Key Messages from Risk Groups
The Rail Health and Safety Strategy (the Strategy) brings the industry together to continually improve health and safety risk management and achieve the vision it has set out.
Collaboration and sharing of knowledge through the risk groups will provide the greatest benefit to the industry as a whole.
To help the understanding and improvement of health and safety risk, industry has established a collaboration framework with national, sector, and regional arrangements.
Safety Risk Groups
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System Safety Risk Group
The System Safety Risk Group last met on 19 June 2024
The key messages from the meeting were:
- The Rail Industry Health and Safety Strategy and supporting roadmaps
SSRG were presented with the new strategic roadmaps for the following risk areas: asset integrity, fatigue, trespass and suicide prevention, and freight safety. Other risk areas will present their roadmaps to the group over the next two scheduled meetings, which will enable identification of cross-cutting issues and open up opportunities to share learning. For more information about the roadmaps that will support The Strategy, contact SSRG@rssb.co.uk.
- Interactive Dashboards
Marcus Dacre, RSSB, gave a demonstration of new interactive data hub dashboards that will provide industry with key insights and allow immediate access to KPIs without having to wait for analysis provided in group meeting packs. SSRG have been invited to provide feedback on the dashboards to improve user-friendliness. Risk areas without a dashboard have been invited to engage with the RSSB RSI team, which will provide one at a future date. For enquiries about the interactive dashboards, contact Robert.Sigrist@rssb.co.uk.
- ETCS Assurance Process
SSRG were invited to endorse a proposal for RSSB to investigate what work it can undertake to review and help architect the necessary industry assurance processes and assist in the demystifying of ETCS assurance practice and processes through guidance and training around the resulting approach. SSRG supported the approach, which builds on existing industry process, and agreed to ensure that this lands across the appropriate industry groups. For more information, contact AIG@rssb.co.uk.
- Review of SSRG and Next Steps
Following a series of interviews to explore the purpose and potential for evolution of SSRG with group members, SSRG carried out a workshop review to maximise the way it adds value to risk groups’ activity and how it can secure industry support of The Strategy. The outputs from the workshop will be shared ahead of the next meeting. They will inform the update to the group’s remit.
- Future Risk Modelling Capability Programme
SSRG endorsed the Future Risk Modelling Capability Programme, including proposals to act as the client group for T1344 Improving the quantification of risk arising from delays and disruption and T1345 Development of a train accident cost model for integration with the Safety Risk Model. More information on the deliverables of these projects will be made available imminently. Contact SSRG@rssb.co.uk for more information.
Next meeting: 1 October 2024If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: SSRG@rssb.co.uk
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Asset Integrity Group
The Asset Integrity Group last met on 16 May 2024
The key messages from the meeting were:
- AIG Task and Finish Groups and Roadmap Refresh
AIG noted the transition into the refreshed task and finish groups and roadmap. There has been successful closure of some CP6 projects, with certain projects transitioning into the new CP7 portfolio. AIG is now seeking volunteers to lead the task and finish groups and various projects, to help drive our collective objectives of innovation and improvement in rail asset management. The high-level structure of the new AIG CP7 task and finish groups and projects is annexed herewith.
- Cyber Security for Asset Managers
AIG noted the timely completion of the ‘Managing Risk from Cyber Threats’ project. An output is a cyber security report, Cyber Security for Asset Managers. It provides asset managers with clear guidance on keeping systems secure as technology evolves and ensuring robust system security. Here is the webpage link to the report.
- AIG Incident Reporting and Rotating Themes
An insightful presentation on recent significant incidents, including signalling, sinkholes, and train divisions, was well received by AIG. The group was also briefed on the analysis of Automatic Warning System (AWS) reporting in SMIS and agreed to continue monitoring the data to identify an emerging trend. The group noted the potential strategy of a rotating themed approach for incident reports and intelligence.
- CIRAS Data Reporting
A brief overview of CIRAS and its data was provided, exploring how to utilise it for asset monitoring and intelligence purposes while maintaining confidentiality.
- RSSB’s Future Risk Modelling Capability
An overview was given on the suite of research projects being developed under RSSB's Future Risk Modelling Capability Programme. The programme aims to exploit new tools, techniques, and data to support holistic decisions nationally and locally to deliver a safe, affordable, and high-performing railway.
- Rail Health and Safety Strategy
The group acknowledged the publication of the Rail Health and Safety Strategy, prepared by and for the industry. This strategy covers five key risks: public behaviour, health and wellbeing, operations, asset management, and occupational health and safety. It aims to deliver a shared vision of a healthier, safer, and more affordable railway.
Next meeting: 18 July 2024
If you have any questions or wish to contact the group, please email: apoorv.shrivastava@rssb.co.uk cc: AIG@rssb.co.uk.
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Human Factors Strategy Group
The Human Factors Strategy Group last met on 29 May 2024
The key messages from the meeting were:
- The group discussed organisational learning and the key areas of focus to help industry improve how they learn. These areas are:
- taking a systems approach to organisational learning
- learning from everyday work and successes
- turning recommendations into solutions
- turning organisational learning to organisational change.
The group agreed to develop outputs in these areas during 2024 to help industry.
Next meeting: 22 July 2024
If you have any questions, or want to contact the group, please email: paul.leach@rssb.co.uk -
Infrastructure Safety Leadership Group
The Infrastructure Safety Leadership Group last met on 20 May 2024.
The key messages from the meeting were:
- Possession Limit Controls Update
Thomas Rhoden of Network Rail gave the following update on the Possession Limit Controls project:
- Secondary protection provided by signal disconnection, T3-D, was trialled on the East Coast by Newcastle Delivery Unit and achieved great success.
- The project was brought before the Traffic Operations Management Standards Committee in March 2024 to request approval for a T3-D National Deviation, and the Control Command Signalling Standards Committee for approval in alignment to the National Deviation decision.
- Approvals are to be granted within Network Rail by the Infrastructure Access Strategy Board before each route can be allowed to start the roll out of T3-D.
ISLG supports the work and the resulting Rule Book change planned for December 2025.
- Learning from Operational Experience
Greg Morse of RSSB gave a presentation on the double train collision with an excavator near Voorschoten, The Netherlands, on 4 April 2023. ISLG will use the initial analysis of the incident to determine if the UK controls would have prevented a similar accident, and whether there are any gaps in the current control measures.
The ISLG Network’s Any Line Open Technology subgroup has agreed to review Greg’s work on this incident and make any necessary changes.
- ISLG Live Risk Update
Rob Sigrist of RSSB presented the latest data trends which are relevant to ISLG. RSSB’s Annual Health and Safety Report will be published on 11 July 2024 and will include data gathered over the last five years covering:
- Near miss events
- Railway operating incidents
- Management of plant
- Workforce harm on or about the running line.
ISLG asked for further analysis of operating incidents involving plant machines.
- Trackworker Safety Governance
Following feedback from the Routes and Regions, Network Rail is planning to set up a Trackworker Safety Governance group. The group will provide assurance, and share lessons learnt with other initiative leads and programmes to promote continuous improvement. A draft terms of reference document has been developed and will be shared with ISLG for further discussion. It was agreed that the ISLG Chair and Deputy Chair with represent the Principal Contractor and Principal Designer communities on the group.
- Engineering Supervisor Competence
Network Rail recently updated the competence requirements for the Engineering Supervisor role and is considering whether a Lead Engineering Supervisor role should be created for complex work sites with multiple sites of work and multiple types of activities. Working with the Engineering Supervisor, the Lead Engineering Supervisor would be responsible for ensuring that work during a possession progressed to time and plan. ISLG agreed to support this work.
- Controller of Site Safety Training Enhancements and Modular Training
Work has been completed on the Controller of Site Safety enhancement project to meet the Rail Accident and Incident Branch recommendations following the incident at Margam on 3 July 2019. Training has been re-designed and is now in the format of ‘a day in the life of’. This is supported by ISLG as a positive step forward to enhance Controller of Site Safety competence.
The modular training programme is at the concept stage. Bridgeway Consulting is undertaking impact assessment work to determine the potential impact of modular training on the industry.
- Network Rail ‘You vs. Train’ Video
Donna Mitchell of Network Rail shared the You vs. Train film which deals with trespass risk, potential consequences, and the responsibility of duty holders to implement control measures to minimise the risk. It includes a section on the tragic rail incident involving Harrison Ballatyne. ISLG endorsed Network Rail’s request that organisations consider including the video in the induction training for new infrastructure staff.
- T1323 Project: Understanding How Information Loss Occurs in Workforce-related Reporting Practice
Liz Davies of RSSB gave a presentation on the T1323 project: Understanding How Information Loss Occurs in Workforce-related Reporting Practice. ISLG has agreed to be the client group for the project and to provide relevant support. A project work plan will be presented at the ISLG meeting on 01 August 2024.
Next meeting: 1 August 2024
If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: ros.osawe@rssb.co.uk.
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Level Crossing Strategy Group
The Level Crossing Strategy Group last met on 13 June 2024.
The key messages from the meeting were:
1. Near miss guidance
Guidance on the reporting of near misses at level crossings is ready. It will soon be published on the RSSB website with a short summary and video. The document was developed using the outputs from the Level Crossing Strategy Group’s Near Miss Task and Finish Group. It aims to standardise near miss reporting at level crossings.
The guidance includes:
- key definitions
- information to include when reporting near misses
- examples of incidents that should and shouldn’t be considered as near misses.
2. International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) 2024
The group Chair attended the ILCAD launch conference. The group heard an update on the event, which identified lots of initiatives, particularly around artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
The group agreed that the next step in risk control management should focus on innovations in AI and geofencing.
The Chair highlighted that he had agreed to work with the U.S. Department of Transportation to bring together mobile phone system architects (Google and Apple, etc.) and various location technology companies (TomTom, etc.). This collaboration aims to develop technological solutions to reduce the risk of distraction at level crossings.
3. Enforcement
The group recognised the importance of reviewing enforcement activities at level crossings, especially in response to recent developments in enforcement technologies like Mobile Safety Vehicles and static cameras. This review is also prompted by the discussion of a recent case at the Penrhyndeudraeth user-worked crossing.
Also, the group noted that the fine for trespassing on the railway in the UK has remained at £1,000 for 40 years. In contrast, some EU partners impose a minimum fine of €38,000 for similar offences.
4. New safety campaign
‘Distracted? You’ve crossed the line’ is Network Rail’s (NR) new safety campaign. It aims to make footpath level crossing users more aware of their surroundings and the potential dangers.
NR has created the campaign to catch people’s attention and give them pause for thought by using a well-known phrase. ‘You’ve crossed the line’ may appear startling at first, but in this instance, it prompts you to pay attention to your situation and warns you to check it’s safe before crossing.
Distracted? You've crossed the line - Network Rail
Next meeting: 12 September 2024
If you have any questions or wish to contact the group, please email: Gemma.Lavery@RSSB.co.uk
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National Freight Safety Group
The National Freight Safety Group last met on 9 July 2024
The key messages from the meeting were:
- ORR fatigue guidelines
NFSG heard a presentation on the updated ‘Managing Rail Staff Fatigue’ guidance from Eryl Marsh, ORR. The guidance now has a ‘Plan Do Check Act’ approach. It also contains ORR expectations such as a fatigue risk management system proportionate to the risk.
The NFSG collaborative fatigue project will work to support FOCs in using tools to manage fatigue risk.
- Health and Wellbeing data hub
The RSSB Health and Wellbeing data hub demonstration highlighted the capabilities of this resource to monitor and manage organisations’ health and wellbeing. Currently, Colas and GB Railfreight are pilot users.
The NFSG collaborative health and wellbeing project aims to increase freight participants to enable sector benchmarking of health and wellbeing. In turn, this will drive the focus of resources, improvements, and sharing of good practice.
- Welfare facilities
The NFSG welfare facilities subgroup has produced a survey to establish staff’s understanding of current access to welfare facilities and areas for improvement.
All FOCs are asked to share this survey with their staff and encourage feedback.Date of next meeting: TBC
If you have any questions, or would like to contact the group, please email: freight@rssb.co.uk -
On-Board Train Working Group
The On-Board Train Working Group last met on 4 June 2024
The key messages from the meeting were:
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Capturing Train Design Learnings
To address the recurring challenges in train design and interior layouts due to varying requirements of providers, a principles document or guidance is planned. This will capture past challenges and lessons learned, helping to standardise expectations, and influence future train designs.
- Developing Chain Bowtie for Customer Overcarry
An interim meeting was held on 10 April dedicated to improving the draft bowties for customer overcarry, which has led to the creation of a chain bowtie. This will consolidate all threats and collate consequences based on whether the person is overcarried to a depot, station, sidings, or remains in transit, with member feedback to be gathered through correspondence.
- Prioritising Passenger Communication
Train operating companies are urged to prioritise the dissemination of accurate, timely, and consistent information to passengers, as emphasised by the recent presentation from RAIB in the meeting regarding passenger self-evacuation incidents on platforms. This is particularly critical during situations where passengers perceive immediate danger, as it can mitigate behaviours that may escalate, such self-evacuation from trains.
Next meeting 1 October 2024
If you have any questions, or would like to contact the group, please email: ptsrg@rssb.co.uk
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Overspeed Group
The Overspeed Group (OSG) last met on 1 May 2024
The key messages from the meeting were:- Interim Over Speeding Risk Ranking Tool
The draft interim Over Speeding Risk Ranking Tool was presented at the Overspeed Group meeting. The tool supports the new Rail Health and Safety Strategy’s aims both to develop an industry speeding data strategy and to gain a better understanding on overspeed risks. The tool is currently being reviewed by group members. Additionally, a research and development form has been submitted for the development of a long-term over speeding risk ranking tool.
- Office of Road and Rail CP7 Overspeed Focus
The Office of Rail and Road outlined their CP7 focus for overspeeding. They have highlighted that there are concerns regarding the number of serious overspeeding events. They also said that, collectively, the industry needs both to fully understand the risks posed by overspeeding and the speeds that represent the most significant risks. ORR fully supports the work of the Overspeed Group. The group will work with ORR to address these concerns/risks through the implementation of the interim speeding risk ranking tool, an overspeeding data strategy, and the development of an overspeeding rail industry standard.
- Reliability of Late Notice Cases
The work responding to recommendation 4 from the RAIB report on trains overspeeding between Laurencekirk and Portlethen was presented to the group. Work under way focuses on how reliable the late notice case process is for drivers when booking on and recalling the details of key route-based information such as speed restrictions. Currently, interviews have been conducted with train drivers, and a Railway Action Reliability Assessment has been conducted on the driver booking-on process. The next steps will be to write up the findings into a report.
Next meeting: 17 July 2024
- Interim Over Speeding Risk Ranking Tool
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People on Trains and at Stations Risk Group
The People on Trains and at Stations Risk Group last met on 9 May 2024.
The key messages from the meeting were:
- Platform Train Interface (PTI) Strategy Update
Discussions held at the recent cross-industry PTI strategy workshop highlighted the importance of incorporating clear vision setting, innovation, and proactive risk management into the new strategy. The focus on improving station accessibility and industry awareness of the strategy demonstrates collective efforts towards continuing to monitor and improve PTI risk, with the PTI- Risk Assessment Tool as a cornerstone of effective risk management. Next steps will now be decided with an aim to produce five tactical groups to deliver the new PTI strategy into CP7. There will be a focus on innovation and continuous improvement in risk control, as well as valuing even small improvements.
- Network Rail Audit Findings
Findings from a Network Rail passenger safety audit focused on challenges in data analysis and proposed measures for enhancement. The audit identified gaps in root cause categorisation for accidents and emphasised the need for broader industry data analysis. Collaborative efforts with TOCs are under way to improve data recording systems and implement recommended changes at an industry level.
- Sitting on platform edge research
Key findings on sitting on the platform edge (SOPE) incidents revealed demographic patterns and seasonal trends. PTSRG is advocating for improved data quality and awareness initiatives. Considerations on trespasser prosecution and messaging strategies for track safety were discussed, emphasising education over punitive measures, plus the importance of raising passenger safety awareness. Moving forward, it is proposed that the SOPE workstream transitions to the Trespass and Suicide Prevention Steering Group (TreSP) to explore further actions.
Contact Jemma.Widdows@rssb.co.uk for more information.
- Progress on Passenger Overcarry and PTI Bowties
Recent On-Board Trains Working Group (OBT-WG) meetings have focused on analysing bowties for passengers overcarried at depot and stations. In parallel, PTI bowties addressing person missteps, person too close to platform edge, and person boarding/alighting train at stations will be published on the RSSB bowtie library soon.
- Lithium-ion Batteries Knowledge Search Findings
PTSRG received a presentation on lithium-ion battery safety. It provided comprehensive insights into the workings and risks associated with these batteries. The knowledge search findings are intended for publication on the RSSB research catalogue. While discussing mitigation strategies, an opportunity to align with existing guidance provided by Rail Partners was highlighted.
Contact tom.preece@rssb.co.uk for more information.
- Jenny Saunders: A Fond Farewell
As Jenny Saunders, the chair of PTSRG, departs, we extend heartfelt thanks for her dynamic leadership and commitment to driving change in the industry. Her focus on prioritising vital work and collaboration has left a lasting impact on PTSRG. We are very pleased to continue to receive her strategic direction through her membership of the RSSB System Safety Risk Group (SSRG). We also warmly welcome Stuart Browning, Safety, Sustainability & Compliance Director at c2c, as the new chair of the PTSRG. We look forward to supporting his leadership during his term as chair.
Next meeting: TBA
If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: PTSRG@rssb.co.uk
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Platform Train Interface Working Group
The Platform Train Interface Working Group last met on 1 June 2023
The key messages from the meeting were:
- Collaborative roadmap review
The group is embarking on a collaborative roadmap review where the key risks identified will be defined and scoped out, with a focus on three areas: discovery, planning, and delivery phases. By utilising a streamlined ‘plan on a page’ approach, the aim is to establish clear and concise milestones to enable a succession of evolving tangible outputs.
- ETCS Dispatch
The discussions in the meeting highlighted the growing emergence of ETCS in dispatch. Insights on dispatch competence, ETCS introduction, inclusion of conductors and the need to equip platform staff with ETCS knowledge and support are emphasised to ensure that those outside of the driver fraternity are considered. There is a call for review to ensure seamless and safe operations.
- Further enhancing relationships with the Good Practice Group
The well-established PTI Good Practice Group is recognised as an ideal forum to share ideas, identify good practice, and review case studies as it brings together PTI specialists who exchange experiences and creates healthy debate. To avoid duplication and clearly distinguish the two groups, it was reiterated that the PTI-WG should have a dotted line and provide a point of escalation for that group as well as focus on the wider LHSBR strategy. By further fostering relationships and encouraging dialogue the groups can supplement one another and drive continuous improvement.
Next meeting: 21 September 2023
If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: PTI@rssb.co.uk
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Rail Freight Operations Group
The Rail Freight Operations Group last met on 20 June 2024.
The key messages from the meeting were:
- RAIB recommendations
RFOG members acknowledged the two RAIB recommendations related to the Stafford SPAD on 22 August 2023. They also agreed to check how their respective organisations would cater for these recommendations.
- Possession limit controls
RFOG agreed to support the work on the possession limit controls. They also said they would seek a freight rep for the ongoing trials and subsequent requirement to craft the Rule Book wording.
- Body-worn cameras
RFOG members discussed the response to their letter related to FSIP funding for body-worn cameras. FSIP wants to continue to support this technology, but each operator must supply evidence showing support from the trades unions. They must also provide a robust plan identifying the proposed benefits. Body-worn camera funding is anticipated to come into year 2 (2025/26).
- Framework for the contingency related to dangerous goods
DGWG Chair raised the need for support with defining some principles for compiling a framework for using non-dangerous goods locations following a safety event. This would form part of a wider contingency plan list. Considerations should include security and emergency plans. NSFG are requested to consider how the freight industry can collaborate on a workable solution to this issue.
- Railway resilience for operating through floodwater
RFOG members were keen to support and be involved in the proposed trials for operating through floodwater. Members would like to see the project team return to RFOG in September for an update on the project.
- Misrouting
Better data capture is needed to understand the causes of misrouting, especially for freight. This is because of the high risk associated with the recovery of freight trains.
Next meeting: TBA
If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: freight@rssb.co.uk.
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Road Risk Group
The Road Risk Group last met on 15 May 2024
The key messages from the meeting were:
- Contractor Road Fatality 8 May
The meeting opened with members reflecting on the rail workforce road traffic collision (RTC) fatality that took place on 8 May 2024. A safety alert has been issued by Network Rail and an RTC investigation is currently under way.
- Sustainability and Road Risk
The Road Risk Group (RRG) were provided the following presentations:
- RSSB’s Sustainability Blueprint and the strategic challenges to moving people and goods from road to rail
- A progress update from Network Rail on the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs)
- TES2000 – case study on the business impact of transition to EVs and subsequently to hybrid vehicles.
These presentations will be published and made available via RSSB’s ‘In the Headlights’ webpage.
- SMIS Reporting Criteria
The RRG will form a working group to draft proposals for updating SMIS reporting criteria for road incidents as follows:
- RTC events with the potential to cause injury (operational close calls)
- RTC events involving members of the public and vulnerable road users
- defining and capturing RTC commuting events.
If you would like to participate in the working group, please contact RRG@rssb.co.uk.
- Driving for Better Business Work-Related Driving Policy Builder
National Highways’ Driving for Better Business (DfBB) team introduced the new Work-related Driving Policy Builder toolkit, which available at www.drivingforbetterbusiness.com
- Association of Road Risk Management Training
RRG were given an overview of the Association of Road Risk Management’s new training courses, which cover the fundamentals of managing occupational road risk. More information is available at www.arrm.org.uk
Next meeting:TBAIf you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: RRG@rssb.co.uk
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SPAD Risk Subgroup
The SPAD Risk Subgroup last met on 7 May 2024.
The key messages from the meeting were:
- SPAD RSG Deliverables 24/25
SPAD RSG deliverables will focus on a strategy to improve SPAD investigation quality. This will include a detailed report with various stages, such as reviewing SPAD investigation processes and reports, workshops, interviews, and observations. Additionally, there will be three investigation resource videos/guidance on the following topics: fatigue, distraction, and attention and organisation factors.
- Review of High-risk SPADs
The SPAD risk and rate continues to rise. As a result, SPAD RSG decided to analyse investigation reports for underlying causes data to gain a better understanding of the reasons. Overall, three SPADs have been analysed, and there were some similar and different underlying causes for each. They include the need for a competence management framework, safety critical comms issues, and the use of briefing drivers on when to use emergency braking. Moving forwards, the review of high-risk SPADs will be a permanent agenda slot at SPAD RSG. Additionally, all SPAD causes will be put into a chart for further analysis and trend tracking. Findings will be shared with industry.
- ETCS SPADs Shared Learning
The group received a presentation on ETCS-related SPADs. It included training videos on how ETCS operates in a cab and the issues that GTR has faced when using ETCS in an overlay system. The presentation facilitated an informative discussion on the importance of sharing learning from ETCS-related issues and incidents. Such discussions are important because drivers have not typically encountered these issues. Additionally, ETCS is expanding across the network and will provide the biggest step-change to reducing the SPAD rate and risk. Moving forwards, the group has agreed to monitor and discuss any future ETCS-related issues.
- Merseyrail SPAD and Operational Review
Merseyrail shared their operational improvement activities and the work they had done with RSSB to reduce their SPAD rate and operational risks. This was in response to operational change at Merseyrail, including both the introduction of new fleet and fatigue-related issues. This caused an uptick in SPADs and operational-related incidents.
Merseyrail’s operational improvement activities include:
- vlogs via internal social media channels
- a safety improvement plan, which includes the key recommendations from RSSB report
- updated signage and posters to reduce SPADs and operational incidents.
SPAD RSG members praised Merseyrail for sharing their findings and strategies. It is hoped more rail companies will share learning via SPAD RSG.
Next meeting:
The next SPAD RSG meeting is on Tuesday 30 July 2024 at the Helicon / Microsoft Teams. -
Stations Working Group
The Stations Working Group last met on 21 February 2024.
The key messages from the meeting were:
- Learnings from York rail operating centre visit
Network Rail hosted SWG at their York offices and arranged for the group to visit the adjacent rail operating centre (ROC), for which we give thanks. At the ROC, we heard about the challenges and benefits of controllers, signallers and TOC staff working together at one location to manage an enormous area of rail infrastructure. It was particularly useful to hear how incidents of people sitting on the platform edge (SOPE) and retrieving items from the track (RIFT) impact signallers’ and controllers daily tasks and workload. This formed the basis of discussion during the meeting and will be useful in the ongoing projects.
- Guidance on Retrieval of Items from the Track
The group discussed changes in the profile of rail users as well as changes in customer expectations. They also discussed retrieval of items from the track (RIFT), highlighting the importance of preventative measures rather than solely focusing on retrieval.
Concerning RIFT, the group said comprehensive guidance is needed. Developing this could involve other stakeholders through a gap analysis workshop. This would ensure the guidance is bold, compelling, persuasive, and evidence-based.
- Managing Passenger Congestion
The discussions underscored the need to address passenger congestion and management at stations. Collaboration and clear ownership between industry groups such as RSSB, Rail Partners, Network Rail, GBRTT, and the Rail Delivery Group is essential to address the risks and opportunities related to planned events. These include as safety concerns, customer experience, communication, and commercial aspects. As offline discussions progress to establish clear ownership and governance of this issue, the primary focus for the SWG will remain to identify and understand the specific risks posed by passenger congestion as well as the importance of terminology.
- Planned general inspections
A gap analysis was carried out on planned general inspections (PGI) templates that were submitted to the group. Disparities were observed among operators. The group has highlighted an opportunity for standardisation across the industry. The group emphasised the need for clarity on what constitutes a PGI. Additionally, defined minimum requirements for a sufficient and suitable inspection proportionate to the location.
Next meeting: 21 May 2024
If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: PTSRG@rssb.co.uk
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Train Accident Risk Group
The Train Accident Risk Group last met on 13 June 2024.
The key messages from the meeting were:
- New Chairs for TARG First Meeting
The new TARG Chairs Mark Goodall (Network Rail) and Oliver Schepisi (NTS Global) chaired their first meeting TARG meeting. The objective of the meeting was to work with members to reshape and refine the strategic direction of the group. The group explored.
- TARG’s purpose, scope, and priorities in relation to operational risk,
- the focus of the group’s data pack risk profile
- TARG’s subgroups reporting their priorities, challenges, and successes.
A new group remit will be developed ahead of the next meeting on 11 September.
- SPAD RSG Deliverables 2024/25
SPAD RSG presented their key deliverables for this financial year. They will focus on a strategy to improve SPAD investigation quality. This will include a detailed report with various stages, including:
- reviewing SPAD investigation processes and reports,
- workshops
- interviews
- observations.
Additionally, SPAD RSG will lead the development of guidance (in the form of video) to support investigations. The guidance will cover: fatigue, distraction and attention, and organisation factors.
- The Overspeed Group Deliverables 2024/25
The Overspeed Group presented their key deliverables for this financial year. The group will develop an interim over-speeding risk ranking tool ahead of a long-term tool being developed. They will also an Overspeed RIS. These deliverables form part of RSSB’s plans to develop an industry speeding data strategy and gain a better understanding on over-speeding risk.
- RAATS User Group Deliverable 2024/25
The RAATS User Group presented their key deliverables for this financial year. The group’s key output will be the delivery of Red Aspect Approach to Signals Toolkit 2 (RAATS2) functionality. TARG has agreed to support the development of the tool. The group has also agreed to help promote membership of the RAATS User Group to attract performance representatives who can showcase case studies of RAATS data being used a performance tool.
- TARG Industry Future Engagement
TARG members agreed that there needs to be a more modernised approach to engaging with the industry. This approach would not only use RSSB’s channels but Network Rail’s as well as train freight operators’. Group members agreed on the efficacy of a multi-channel approach (using RSSB’s website, key messages, videos, vlogs, LinkedIn posts, articles). TARG’s approach to industry communications will be finalised its new remit.
Next meeting: 20 November 2024
If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: TARG@rssb.co.uk -
Trespass and Suicide Prevention Strategy Group
The Trespass and Suicide Prevention Strategy Group last met on 16 May 2024.
The key messages from the meeting were:
- Data
The group was updated on the end-of-year data from both RSSB’s Annual Health and Safety Report and data from the National Disruption Fusion Unit. Cancellations and non-schedule 8 minutes are not currently included in the presentation, but the group expressed that they would like to see them built into the quarterly report going forward.
- Holistic database for rail safety education
TreSP SG has had several conversations in the past around rail safety education and the importance of ensuring the safety of young people when they are on or near the railway. RSSB and Network Rail are collaborating to create a heatmap highlighting locations that have received rail safety education. This initiative involves standardising and sharing data, regularly updating the heatmap, and ensuring the heatmap is user friendly and accessible to the whole of industry. TreSP SG supports the initiative in order to enhance overall rail safety.
- Red 68 on work-related violence
Red 68 explores how the rail industry are working together to address passenger behaviours, including work-related violence and passenger behaviour. You can watch the episode on our website.
- Sitting on the platform edge
The findings from a recent report on sitting on the platform edge’ (SOPE) were shared with the group. Since the the start of the pandemic in 2020, industry has seen an increase in SOPE incidents.
The Stations Working Group escalated the issue and has been working with industry to understand the reasons behind SOPE. The report includes recommendations that will now be discussed by the TreSP SG, who will determine the next steps.
Next meeting: 28 August 2024If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: trespassandsuicidepreventionsg@rssb.co.uk
Rail Health and Wellbeing
The Rail Wellbeing Alliance and its subgroups consider the health and wellbeing risks facing the industry. They lead the conversation on how these risks can be managed and mitigated.
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Rail Wellbeing Alliance
The Rail Wellbeing Alliance last met on 12 June 2024.
The key messages from the meeting were:
Progress of health risk groups
RWA received a progress update from the Health and Wellbeing Action Group (HWAG) and the Occupational Health and Hygiene Advisory Group (OHHAG). RSSB’s Rail Health and Safety Strategy states the key aim for the health and wellbeing area is for the rail industry to prioritise health so that it is managed on a par with safety. HWAG and OHHAG have defined a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. They are working to raise the profile of health and wellbeing across the industry.
HWAG’s purpose is to improve data-driven and evidence-based decisions for the prevention and management of health and wellbeing issues in the industry. To inform the approach, HWAG discussed barriers and forces for change to achieve the prioritisation of health. A workshop will be held in July 2024 to draft HWAG’s roadmap for the next meeting in August 2024.
OHHAG’s purpose is to develop and oversee a strategic roadmap for an improved approach to the prevention of harm and early identification and intervention on work-related ill health risks. The roadmap was agreed at the meeting on 14 May 2024. Work on the medical fitness standards is ongoing. Workshops with industry are being held for the Managing the risk associated with medical impairment in safety critical occupations (T1324) project. This will also inform future work on developing a ‘taking healthy decisions’ risk framework for industry.
RWA supported the work of the groups and praised how much progress these newly formed groups are making.
RSSB’s Operations Risk and Safety Conference 2024
The Operations Risk and Safety Conference is taking place on 11 July 2024. The Chair of RWA, David Horne, MD, LNER, will be part of a panel on the day. There will be presentations from the RSSB Health and Wellbeing team. Other topics include:
- taking safe decisions
- operating incidents and culture
- managing emerging technologies
- electrical safety
- managing disruption.
To book a ticket, please use this link: Events and Webinars (rssb.co.uk).
Railway Mental Health Charter
RWA was given an update on the Railway Mental Health Charter (RMHC). The RMHC is a framework to help promote, manage, and support workforce mental wellbeing. There are 127 member companies across the industry. A review of the RHMC was undertaken, and a revised version was launched in May 2024. If you have any questions about becoming a member of the RMHC, please contact Faye Bacon at RSSB.
Health and Wellbeing Data Hub
An update on the Health and Wellbeing Data Hub was provided. The project phase for T1259 is about to close, and there will be a new project implementation with the existing stakeholders. The new project will be delivered in three phases, with the aims of:
- expanding the stakeholders to all Safety Management Intelligence System (SMIS) members
- providing a fully automated system for health data submission and analysis.
See Health and Wellbeing Data for further information and reports.
RWA fully endorse and support the continuation of this important and innovative work. Sickness absence in the rail industry is twice that of the national average. This work will assist industry in targeting health and wellbeing interventions, provide the data for business cases, and help put health on a par with safety.
Next meeting: 4 September 2024
If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: health&wellbeing@rssb.co.uk
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Fatigue Coordination Group
The Fatigue Coordination Group last met on 17 May 2024.
The key messages from the meeting were:
- There is a variety of work being developed across the FCG subgroups
The Chairs of the TOC Fatigue Working Group, the NFSG Fatigue Working Group, and the ISLG Fatigue Working Group shared an update on the work under way within these subgroups. This includes exploring the development of guidance on fasting and fatigue, developing fatigue content as part of the Personal Track Safety training, and guidance for mid-shift fatigue assessments. The ISLG Fatigue Working Group has also undertaken interviews with night workers to understand their experience of night work. The interviews are currently being collated into a report. - Guidance for line managers on fatigue reports has been published
RSSB has now published a good practice guide in collaboration with the TOC Fatigue Working Group, ‘Line manager guidance for working with fatigue reports and conversations’. The guidance contains resources for line managers on the process for managing fatigue reports and carrying out a dynamic risk assessment. - The group is supporting an upcoming fatigue forum event
A fatigue forum event will be held at the Helicon on 25 June. The event will bring together industry colleagues working on fatigue to discuss important issues concerning fatigue management in the rail industry. Places are still available. Register for the event.
Next meeting: 16 August 2024
If you have any questions, or would like to contact the group, please email: health&wellbeing@rssb.co.uk.
- There is a variety of work being developed across the FCG subgroups
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Health and Wellbeing Action Group
The Health and Wellbeing Action Group last met on 23 May 2024.
The key messages from the meeting were:
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Rail Health and Safety Strategy
The key aim for Health and Wellbeing risk area in the Rail Health and Safety Strategy (rssb.co.uk) is for health and wellbeing to be managed on a par with safety. HWAG discussed the barriers and the forces for change to enable this to happen. They also considered how safety is managed and the reasons that have made safety a priority, to help inform the approach to raise the profile of health and wellbeing across the industry. -
HWAG’s Purpose and Roadmap
HWAG’s purpose is to improve data driven and evidence-based decisions for the prevention and management of health and wellbeing issues in the industry. A roadmap will be defined to achieve the purpose of the group. It was agreed that there will be a workshop to draft the HWAG roadmap. -
Health and Wellbeing Data Hub
HWAG received an update on the Health and Wellbeing Data Hub. The pilot is coming to an end, and round five of the data collection and analysis has been completed. Sickness absence in the rail industry is twice that of the national average. The project will be progressing beyond the pilot, with the aim to expand the number of participating companies to include all the Safety Management Intelligence System users. -
Musculoskeletal Disorders Survey
Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the leading causes of absence for the rail industry. An industry-wide MSD survey will be issued in June 2024 to gather MSD data. The survey has been designed to provide granular detail around MSDs. The analysis of the results will help to identify priority areas. Company-specific reports for participating companies and a cross-industry report will be produced. All areas of the rail industry can participate in the survey. For further information please contact Kirsten Huysamen.
Action: If you would like to volunteer for the talent pool, please complete the Health and Wellbeing Group Member Survey.
Next meeting: 15 August 2024
If you have any questions, or would like to contact the group, please email: health&wellbeing@rssb.co.uk
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Occupational Health and Hygiene Advisory Group
The Occupational Health and Hygiene Advisory Group last met on 14 May 2024.
The key messages from the meeting were:
Strategic Roadmap
A draft strategic roadmap of the group activities was shared, along with vision statements. This included both current and new workstreams. It also included an aspect of communications and marketing, and the need for appropriate success factors.
New and Current Workstreams
Current workstreams:
- Fitness for Work Standards. These are currently being reviewed by the drafting group and are to undergo the internal review process from the beginning of June. The group was asked for any final comments before an industry wide consultation in September 2024.
- Fitness for Work Criteria Knowledge Search. A review of international standards and other sector guidance on assessments and criteria for fitness for work has been undertaken. Overall, the knowledge search suggests that current rail standards are comparable with other sectors and internationally, although there is a move to a more risk-based approach.
- Managing the Risk Associated with Medical Impairment. The group was informed of three workshops to explore the assessment and management of insulin dependent diabetes, chronic back pain, and sleep apnoea. These are currently focused on train drivers and will inform development of a ‘taking healthy decisions’ framework.
- Colour Vision Research. An update and request for support of current practice to inform review of appropriate colour vision testing for safety critical workers was presented.
- Training for Occupational Health Providers in Rail. This project will reconvene in June and will review both the content and delivery method whilst aligning with the new Medical Fitness Standards.
New Workstreams
- Risk Matrix and Control Standards. This was proposed as a new project to incorporate an overarching matrix relating key roles to likely health exposures. It will facilitate the development of good practice control advice for each exposure and the potential for a digital risk assessment toolkit.
- Health Surveillance Guide. To facilitate improvement in provision and understanding of health surveillance requirements. A guide can be developed to distinguish between fitness medicals and the legal requirement for surveillance for those exposed to specific health risks. This should fit in a wider health risk management guide.
- Health Risk Management Training for Safety Professionals and Supervisors. This is to be developed as an introduction to health risk management in rail and with the potential for accreditation by the British Occupational Hygiene Society.
Next meeting: 8 August 2024
If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: health&wellbeing@rssb.co.uk