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 10 December 2024
The key messages from the meeting were:
- Rail Industry Health and Safety Strategy
Strategic roadmaps for both train accident risk and work-related violence have been presented to SSRG. RHSS risk groups are delivering well against their roadmaps, with only small concerns outstanding. These concerns were addressed during this meeting.
- Project Endorsements
TSSRG endorsed the following pieces of work:
- development of a RHSS delivery document
- update to the Safety Risk Model
- update to the Cost-Benefit Analysis Tool.
The group will be updated on the progress of each item through concise yet comprehensive activity reports called ‘Project on a Page’.
- Train Accident Risk Group Data Review
The SPAD Risk Subgroup (SPAD RSG) will take part in a small working group to establish what data needs to be captured in the RIS3119B form. The group will also explore how the form can be streamlined. Currently, the form can collect information that is not relevant in the aftermath of a SPAD. SPAD RSG will present outcomes from the working group at the Train Accident Risk Group’s next meeting. TARG will update SSRG on any planned modifications to the form.
- Network Rail Drive Safe Campaign
SSRG noted the work being done across industry to mitigate the risk from driving for work purposes. SSRG invited members of the group to share Network Rail’s Drive Safe campaign and resources with their respective organisations and within their respective sectors.
- Work-Related Violence
The tragic passing of Elizabeth Line worker Jorge Ortega following an assault at Ilford station, London, was noted by the group. SSRG highlighted the importance of maintaining industry focus on work-related violence. It also spoke in favour of a proactive approach to eliminate the risk, particularly through the uptake of body-worn cameras. Finally, the group emphasised the need for a consistent message throughout industry on the unacceptability of work-related violence.
Next meeting: 4 March 2025
If 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 30 January 2024
The key messages from the meeting were:
- National CCS DRACAS Data Sharing Charter
The project is on track to deliver the National CCS DRACAS Data Sharing Charter Issue 1 by the end of March, with input from industry stakeholders.
The draft will be shared with the National DRACAS Group for cross-industry feedback. Comments and suggestions will be taken in upon review.
- AIG cybersecurity work
AIG’s cybersecurity initiatives, together with the rolling stock community, focus on sharing good practices for operational guidance. Risk modelling and mitigation are particular areas of focus.
These efforts have been acknowledged by the Railway Cybersecurity Committee (RCSC). The RCSC has offered strategic support to strengthen industry-wide cybersecurity.
The output of the work is to build a comprehensive threat model library. This will help the sector stay ahead of emerging threats. It will also ensure robust cybersecurity across rail systems.
- AIG Delivery Plan
The group reviewed the CP7 projects and their timelines to ensure alignment with the AIG Delivery Plan. It was noted that a revised Terms of Reference and remit will be issued soon. The template is currently under SSRG review.
- Enhancing reliability with Precursor Indicator Model (PIM) recalibration
The PIM recalibration project has been completed. This should improve the accuracy and reliability of performance monitoring systems. This achievement:
- supports better predictive maintenance
- reduces downtime
- enhances operational efficiency.
This will mean more reliable rail operations across the industry.
- AI Assurance and Asset Management
AIG is keen to understand the ongoing work by York University and RSSB in exploring how AI and automated systems can be further used for assurance in asset management.
The focus is on ensuring reliability and transparency in supporting long-term asset performance and safety.
- Improving resilience of Wheel Impact Load Detection (WILD) and Hot Axle Box Detection Sensors (HABD)
AIG discussed the tolerance for WILD and HABD sensor unavailability on the network. The Technology Working Group is looking at opportunities to enhance these sites with extra monitoring technologies, particularly for freight wagons, to improve detection and reliability.
The group will review the end-to-end process to find potential improvements, including feedback mechanisms. It also acknowledged its high relevance to asset integrity.
Next meeting: 20 March 2025
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 28 November 2024.
The key messages from the meeting were:
- New ISLG Chair and Deputy Chair
Stuart Webster-Spriggs comes to the end of his 2-year tenure as ISLG Chair at the end of December 2024. The Chair elect, Martyn Baraclough, will take up the role in January 2025. He will be supported by Matt Wright, the new Deputy Chair. Stuart was thanked for the strategic direction he has provided to the group. This has helped to raise its profile with Network Rail and the principal contractor community.
- Learning from Operational Experience
Updates from Dr Greg Morse during his Learning from Operational Experience presentation highlighted a worrying increase in incidents involving falls from heights. ISLG will continue to monitor the situation to determine any emerging trends and whether this safety risk needs attention from the group.
- On-Track Plant incidents
Incidents involving on-track plant appear to be on the rise. Martyn Baraclough will take near miss data to the Line Block Working Group so that the incidents can be reviewed in context. The outcomes of the review will contribute to discussions on areas for ISLG to focus and collaborate on in 2025.
- Network Rail electrical safety campaign
Heather Baldi of Network Rail gave a presentation on the new electrical safety campaign, ‘Make a Challenge, Save a Life’. The campaign aims to bring about a change of behaviour around high-voltage lines. It also encourages the workforce to ask, check, and challenge if they think that something isn’t right or that the correct procedures aren’t being followed. ISLG members agreed to disseminate the campaign details. These are now available on Safety Central.
- Rail On-Track Plant Operations Scheme and Machine Controller review
Nicola Uijen of Network Rail provided an update on the review of the On-Track Plant Operations Scheme (POS) and the Machine Controller (MC) role. A POS seminar, which will include ISLG and the plant community, will be held in early 2025. The seminar will examine outputs of various trials focused on reducing the number of MCs on worksites with an enhanced review on control measures. It will determine how the industry takes forward the holistic management of the risk of plant use on Network Rail-managed infrastructure.
- Rail Accident Investigation Branch — Ramsden Bellhouse Project
Tom Hyatt of RSSB gave an update on the completed Ramsden Bellhouse project. ISLG will review the recommendations from the project reports. It will also devise a plan of what needs to be taken forward and how these will be progressed through the ISLG Network.
- Network Rail supply chain reporting system
Mark Potter of Network Rail provided an update on the new reporting system that will replace the requirement to input accident and incident details into the Safety Management Intelligence System (SMIS) and the International Railway Industry Standard (IRIS) from April 2025.
Scotland and route services have already transferred to the new system. ISLG will be advised of the regional roll-out plans and direct inputting requirements that exist for Network Rail Northwest & Central and Eastern regions. IRIS will remain in place for 2 years for assurance purposes.
Next meeting: 30 January 2025
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 21 January 2025
The key messages from the meeting were:
- SMIS Cause Forms
Recognising that there is an upward trend in SPADs, the group agreed that the information gathered in SMIS cause forms is invaluable. It will enable the sector to become more data-driven in addressing SPADs.
- Common Safe Systems of Work
The group agreed that all operators must prioritise the Common Safe Systems of Work (CSSOW) workstream. This includes accepting sites, uploading CSSOW documents, and maintaining the documents on the system.
- Freight Safety Improvement Portfolio Overview and Reminder of Process
An overview was provided of the Freight Safety Improvement Portfolio (FSIP) funding spend to date against the themes of upgrade, exploit, and innovate. Future applications for spend in the third and fourth years are welcome, especially those looking at themes exploit and innovate. Joint initiatives are being actively encouraged by the NFSG.
- NFSG Chair Stepping Down
NFSG members and those in the freight sector thanked group Chair Dougie Hill for his dedication to NFSG and drive for collaboration across freight in the interest of safety. The notable achievements in his seven-year tenure were praised. Dougie will continue to be a member of NFSG as RSSB’s Professional Head of Freight.
Date of next meeting: 25 April 2025
If you have any questions, or would like to contact the group, please email: penny.hattam@RSSB.co.uk -
On-Board Train Working Group
The On-Board Train Working Group last met on 28 November 2024
The key messages from the meeting were:
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Engagement levels
The OBT working group Chair, Emma Cogan, recognised that high attendance levels to the meeting enabled the group to have beneficial levels of discussion. It also allows attendees to talk about topics collaboratively.
- Realigning plans for a clear strategy
The group highlighted the need to realign its direction in the light of the future structure of the rail industry. Discussions stressed the need to define how the group is going to develop its own strategies to put into industry and establish where it goes.
- Passenger Journey Workshop
The group will collaborate with the Stations Working Group to consider the passenger journey, specifically focusing on luggage. The findings will be used to consider the end-to-end passenger journey at every touch point and develop a risk model that will help underpin any emerging guidance. A date for the workshop will be followed up in correspondence.
- Cross-industry collaboration
OBT-WG reps will present the published overcarry bowtie to the Depot Working Group on 14 January 2025. This is in recognition that the risk of passengers being overcarried into depots needed specialist oversight and scrutiny. It is hoped that the group can improve the control measures identified to date. These were perceived to lack rigour by the OBT-WG.
- Stranded passengers
We refer to the recent Passenger Operations Webinar, which was broadcast immediately after the meeting. It featured a dedicated section on the progress being made in the industry’s response to stranded trains and stranded passengers. You can view the webinar here.
Next meeting 11 March 2025
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 16 October 2024
The key messages from the meeting were:- South Western Railway’s Trains Speed Management System
South Western Railway presented their trains speed management system, which includes three systems Zonda, Sirocco and C-Das. The systems can be used to capture overspeeding data and highlight speed restrictions. The data can be used to support driver competence. The presentation was well received by the group, which welcomed the showcase of specific operator examples.
- Using RAATS Data to Detect Overspeeding
The group received a presentation on the feasibility of identifying overspeed events using train describer movement data at signal berth level. The group has agreed to sponsor a project on this. Two members have agreed to be representatives of a steering group. the results of the project will be presented to the group.
- Trainserv Automatic Driver Competence Indicators
West Midlands Trains presented on a trial of the Trainserv tool, which was set up to gain a better understanding of sub-threshold delay. The trial took place between Shrewsbury and Birmingham New Street. The trial sought to establish if the tool can enable an improvement in train punctuality and determine produce improvements in traincrew competence and performance. Trial outputs revealed numerous overspeeding reports. They also showed that the tool has the potential to complement existing competence management systems, alter existing processes to include the professional driving policy, and include assessment events of the notifications with the drivers. West Midlands Trains has agreed to update the group following greater data analysis.
- Junction Overspeed Risk Assessment Tool
The group received a presentation on the Junction Overspeed Risk Assessment Tool, which is being developed in response to recommendations 2 and 3 from the first Spital overspeeding incident. The development of the tool is split into two phases:
- Define the factors that impact on the risk of an overspeed at junctions with approach controls (Phase 1)
- Develop a triage / screening tool that enables the identification of higher risk junctions (Phase 2)
Two members of the Overspeed Group have agreed to join the steering group for the project.
- Overspeed Data Strategy Endorsement
The group has agreed to endorse the overspeed strategy. The strategy is a starting point for further work on overspeeding, which could be the development of a tool or guidance on effective ways to understand/use overspeed data.
Next meeting: 22 January 2024
- South Western Railway’s Trains Speed Management System
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People on Trains and at Stations Risk Group
The People on Trains and at Stations Risk Group last met on 14 November 2024.
The key messages from the meeting were:
- Industry group alignment
Discussions held at PTSRG highlighted the need to align the group’s objectives and initiations with the anticipated future structure of the rail industry. This will help it continue to be effective and relevant.
- Insights from the RAIB Safety Digest
Alex Mason’s presentation on the Banbury incident highlighted the importance of shared accountability between operators and infrastructure managers. One key takeaway was the necessity of robust quantification of safety measures. Another was the risk of disregarding these on cost grounds.
- Development of the PTI strategy
Stuart Browning presented the PTI strategy framework. This was approved by SSRG in October and will align with the overarching rail safety strategy. A scoping document will be developed with input from existing specialist groups and PTSRG members. In turn, this will enable a collaborative approach to planning the next steps.
- Planned general inspections
The group discussed the uncertainty over what constituted a suitable and sufficient workplace inspection on railway property when interpreted directly from HSE guidance. A gap analysis reinforced the differences in approach across train operators. This, in turn, led to an opportunity to create guidance specific to railway undertakings. The Stations Working Group established the need for a proportionate and risk-based approach. They also agreed a definition that should generate efficiencies for duty holders and improve safety for station users. This will form part of a formal project to be launched in the new year.
Next meeting: 13 February 2025
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 10 December 2024.
The key messages from the meeting were:
- Samaritans work on suicide prevention
Sophia Turner joined from the Samaritans Network Rail partnership to discuss their work in preventing suicides. Their support material includes training programmes, post-incident support, and 24-hour telephones services. FOCs were encouraged to ensure that they are in receipt of the materials and support.
- Freight Safety Improvement Portfolio Overview and Reminder of Process
An overview was provided of the Freight Safety Improvement Portfolio (FSIP) funding spend to date against the themes of upgrade, exploit, and innovate. Future applications for spend in the third and fourth years are welcome, especially those looking at themes exploit and innovate.
- Low Adhesion for this Season
The season has seen various challenges related to low adhesion, impacting different operators and routes. Efforts are being made to collect and analyse data on repeat locations and impact sites to better understand and address low adhesion issues. Overall, the season has highlighted the need for continuous monitoring, data collection, and collaborative efforts to address the challenges effectively.
- ETCS Concerns around De-scoping of ETCS
There is significant worry about the potential de-scoping of certain functionalities and features in the ETCS project, which could impact the overall effectiveness and safety of the system. Areas of specific concern are:
- snow plough operations
- transitional state
- compatibility and transition.
De-scoping could lead to increased operational risk and place additional burdens on train drivers. There is a need to ensure that any hazards that can be designed out are addressed.
- Route Knowledge Competency
There is a need for freight operators to pay due diligence when transferring safety-critical information within the sector, focusing specifically on staff recruitment and transfer.
Next meeting: 25 March 2025
If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: penny.hattam@RSSB.co.uk.
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Rail Investigation Group
The Rail Investigation Group last met on 05 Februrary 2025.
The key messages from the meeting were:
- Terms of Reference review
The Rail Investigation Group’s Terms of Reference document was reviewed to ensure it remains aligned with the group’s original objectives. The review confirmed that the group’s activities and focus areas are still relevant and effective in achieving its objectives. It also allowed for necessary adjustments to be made, ensuring that the group continues to operate efficiently and effectively.
- New explainer videos
The group discussed the production of short-form explainer videos. They are currently creating a series of bite-sized videos that cover various aspects of investigations, including evidence gathering, writing investigation reports, and delivering recommendations. The videos will be available on the RSSB website for the industry to access.
- Filling a competency gap
The group recently had a discussion on designated competent person(s) and investigator competencies. During the meeting, members acknowledged that there is a competency gap in the industry. The group has proposed developing comprehensive guidance and a robust framework for industry. It is hoped that clear standards and best practices for investigators will close the competency gap and enhance the overall quality and effectiveness of investigations.
Next meeting: 09 April 2025.
If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: charlotte.sweet@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 22 October 2024.
The key messages from the meeting were:
- New Fatigue Video
SPAD RSG members were shown a new video presentation about investigating fatigue. The video presentation looks at the definition, causes, and impacts of fatigue in rail. It also covers how to investigate if fatigue was a factor in an adverse safety event. The video is available from The SMIS Causes Form. Guidance will be created to support the video. This new resource is a SPAD RSG deliverable.
- SPAD Risk Handbook
Southeastern’s Jonathon Cole updated the group on the Ladbroke Grove webinar. The webinar focused on how the SPAD Risk Handbook is used to support drivers. The group commended the handbook and said it could be adopted as an industry-wide publication through SPAD RSG. The group will contact Jonathon to ascertain what is required to create a similar publication.
- RIS3199B Form Review
The RIS3119B form can collect information that is not relevant in the aftermath of a SPAD. So, SPAD RSG discussed whether it should be reviewed. SPAD RSG has agreed to participate in a small working group to review what data needs to be captured and how the form can be streamlined. SPAD RSG will present their findings at the next TARG meeting.
Next meeting:
The next hybrid SPAD RSG meeting is on Tuesday 4 February on Microsoft Teams and at RSSB new office at 25 Fenchurch Avenue
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Stations Working Group
The Stations Working Group last met on 5 November 2024.
The key messages from the meeting were:
- Meeting quoracy
The number of non-RSSB meeting attendees did not meet the 50% threshold for quoracy. This meant that decisions could not be made formally. However, those in attendance agreed that there was value in reviewing our workstreams and instigating progress through correspondence with their fellow members.
- Crowd management
Matt Jump (Network Rail) shared a principles document that sets out the approach for effective crowd management under five sections. Those were:
- command and control
- crowd management
- customer experience
- customer support and welfare
- training and continuous improvement.
The group will individually review the document to align with internal processes. It will also share findings to identify gaps, issues, and best practices.
- Automatic ticket barriers (RIS-7701-INS)
The group will engage with compiling elements of the automatic ticket barriers standards through the development of RIS-7701-INS. The existing standard (RIS-7700-INS) will be withdrawn and merged with RIS-7701-INS.
It was also felt that S-WG was the appropriate group to compose three of the sections, relating to:
- passenger operations, to reflect changes to ticketing types
- customer behaviour
- the rollout of remote gate lines.
- Planned General Inspection guidance
Project submission has been accepted by RSSB on the development of Planned General Inspection guidance. This aims to standardise and streamline inspection processes across the industry. This will provide clear, actionable guidance to support consistent implementation and alignment with long-term operational goals. In turn, this will foster efficiency and accountability across the network.
Next meeting: 26 February 2025
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 20 November 2024.
The key messages from the meeting were:
- RIS3199B Form Review
The RIS3119B form can collect information that is not relevant in the aftermath of a SPAD. So, SPAD RSG discussed whether it should be reviewed. SPAD RSG has agreed to participate in a small working group to review what data needs to be captured and how the form can be streamlined. SPAD RSG presented their findings at today’s TARG meeting and have agreed that this form and the SPAD 72-hour guidance national operating procedure should be reviewed. A request for help form will be submitted.
- South Western Railway Trains Speed Management System
TARG received an update from the Overspeed Group meeting, where South Western Railway presented their trains speed management system. It includes three systems: Zonda, Sirocco, and C-Das. The systems can be used to capture overspeeding and highlight speed restrictions. Overall, the data captured can be used to support a driver competence. The presentation was well received by the group, having showcased specific operator examples.
- Junction Overspeed Risk Assessment Tool
TARG received an update from the Overspeed Group meeting regarding a presentation on the Junction Overspeed Risk Assessment Tool. The tool has been developed in response to RAIB recommendations 2 and 3 from the first Spital overspeeding incident. The project is split into two phases. Phase 1 focuses on developing a bowtie for permanent speed restrictions at diverging junctions. Phase 2 is likely to involve:
- determining how the questions relate to the final risk assessment score
- applying weightings to the questions
- piloting the questions to ensure sensible results are returned
- production of a screening/triage tool for assessing all signals at diverging junctions.
The group has agreed to support the project through a couple of members being on the steering group.
- SPAD Cause Forms Data
It was agreed that SPAD cause forms data would be reviewed in relation to which operators are completing the form. This information will be sent to the ORR to help increase operators’ participation. Encouraging operators to complete the form is crucial, as obtaining more causal data will help the industry understand why SPADs are occurring.
- Overspeed Data Strategy
The Overspeed Group has agreed to endorse the Overspeed Data Strategy, which is a starting point for further work on overspeeding. While future workstreams are to be decided upon, they may involve the development of a tool or guidance on how to understand and make effective use if overspeed data. TARG has agreed to review this endorsement of the Overspeed Data Strategy at the next TARG meeting.
Next meeting: 12 February 2025
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 06 November 2024.
The key messages from the meeting were:
- Trespass andSuicide Prevention One Stop Shop
The group received an update on the trespass and suicide prevention ‘one-stop shop’ project. This is a single online portal where industry’s collective materials on tackling trespass and suicide will be housed. The initial content review is complete, and the webpages have been organised under specific categories to improve user accessibility. Next steps involve gathering additional content from industry to include in the one-stop shop. This is to make sure the portal is valuable for users and comprehensively addresses trespass and suicide prevention.
- Education Mapping Tool
The group received an update on the education mapping tool that is currently being developed. Inspiration for the tool came from a bowtie review that sought to close resource gaps related to educational visits in schools. The tool will improve industry coordination when providing resources to schools, helping to avoid duplication. The group’s feedback on the tool, covering data, management, and priority locations, will be applied before the next meeting.
- TreSP WG Workshop
The Trespass and Suicide Prevention Working Group has now been active for nearly a year. With this in mind, some members recently held a workshop to carry out a post-implementation review. The workshop focused on the group’s remit, which was said to have a large scope. Members discussed streamlining the group’s focus to ensure continued value to the industry. They assessed the successes and challenges so far. They also highlighted the need for additional strategic direction from the Trespass and Suicide Prevention Strategy Group to ensure their work is targeted.
Next meeting: 13 February 2025If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: Charlotte.Sweet@RSSB.co.uk
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Trespass and Suicide Prevention Working Group
The Trespass and Suicide Prevention Working Group last met on 21 January 2025.
The key messages from the meeting were:
- Effectiveness of surveillance technologies
Lisa Marzano and Laura Joyner from Middlesex University presented their research on the effectiveness of smart surveillance technology in preventing suicides at high-risk locations. This research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research. The project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of certain technologies, focusing on their usage, benefits, and potential harms.
The study includes three case studies:
- railways
- a bridge location
- a high-frequency coastal location.
The project involves cross-location learning and explores various perspectives. It is also looking at what the potential risks and unintended consequences of using this technology at high-risk locations might be.
The research also aims to map the range of surveillance technologies used across the UK. The team will also develop evidence-based guidance and resources for implementation.
- Small Talk Saves Lives
The Small Talks Saves Lives campaign returns for phase 8, running from March 4 to March 25. The launch event is taking place at London Bridge station.
The campaign aims to remind the public that they have the tools they need to save a life. It will feature station- and community-based events across the country, supported by listening volunteers.
A toolkit with materials for social media, websites, and press releases will be shared to help train operators and other stakeholders spread the message.
For more information, please contact railcompaniestraining@samaritans.org.
- T1357: Defining the requirements for trespass signage
Rosemary Tinker and Tom Hyatt from RSSB’s Human Factors team provided an update on T1357: Defining the Requirements for Trespass Signage.
They highlighted key stages of the project, starting with the current literature review. This will be followed by:
- workshops
- focus groups
- site visists.
The session included a discussion around some key questions. Feedback from the group was also welcomed.
- BTP disruption update
Chief Inspector Adam Swallow updated the group on the British Transport Police’s (BTP’s) Disruption Improvement Plan.
The plan covered several areas, including the following.
There will be an expansion of Operation Falcon, which looks at the deployment of drones and beyond visual line of sight trials.
A disruption master class will also be developed for operational police officers, focusing on:
- fatality management
- cable theft
- vandalism
- trespass offending.
There will also be Person in Precarious Position (PiPP) response plans for 21 Red RAG status locations.
New emergency services guidance has been given to emergency services. New Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Programme (JESIP) guidance has also been shared on dealing with people in crisis.
Operation Guild is an initiative they hope to launch for this year’s summer peak of disruption-related offences. The operation aims to use existing powers more consistently to gather details to enable letters to be sent to parents/guardians, primarily focusing on youth offenders.
The BTP has also written to the Chief Coroners to request standardised protocols for fatality response and recovery across the 73 Regional Coroners.
Next meeting: 25 March 2025If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: Charlotte.Sweet@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 14 February 2025.
The key messages from the meeting were:
- Fatigue Risk Manager’s Course
The FCG discussed the success of the Fatigue Risk Manager’s pilot course, which was facilitated by RSSB’s Dr Claire Watt-Coombes and Anna Vereker at the RSSB’s London offices on 3-4 February 2025. The course provided valuable insights and practical tools for people in rail fatigue manager roles. Positive feedback was provided by participants from across the industry. This course will become commercially available via the RSSB’s website. The next course is likely to be offered in mid-2025.
- Leveraging Insights from RSSB’s Fatigue Survey
The FCG highlighted that the RSSB’s 2023 fatigue survey has provided key insights for individual rail companies into industry-wide fatigue risks. The analysis of the survey results is ongoing, and findings will be used to enhance the industry’s fatigue management strategies. March is the target publication date for the follow-up report. RSSB will present a paper at the CIEHF Conference in April on the fatigue survey results. The paper will focus on the ‘feast or famine’ pattern of sleep that was first observed in rail workers following a 2018 survey.
- Fatigue Assessment Tool and Alignment with Industry Initiative
The FCG discussed that the In-Shift Fatigue Assessment Tool trialled by the Freight Fatigue Working Group has demonstrated the tool’s effectiveness. Early evidence has shown positive impacts in assessing fatigue during a shift. A case study outlining the tool’s benefits and how it can be used will be added to the RSSB’s website. Separately, Network’s Rail current Drive Safe campaign on fatigue is available on Safety Central. It offers valuable insights into managing fatigue risk related to road driving.
Next meeting: 30 May 2025
If you have any questions, or would like to contact the group, please email: fatigue@rssb.co.uk.
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Health and Wellbeing Action Group
The Health and Wellbeing Action Group last met on 11 November 2024.
1. New KPIs being decided for Health Insights project
New key performance indicators (KPIs), to improve the industry’s understanding of health and wellbeing through the health insights projects are being discussed. HWAG and industry organisations will decide what they will be.
2. Musculoskeletal survey requires further participation
The industry’s musculoskeletal (MSD) survey is open until the 31 December. RSSB urges all members to take part. This will ensure relevant information that will improve the industry’s understanding of MSDs is gathered.
3. HWAG’s first task and finish group
The group’s first task and finish group presented their work. The group, which is looking at both leadership perceptions of wellbeing and barriers for implementation of health and wellbeing work in rail, will engage with senior leaders in early 2025.
Action: If you have any suggestions for volunteers for the task and finish groups, or further questions, please contact Joana Faustino.
Next meeting: 12 February 2025
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 8 August 2024.
The key messages from the meeting were:
1. Medical standards
OHHAG received an update on the progress of the Medical Standards review. The RIS-3789-TOM Medical Standards draft will be submitted to the Traffic Operation and Management Standard Committee (TOM SC) on 3 September 2024 for approval for it to proceed to industry consultation, scheduled for 16 September to 11 October 2024. Comments will be reviewed, and the final draft version will be submitted to TOM SC for approval on 3 December 2024. RIS-3789-TOM will be published in March 2025.
2. Associated research projects
There are two research projects supporting the medical standards review:
- T1279 Colour vision requirements for train drivers (the final report is imminent)
- T1324 Managing the risk associated with medical impairment in safety critical operations.
Workshops have been held with members of OHHAG to produce guidance. Outputs from this project are:
- development of a Taking Healthy Decisions framework, based on the Taking Safe Decisions model
- medical assessment framework
- worked examples for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnoea
- case studies.
These activities are within OHHAG’s roadmap.
3. Health risk management
OHHAG was updated on Balfour Beatty’s health risk management activities, which include a health risk assessment tool. A subgroup will be formed under OHHAG that will gather tools and guidance as a package for use within the rail industry. This will include developing a Managing Health Risks in Rail training course.
4. Occupational health provision across the sector
A short survey is planned to establish the current picture of health provision across the rail industry. This will be based around contractual set up, access, the quality of services, and competency of occupational health providers specifically for rail. The results will be discussed at OHHAG.
Next meeting: 7 November 2024
If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: health&wellbeing@rssb.co.uk