level of passenger safety continues to improve. In 2005, the rate of occurrence of fatality and injury stood at the lowest levels of the past five years. Workforce safety has shown an improvement since 2004, with reductions in the numbers of fatalities and injuries. The overall level of risk to the workforce in 2005 was slightly below the average level for the last five years. The number of physical assaults on staff reported in the Safety Management Information System (SMIS) remained almost constant compared with last year, while the number of verbal assaults and threats increased by 41%, reflecting improved reporting of incidents.
Public behaviour remains a challenging area for the industry, particularly in relation to trespass and misuse of level crossings. Although 2005 saw an increase in trespasser fatalities when compared to 2004, the number for 2005 recorded is broadly in line with the average of the past five years.
At level crossings, there were 16 collisions between trains and road vehicles; four resulted in deaths of road vehicle occupants. The industry invests in targeted programmes of initiatives focusing on education, engineering solutions, enabling and enforcement to ensure that the issues are addressed.
A recent MORI study, commissioned by RSSB indicated that public understanding of risk on the railway has increased over the last few years. There is a general acceptance that zero risk is not achievable with any mode of transport. However, the reality of rail as a mode where safety has improved does not seem to be widely perceived. Only one quarter of respondents thought that they were less likely to be injured in an accident now than 10 years ago. The perception is not borne out by reality. Over the past two decades there have been significant reductions in the risks to passengers and members of the workforce.
