Key Messages from LHSBR Risk Groups

The System Safety Risk Group last met on 27 September 2023

The key messages from the meeting were:

• SPAD Numbers

SSRG noted the high number of SPADs recorded in SMIS and expressed concern that historically SPAD risk tends to track the number of SPADs occurring. SSRG raised the challenge to the Train Accident Risk Group to work with RSSB analysts to confirm how they plan to address the likely outcome of current SPAD trends and report back to the group.

• Introduction of New Tech to Industry

A discussion on Geofencing, led by the Infrastructure Safety Leadership Group, highlighted the issue of introducing tech to the network, such as geofencing or AI, that may have unintended impacts on safety. SSRG has requested that the LHSBR Executive Advisory Group identifies a suitable forum to address this. Existing initiatives that have taken a coordinated approach to introduction of new tech will be sought in order to share learnings.

• Network Rail Health and Safety Management System

Liz Parkes and Abigail Patterson, of Network Rail, joined the meeting to share the aims and progress of the Network Rail Health and Safety Management System remodelling. They illustrated how the new systems would be aligned to the RM3 framework and shared the significant consultation that had been undertaken. 

• Freight Integrated Plan for Safety (FIPS)

SSRG commended the update on the Freight Integrated Plan for Safety (FIPS) provided by Dougie Hill, Chair of the National Freight Safety Group. The presentation highlighted successes to date and opportunities for review to drive continuous improvement. For more information about the next steps planned for the FIPS, contact NFSG@rssb.co.uks.

Next meeting: 12 December 2023

If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: SSRG@rssb.co.uk

The Asset Integrity Group last met on 2 November 2023

The key messages from the meeting were:

• T1315 - Future System Assurance Project

AIG recognised the significant progress made on the research related to the “T1315 – Future System Assurance for the 21st Century Digital Railway” project. The research reviewed the potential future Control Command and Signalling (CCS) system developments and how current assurance methods will need to adapt, or be expanded, to ensure ongoing safety whilst seizing the opportunities presented by new CCS systems.

• Asset-related Incident Reports and Intelligence

An insightful presentation highlighting the recent significant incidents including the wrong-side failure at South Wingfield was well received by AIG. The group noted the importance of learning from operational experience in the planning, implementation and review of maintenance and renewal regimes.

• AIG Electrification Data Insight

AIG agreed that the previous electrification graphs displayed in the data pack could be improved. Work will be carried out to refresh the electrification failure graphs for future data packs, involving electrification experts to ensure that the group can better understand the risk from electrification failures.

• AIG Cyber Security Work

Several potential work areas related to cyber security have emerged as candidate projects identified by expert stakeholders including members of AIG and the Rail Cyber Security Committee. The first will be a report signposting railway asset managers to established good practice and regulations, supported by bowtie analysis and case studies.

• AIG Roadmap CP7 Planning

The work to shape the forward work programme of AIG was shared based on the outcome of a series of workshops including AIG members and wider stakeholders. This will maintain progress on current workstreams whilst introducing new projects in areas such as asset resilience, the introduction of new technology, and accessing asset-related data. AIG is looking for individuals in the industry who are interested in undertaking impactful roles for the group as we deliver the roadmap projects for CP7.

Next meeting: 25 January 2023

If you have any questions or wish to contact the group, please email: apoorv.shrivastava@rssb.co.uk cc: AIG@rssb.co.uk.

The Human Factors Strategy Group last met on 24 May 2023

The key messages from the meeting were:

• New integrated human factors masters apprenticeship

Ben Peachey, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors, spoke to the group about a new integrated human factors masters apprenticeship. His presentation covered how the apprenticeship will work. It is expected that the apprenticeship will help develop human factors competence for the future.

• Terms of reference

The group agreed to revise its existing terms of reference to make it more impactful. A workshop will be held as part of the process. 

Next meeting: September 2023

The Infrastructure Safety Leadership Group last met on 28 September 2023.

The key messages from the meeting were:

• Work Done vs Work as Imagined Project

Anisha Tailor, RSSB, provided an update on the Work as Done vs Work as Imagined project. It has originated from the RAIB Margam Recommendation 7 to ‘provide a more realistic assessment of the extent to which track worker safety arrangements are embedded, and being correctly applied, in practice’. The project aims to influence the embedding of new industry trackworker procedures and standards linked to the 019 standard, ‘Safety of people at work on or near the line’.

• Slips, Trips, and Falls Roadshows   

The joint Network Rail and ISLG ‘Slips, Trips, and Falls’ roadshows will be launched with an event at Square One in Manchester on 13 December 2023. The aim of the roadshows is to promote an understanding of the actions to mitigate the risk of slips, trips, and falls. The goal is to hold a roadshow in every route over the course of a year, targeted at health and safety professional and line managers.

• Update on Possessions Limit Controls

The Possessions Limit Controls programme is focused on ending the placement of detonators and boards during possessions. A request for a national deviation for the signalling disconnection, T3D, will be tabled at the Traffic Operation and Management Standards Committee Questions (TOM SC) meeting in November 2023.  

Network Rail Welfare StandardThe Network Rail Welfare standard is currently in draft form, but an app that shows the location of the closest welfare facilities to a work area has been developed. The app is currently for Network Rail staff only, but investigations are under way to establish how it might be rolled out for general use within the industry.

• CIRAS – Working with the Supply Chain 

Katie Healy, CIRAS, gave an update on its work with the supply chain. Emphasis was placed on encouraging employees to speak up no matter how minor a safety issue may seem. For further information on CIRAS, please contact Katie Healy at Katie.Healy@ciras.org.

Next meeting: 23 November 2023 

If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: ros.osawe@rssb.co.uk

The Level Crossing Strategy Group last met on 16 November 2023.

The key messages from the meeting were:

• New legislation

Following two rounds of formal consultation led by DfT, our new suite of level crossing safety signs has been entered into new regulations. The Private Crossings (Signs and Barriers) Regulations 2023 were laid before Parliament for approval on the 26 October and came into force on 18 November.

• Near misses data

Near misses with pedestrians remain high, with 117 events in Q2 (Periods 4-6). 

• The number of pedestrians incorrectly using level crossings continues to rise. 
• Period 6 saw a spike in the number of near misses involving road vehicles, mostly agricultural vehicles. While this correlates with harvest season, it is higher than recent Period 6 figures.

• Roadmap review

Members commenced an initial review of the group’s roadmap for CP7. Six high-level strategic themes were identified by the group to discuss and prioritise further through ongoing collaborative working: 

• Strategy, standards, leadership and co-ordination
• Improving understanding and control of risk
• Making the case for closure and upgrade
• Communication level crossing safe use
• Enforcing level crossing behaviours
• Cross risk group workstreams

• Cross-group collaboration

The group agreed joint discussions were needed with the Train Accident Risk Group regarding the impact of new Temporary Speed Restrictions/Emergency Speed Restrictions and consequential SPAD events.

Next meeting: 8 February 2024

If you have any questions or wish to contact the group, please email: Gemma.Lavery@RSSB.co.uk

The National Freight Safety Group last met on 10 October 2023

The key messages from the meeting were:

• SPAD Risk

NFSG is concerned about the increase in freight SPADs and more importantly SPAD risk. Evidence indicates that freight operating companies are not submitting SPAD causal information such as those concerning the 10 incident factors, in particular those related to non-technical skills. Also of concern is the growing number of SPADs where the driver cites a loss of concentration.

• Welfare Facilities

NFSG fully endorses the work taking place to improve welfare facilities for freight, including the early plans for a trial. NFSG members are being encouraged to get involved in the production of a ‘charter’ to collaborate on this work and progress towards making a step change for freight.

• Freight Safe Programme

Following 12 months of planning and collaboration, the new Freight Safe Programme, which succeeds the Freight Integrated Plan, has been developed. It will focus on delivering three outcomes through four projects: the Condition of Freight Vehicles on the Network, the production of a precursor indicator model for the sector, horizon scanning for future challenges, and climate change and extreme weather risk management.

• Leading Health and Safety on Britain’s Railway Uplift

NFSG looks forward to the November launch of the industry strategy Leading Health and Safety on Britain’s Railway. The strategy, which is being uplifted, will lay out the priorities identified during industry consultations. These priorities, which will call for industry collaboration, will inform the group’s strategic roadmap for CP7.

• Common Safe System of Work

Devon Johnson, Freightliner, has taken on the project lead role in delivering assurance on the Common Safety System of Work (CSSoW) project. Significant progress has been made to date. As a next step, FOCs were asked to:

• nominate a representative to lead the business-as-usual process for their organisation
• complete the master list agree a principal site operator and
• upload their CSSoWs to 3Squared by March 2024.

Date of next meeting: 23 January 2024

The On-Board Train Working Group last met on 26 September 2023

The key messages from the meeting were:

• Addressing Passenger Overcarry

Following discussions, it became evident that the issue of passenger overcarry on trains highlights potential lapses in applying procedures, particularly with empty coaching stock (ECS). Data from SMIS reports of the term overcarry relate to passengers being conveyed on ECS which often results in them being transported to depots and sidings. Stringent adherence to dispatch protocols and differentials in rolling stock design may be factors. The group will undertake more work in this area including a review of individual ECS procedures.

• Data Quality Imperative

The meeting emphasised the critical role of causal data quality in shaping our understanding and establishing areas of focus. It was highlighted that a considerable portion of the industry might not fully comprehend the significance of data and its utility when reporting incidents. Looking ahead, a proposal was made to collaborate with the SMIS User Group to define the type of data needed and how it can best serve the objectives of the group. This collaboration would assist in drafting guidance documents that articulate the group’s data requirements and create an approach that strikes the right balance between the quality and quantity of data. In any onboard event there is immense value in understanding the stock type, as the interior design, technical specification and staffing provision are all viewed as key factors.

• Enhancing Luggage Policy Understanding and Collaboration

The discussions delved into an in-depth analysis of various train operating companies’ luggage policies. The research highlighted disparities in what is considered excess luggage, and the awareness and enforceability of these policies. Additionally, the group discussed the Key Train Requirements documents published by the Rail Delivery Group to gather potential insights regarding luggage policies. By adopting a post-COVID mindset and meticulously scrutinising this document, the aim remains to seek additional representatives and engage with different forums to broaden our perspective, identify gaps, and further advance the research to identify opportunities to standardise individual charters.

Next meeting 29 November 2023.

If you have any questions, or would like to contact the group, please email: ptsrg@rssb.co.uk

The People on Trains and at Stations Risk Group last met on 9 November 2023.

The key messages from the meeting were:

• PTI working group restructure

PTSRG has proposed a significant reset for the Platform Train Interface (PTI) Working Group, focusing on reviewing and elevating the membership and fostering more senior engagement in recognition of the importance of this area. The first task will be to undertake a gap analysis of the existing 2015 PTI strategy vs current industry position and desired direction, with the aim of building a framework to reflect new innovations and changes to customer behaviour post-pandemic. This will be undertaken at a workshop led by senior members and others to guide this analysis and define the scope for a new strategy with clear milestones. This approach calls for temporary suspension of PTI-WG plan on a page (POAPs) as those specific workstreams can be absorbed into a much broader set of objectives within the strategy.

• Retrieval of items from the track survey

A group of RSSB employees created and conducted another survey to understand the public perception of the risks associated with retrieving items from the tracks across the GTR network. The survey results offer insights into passenger expectations, revealing the majority anticipate their property to be retrieved fairly quickly. PTSRG discussed the potential gap in passenger expectations and the ability of duty holders to reunite them with their property. A workshop is proposed involving a cross-section of stakeholders which will focus on how this could be addressed using ALARP principles.

• Streamlining planned general inspections for gap analysis

The discussions centred around the approach for acquiring planned general inspections templates from different train operating companies (TOCs), with the aim of conducting a comprehensive gap analysis and to highlight best practice. It was agreed that the ORR should take the lead in requesting the PGI templates from various TOCs, acknowledging that ORR’s direct outreach to the TOCs would likely yield a higher response rate. This approach is intended to enable the PTSRG to progress with this specific workstream rather than enforce any compliance.

• Balancing data and diligence in empty coaching stock

A productive discussion highlighted the need for a data-driven approach to address the challenges of passengers being entrapped or conveyed in empty coaching stock. There is a potential need for more comprehensive procedures which, in turn, raised questions about whether other essential safety measures may be missed. It was also noted that different rolling stock types call for a different method with this task and that highlighting industry best practice could be beneficial. While posing challenging questions, it is essential that these enquiries are grounded in solid data and analysis. By examining the data and challenging assumptions, we can assess whether the situation is improving, remaining the same or deteriorating.

• SMIS cause form

A presentation emphasised the significance of cause forms within the Safety Management Intelligence System (SMIS) using the human performance factors and 10 incident factors framework. This adoption could increase data quality and improve learning from incidents by collecting underlying cause data. While highlighting the ability to focus on key safety areas, there is a need to strike a balance between potential benefits of the cause form and the practical challenges that may pose for widespread adoption. The ask for the members is if they would consider inputting SMIS cause forms for one event. 

Next meeting: 8 February 2024

If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: PTSRG@rssb.co.uk

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

The Rail Freight Operations Group last met on 14 September 2023.

The key messages from the meeting were:

• Train Protection and Warning System

The group discussed Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) activation, including what the criteria and actions should be, where relevant, especially when relief can be provided (a proportional response). Both the use of a dynamic risk assessment process and having a record of the on-call manager’s decision making for fit to continue/not fit to continue were deemed beneficial. The RFOG Chair will request support from NFSG to produce guidance and encourage use among FOCs.

• Divided trains
  

RFOG agreed that the current level of divided trains is giving cause for concern and agreed that data is needed to support a focus on the root cause. FOCs were encouraged to enter data into SMIS to build a better picture of the incidents. In addition, RFOG Chair will request support from NFSG to research further into divided trains.

• Welfare facilities

Kimberley Harding, Birmingham University, joined the meeting to discuss the improvement to welfare facilities for freight. Her attendance was part of an information gathering exercise for a draft bid for DfT funding. It was agreed that welfare facilities need to be improved and so this is an area that needs attention. Last year RSSB published Provision of Welfare Facilities for Rail Workers.

• Total Operations Processing System programme of work

The Total Operations Processing System Working Group is currently reviewing terminology in the Rule Book that doesn’t comply with modern law and safety. The updates will be published and communicated in the coming months.

• Loading

Peter Darling, ORR, highlighted the importance of safe loading. He said it is vital to work with others when loading and to adhere to guidelines to avoid overloading and consequent incidents.

Next meeting: 7 December 2023

If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: freight@rssb.co.uk.

The Road Risk Group last met on 7 September 2023

The key messages from the meeting were:

• Common Telematic Scorecard 

Matrix iQ joined the meeting to demonstrate the uses of a common telematic scorecard, which can draw data from multiple sources. The Road Risk Group (RRG) agreed that a tool that can interpret a variety of telematic systems, in order to provide a common framework for interpreting performance data to drive continuous improvement, would benefit the industry.. You can see a demonstration of the scorecard via the In The Headlights page.  

• Behavioural Change Implementation Programmes

RRG was introduced to Road Risk and Behavioural Change by Storycatcher. The presentation touched upon how psychology and creativity can be used to target messages effectively and the interventions that can be deployed to drive change in working practices and culture. RRG noted the potential for application of the work done by Storycatcher to its strategy for CP7, which will encompass the role managers, leadership, and drivers, play in promoting effective company cultures. The presentation is available to view here.  

• Development of Road Vehicle Telematic Data Scorecard

Road risk is a key area in which rail industry companies could benefit from collaborative monitoring of risk data. This survey is being rolled out to enable industry-level monitoring of road driving risk by first identifying how companies are currently collecting and using road vehicle telematics data and why. The results will inform the development of an industry scorecard and will provide an opportunity to share good practice and shape the RSSB Road Risk Group’s plan for future data sharing. The survey will close on 6 October 2023.

• RTC Investigation Toolkit Workshop and RM3 Workshop Signup

The RTC Investigation Toolkit is now published and available for use. Workshops are being planned to take place in consultation with each rail industry sector. RRG sector groups are encouraged to register individuals with current accident investigation certification to take part in the workshops.

The ORR RM3 Road Risk Toolkit was published in June 2023 as one of 18 toolkit topics available. RRG sectors were asked to:

• consult with their members and to consider how best to use and promote the toolkit
• identify early adopters to pilot the ORR RM3 Road Risk Toolkit. 

• Rail Industry Road Safety Week

The Rail Industry Road Safety Week will take place 20-24 November. The theme for the event will be ‘Tackling Complacency’. National Highways’ Driving for Better Business will provide content via DfBB registered company portals. To participate, organisations will need to sign up to the DfBB Rail Industry portal (registration is free)

If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: RRG@rssb.co.uk

The SPAD Risk Subgroup last met on 7 November 2023.

The key messages from the meeting were:

• October increase in SPADs

During October there were 32 SPADs, with most SPADs occurring in the second half of the month. This was an increase on the number of SPADs in September and the highest rise since the peaks in April and August. The group discussed that this increase may not only be due to adhesion autumn conditions but could also be due to the change in clocks and loss of daylights. The group will investigate further by comparing the number of SPADs in October and November 2022 to October and November 2023.

• Post-qualification driver SPAD analysis

Data from a sample of six operators found that 20% of SPADs were with post-qualification (PQ) drivers, which corresponds to the average percentage of PQ drivers within operators. This suggests there is not a disproportionate number of SPADs with PQ drivers compared to the driver population as a whole. The data did suggest that PQ drivers are more likely to pass signals that have been passed before, which may have implications for route learning. Guidance will be published in 2024 summarising the data and identifying any specific underlying factors or risks involving PQ drivers.

• Controlled napping and fatigue management guidance

The group attended a workshop, from a member of RSSB’s human factors department, on controlled napping and fatigue management. It highlighted how napping can be used to reduce the physiological and subjective effects on driving performance. Guidance was specifically given on how to nap for night shifts, with a 90-minutes or longer sleep essential preparation before starting a night shift. The group now have a list of strategies and advice to take back to their operators.  

• 4.  National Freight Safe Programme SPAD risk update

The group were introduced to the National Freight and Safety Group and its Freight Safe Programme, which highlighted that freight trains are more likely to encounter restrictive signals and red aspects than passenger trains. Recent recorded causes of freight SPADs on the main line included distraction, loss of concentration, and the location of wrong signals. The group agreed that SPADs involving distraction are increasing and that is difficult to always find the root cause. The group states more data is needed from operators to understand these root causes further and will continue to support operators in filling out SMIS cause forms.

Next meeting:

The next SPAD RSG meeting is on Tuesday 16 January 2024 at the Helicon/Microsoft Teams.

The Stations Working Group last met on 18 October 2023.

The key messages from the meeting were:

• Creating consistency in planned general inspections through industry collaboration

The current landscape surrounding the application of planned general inspections (PGIs) lacks a standardised approach. This is leading to variations in how different companies conduct inspections, follow criteria, comply with frequency, and determine staff competence. The PGI work aims to define and establish an appropriate, proportionate, and targeted inspection process for various station types. Inputs and collaboration from operators are essential to identify gaps, issues, and best practices in this workstream, which will ultimately define what a PGI is and is not.

• Sitting on platform edge behaviour: analysis of profiles and preventions

A recent study undertaken by human factors specialists identified three primary public profiles involved in sitting on the platform edge (SOPE) behavior: youths undertaking anti-social behavior, individuals sitting on the platform due to lack of seating provision, and those with mental ill-health. SOPE incidents are more prevalent during summer, school holidays, evenings, and weekends. The study suggests a likely underreporting of SOPE incidents, emphasising the need for effective preventive measures and increased awareness to address this issue.

• Risks associated with wheelchair boarding ramps

Duty holders are experiencing a conflict between complying with the gradient requirement of a deployed portable ramp whilst providing a suitable turning circle on existing platforms and especially on new platforms built to the minimum required width in RIS 7016. Understanding these constraints can be challenging as can defining the physical capability needed by staff to assist customers in these scenarios. There is a balance to strike between working within the parameters of the standards to ensure that safety is not compromised and making the railway as accessible as possible. The group will identify if the industry would benefit from clearer guidance and if some research can be undertaken to understand optimum gradients, turning circles, and load ratios. 

• Understanding the motivations and risks of sitting on platform edge

Understanding incidents of individuals sitting on platform edge (SOPE) is crucial and requires careful interpretation of available data. While terms including “dangling legs” were used previously, SOPE has now been established to aid data analysis. The term is in its infancy, however, so the available data may not be comprehensive and it may be necessary to gather more localised information from individual operators. Engaging with passengers at stations can help us understand the motivations behind people sitting on platform edge, and the RSSB will send out human factors specialists to undertake this activity.

• Enhancing planning and management for special events

The discussions highlighted the importance of identifying gaps in guidance and processes for special events in the rail industry. Currently, there are fragmented bits of information without a comprehensive framework to handle crowd management, accessibility, and platform risks during such events. Reconvening a dedicated steering group was suggested for ongoing coordination and to undertake this work. This group would feed back to PTSRG.

• Improving consistency of planned general inspections

The discussion revolved around the need to improve the quality and consistency of planned general inspections (PGIs) in the rail industry. Currently, each operator has their own interpretation of what constitutes a suitable and sufficient inspection, resulting in a fragmented approach. There is an opportunity to improve the application of PGIs by developing a standardised template that aligns with safety and risk management objectives. By establishing clear guidelines and integrating industry-wide best practices, the rail industry can enhance the effectiveness and relevance of PGIs.

• Establishing industry wide good practice group

The discussion highlighted the benefit of a collaborative approach in sharing best practices within the rail industry. The PTI Good Practice Group serves as an example of the benefits of this type of forum, enabling stakeholders to exchange insights and showcase innovative approaches. There is an opportunity to establish a broader Good Practice Group for Station Operations which would comprise functional managers. However, Such a group would require a chair who is able to invest time in its establishment and ensure there is a link back to the S-WG.

Next meeting: 5 December 2023

If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: PTSRG@rssb.co.uk

The Suicide Prevention Programme Board last met on 13 January 2021.

The key messages from the meeting were:

• Suicide Prevention Programme Board

In relation to the SPDHG tactical review, the group discussed renaming themselves to The Suicide Prevention Programme Board and involving the stakeholder group, RISSG, further in the programme’s work. The change will enable the membership of RISSG to be fully utilised and take a more pro-active role in the aims and projects of the Suicide Prevention Programme Board. With a broad membership base from a variety of rail and related industry backgrounds, it is hoped that allowing them to become more immersed in the agenda setting procedure will lead to a broader scope of work and activities with a wider focus.

• Dissuasion campaign 

Following a small piece of pracademic research in 2020, a Dissuasion campaign will be launching in March 2021 with a second phase planned for September, timed to coincide with the traditional suicide ‘peaks’ on the network. The campaign wishes to encourage help-seeking behaviour in people who may be struggling with their mental health, before they reach the stage of a suicidal crisis. Both individuals with lived experience and James Bannerman, the author of the pracademic research, have had input into the campaign. For this campaign a mental health focused charity, ‘Chasing the Stigma’, have been partnered with and their ‘Hub of Hope’ app will be promoted as part of the campaign. The Hub of Hope app allows users to find and access the support that they need in their local area. As well as a film and the usual printed collateral, the campaign will have a full toolkit available for use at stations.

• Suicide Prevention Roadmap

A framework document, known as the suicide prevention roadmap, has been drafted to outline how the industry should work together to make the railway a better and safer environment. The roadmap sets out the agreed collaborative activity, which has been identified to improve performance and address the strategic challenges faced by the industry. It is hoped that the roadmap will provide a guide to the work being planned, enable focus to be maintained on the activities and strategies and provide opportunities for collaboration.

• Suicidal activity during lockdown

The Group was provided with an update from British Transport Police (BTP) on the suicidal activity during the lockdown period. Overall, there have been less suicides this year than at the same point in the previous year, however it is too soon to speculate on the reasons for this. During the first national lockdown, there was a significant decrease in activity but once the restrictions were eased, incidents started to increase. It is very hard to predict the factors that influence suicidal activity but areas showing marked changes are being analysed to hopefully provide some insight into the reasons for the changes. No recent suicides show that there is a link to COVID-19, but this is being continually monitored. There is also an awareness of the potential for the economic outlook to affect suicide rates in the future.

• Samaritans intervention reporting

Samaritans informed the group that they have plans to create a standard approach to interventions reporting based on best practice from across the rail industry. To accompany this, a pilot study with Transport for Wales is taking place to investigate why some interventions do not get reported and to discover why other organisations are very successful at capturing and reporting the same data. It is hoped that the results of this pilot study will provide learning outcomes that can contribute to an industry-wide best practice going forward.

The Train Accident Risk Group last met on 8 November 2023.

The key messages from the meeting were:

• SPADs and the limits of human performance

A paper was presented to TARG about evaluating train driver human reliability using data from the RAATS tool. The findings highlighted that drivers are operating above the level of performance that would be predicted, so it is unlikely there will be a step change in SPAD performance without an improved train protection system. TARG will continue to support the work on the revised Train Protection Strategy and the project to improve the coverage of RAATS.

• Post-qualified driver SPAD analysis

Data from a sample of six operators found that around 20% of SPADs were with post-qualified (PQ) drivers, which correlates to the average percentage of PQ drivers within operators. This suggests that there are not a disproportionate amount of SPADs with PQ drivers compared to the driver population. The data did suggest that PQ drivers are more likely to pass signals that have been passed before, which may have implications for route learning. Guidance will be published in 2024 summarising the data and identifying any specific underlying factors or risks which manifest themselves with PQ drivers. 

• Focus on train derailments

Currently this year there has been two potential high risk train accident (PHRTA) derailments, which is a reduction compared to the five-year average of four PHRTAs. However, this year there hav been 55 non-PHRTA derailments, a slight increase compared to the five-year average of 53. TARG discussed these derailment figures questioning whether a lack of maintenance within depots and yards could be behind them. TARG will investigate this further through analysing underlying causes data.

• Objects left on the line

TARG was updated on a report that focused on understanding the causes of objects left on the line following engineering work. The report showed decision error was the highest individual cause and noted underlying causes around fatigue management. The final report can be found here 2023-06-2022-SSH-040-understanding-causes-of-objects-left-on-the-line (rssb.co.uk) which highlights a number of potential solutions to address these risks. 

• T1280 R&D Project

TARG agreed to endorse the research and development project T1280 ‘Evaluation of the effectiveness of control measures for unauthorised presence of ‘mobile smart devices’ within the driver’s cab’. TARG will support this project through members sharing their organisation policies or
risk assessments on the use of mobile devices in the driving cab. Anyone interested in the steering group should contact Philippa.Murphy@rssb.co.uk.

Next meeting: 7 February 2024

If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: TARG@rssb.co.uk

The Trespass and Suicide Prevention Strategy Group last met on 23 October 2023.

The key messages from the meeting were:

• Rail Safety

The group supports the efforts being made by Network Rail and industry to include rail safety on to the national school curriculum. Promoting rail safety is essential and our cross-industry group plays a major role in this. Network Rail provided an update on a project they have been running with Learn Live, which is aimed at educating schools located in trespass hotspot areas. The project has delivered a 37% reduction in trespass incidents within those areas over its lifetime.

• Crisis to Care – British Transport Police

Right Care, Right Person – a new national partnership agreement – has been rolled out across police forces in England. Launched in July 2023, the partnership aims to reduce the amount of time police officers are spending dealing with non-emergency mental health calls. BTP presented to the group on Mental Health Crisis to Care, which details the workstreams they are implementing to ensure they continue to protect the railway network and people who travel on it. TreSP SG members have agreed to collaborate with BTP to determine the most effective approach to roll out the message to industry.

• Data and Reporting

The group had a positive discussion about the reporting of incidents and interventions made by rail staff when assisting vulnerable individuals. It’s possible the group is not currently capturing all of the interventions that are taking place. There is an opportunity to define clearer definitions for what an intervention is and what a lifesaving intervention is in order to obtain richer information in these specific areas.

• Research

New research on trespass behaviour has been commissioned by Network Rail. There is also additional research planned to consider the balance of highlighting the dangers of the railway environment and attracting vulnerable people to it. TreSP SG is currently exploring the concept of creating a user-friendly hub that brings together all research and information on trespass and suicide prevention.

Next meeting: 25 January 2024

If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: trespassandsuicidepreventionsg@rssb.co.uk

The Rail Wellbeing Alliance last met on 21 July 2023.

The key messages from the meeting were:

Rail Wellbeing Live 2023

Rail Wellbeing Live 2023 is taking place from 7-9 November. The host for the opening session and Wellbeing Hero Award has been confirmed as Kate Silverton, Journalist. There will be live links during the opening session at various locations. The agenda is now largely complete.  Registrations will open in early September 2023. The wide variety of topics provide something for everyone, both management and frontline workers. Look out for notifications for when registration is open and encourage your colleagues to register.

Communications

RSSB’s Content and Membership Communications team advised that the Leading Health and Safety on Britain’s Railway (LHSBR) relaunch campaign will be run from November 2023 to January 2024. LHSBR Health and Wellbeing will be the focus in December 2023. This will feature outputs of the work specifically in that arena. To view the current outputs see Health and Wellbeing (rssb.co.uk).

Health and wellbeing data

Rail Wellbeing Alliance was given a live demonstration of the development of the health data dashboard. This included further development in collaboration with the Office of Rail and Road of the health surveillance indicators and deeper analysis of sickness absences, such as cost, long-term absence, and self-reported reasons. Currently, 21 companies are involved in the pilot, providing their health data and participating in benchmarking groups. The long-term strategy for this tool is to embed within industry the Safety Management Intelligence System equivalent for health and wellbeing. See Health and Wellbeing Data (rssb.co.uk) for further details.

RWA workstream

Rail Wellbeing Alliance is in the process of reviewing the health and wellbeing workstream with the aim to ensure they are working on the most pressing issues for industry and streamlining the outputs. All group chairs and sponsors have been consulted and various options for the way forward will be discussed at a workshop on 2 August 2023.

Next meeting: 7 September 2023

If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: health&wellbeing@rssb.co.uk

The Business Engagement and Measurement Group last met on 17 January 2023.

The key messages from the meeting were:

Confidential Incident Reporting & Analysis Service (CIRAS)

BEAM received a presentation from CIRAS, which is an independent, not-for-profit, subsidiary of RSSB. It offers a confidential reporting process for the workforce to raise health and safety issues. BEAM was supplied with an analysis of CIRAS’ data and will receive regular updates on this at future meetings. BEAM concluded that CIRAS should be promoted across the industry more as it provides independent, external assurance on management process.

HWI Business Case Tool

The Institute of Transport Studies, University of Leeds, in collaboration with RSSB Research and Development, has developed a tool to undertake cost-benefit analysis of health and wellbeing interventions. BEAM is appealing for companies to trial the veracity of the tool. The trial can use live data or historical data to determine the cost benefit of present or past interventions. If you are willing to take part in the trial, please contact Andrew Gleeson, Senior Partnership and Research Manager, at RSSB for further details.

Beam Roadmap and Remit

The current roadmap and remit for BEAM was discussed and it was agreed that the group is focusing on the right areas. The roadmap and remit were endorsed.

Next meeting: 20 April 2023

If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: health&wellbeing@rssb.co.uk

The Fatigue Coordination Group last met on 3 November 2023.

The key messages from the meeting were:

• The Fatigue Forum is Taking Place on 17 November

Fatigue Coordination Group (FCG) members will support the fatigue forum, an event which will be hosted by RSSB for members across the three fatigue subgroups. The FCG discussed the agenda for the event, which will include discussions on future activities to support the fatigue workstream. 

• Thousands of responses to the Fatigue Survey so far

The industry fatigue survey is now live and has received more than 3,000 responses so far. The survey aims to establish an understanding of fatigue risks across the rail industry. The survey will remain open until 8 November. Further information on the survey can be found here.

 Next meeting: 16 February 2024

The Healthy Cultures Group last met on 21 March 2023.

The key messages from the meeting were:

• The Wellbeing Champions Training is being Reviewed

To date, 145 wellbeing champions across our member organisations have taken part in our Wellbeing Champions training. Feedback has been positive. We are now discussing uplifting the training so it aligns with our ethos of taking a behaviour change approach. This would include follow-up collaboration, peer support sessions and a resource hub on the RSSB website. There is support for this uplift. Details are currently being defined and will be shared with the group.

• The HCG has Reviewed the Group Roadmap

The group reviewed the roadmap in light of current challenges and risks and agreed that the following key issues will be explored in CP7: 

• management of specific health concerns such as type 2 diabetes and obesity 
• how to engage frontline staff and overcome cultural barriers that makes engaging with this section of the workforce challenging
• support for gambling and addictions, which are reported to have increased across the industry
• utilisation and implementation of existing resources to support healthy cultures

• Rail Wellbeing Live 2023

Rail Wellbeing Live will run from 07–09 November this year. The HCG has a 30-minute slot. Group members have been asked to contact RSSB’s Health and Wellbeing Specialist, Niamh McMahon, at Niamh.McMahon@rssb.co.uk with any ideas they might have for the session.  We may have to provide a session title and details before the next meeting, but the group will be informed about session details.

Next meeting: 27 June 2023

If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email health&wellbeing@rssb.co.uk

The Mental Wellbeing Group last met on 15 November 2023.

The key messages from the meeting were:

• Review of the Railway Mental Health Charter has been extended

The charter team has extended the review to 2024. The aim is to publish the new version by April 2024.

• Last meeting of the MWG

In light of the restructure currently being carried out to subgroups of the Rail Wellbeing Alliance, this has been the last meeting of the MWG. Mental wellbeing will still be a key area for future work, but it’s management will be done through a new group, the Health and Wellbeing Action Group.

• Royal National Lifeboat Institution shared their approach to trauma management

Two employees from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) introduced the organisation’s work and shared that their volunteers can be exposed to a variety of potentially traumatic events. RNLI volunteers receive awareness training for potentially traumatic events and can access support following a potentially traumatic event.

• Lack of definitive evidence on psychosocial effects of working from home

David Hardman (RSSB) returned to the group to present the outcomes of a knowledge search on homeworking. According to this work, there do not appear to be any clear reasons why remote or hybrid working should be avoided, but clear evidence for or against homeworking is not robust yet.

The Musculoskeletal Disorders Group (MSDG) last met on 21 November 2023

The key messages from the meeting were:

• Next steps on the long-term vision

The MSDG has created a vision that outlines the short-, medium- and long-term activities the MSD workstream would like to achieve. The next steps will focus on collecting MSD data within the rail industry. The group also discussed a dissemination plan for the vision.

• Exploring the risk and extent of MSDs in GB rail

Kirsten Huysamen, Lead Human Factors Specialist, RSSB, presented an update on the T1278 project, which will undertake the first industry-wide musculoskeletal disorder survey. The survey, which will go live at the beginning of 2024, will provide new data that will allow organisations to understand the severity and landscape of the problem. This project is supported by the MSDG and is in line with the group’s long-term vision. The survey can be accessed via a link or QR code, and your organisation can partake by please contacting Kirsten.Huysamen@rssb.co.uk

• Improvement is needed in reporting of MSDs

To achieve the said long-term vision, clear data on MSDs is needed to understand areas for intervention and future work. Higher quality data on MSDs would allow us to target better the controls needed to manage the risk effectively. As said, the group discussed potential steps to improve MSD reporting.

• Back-on-Line was presented at Rail Wellbeing Live

The MSDG’s session at Rail Wellbeing Live was presented by Dr Liba Sheeran on the Back-on-Line app which was designed to help rail workers better manage their back pain at work. The session can be viewed on demand here.

If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: health&wellbeing@rssb.co.uk

The Occupational Health Advisory Group last met on 15 November 2022.

The key messages from the meeting were:

1. Occupational Health in Rail Training pilot
   The site visit to Willesden Junction depot (Arriva Rail London) and Kings Cross Station (LNER) took place on 16 November 2022. The medical practitioners taking part in this pilot had the opportunity to understand the various working environments and to discuss the role of occupational health with the managers. A wash-up day is planned for 15 December 2022, the last day of the pilot. Following feedback, the course content will be reviewed. A commercial offering of the course is planned to commence in 2023.
   
   
2. Medical risk management
   The Occupational Health Advisory Group (OHAG) is reviewing its roadmap. The focus of the group will be medical risk management, particularly for safety-critical workers, and a wider piece on the value of occupational health to the industry. Clarity on medical standards requirements and the provision of guidance to industry were key themes emerging from the discussion.
   
   
3. Medical standards revision
   The OHAG has a key role in the medical standards revision. The aim of the group’s input to the standards revision is to provide clarity and include updated areas of medical risk.
   
   
4. Rail Wellbeing Live 2022
   The group’s session Let’s talk about stress, baby from Rail Wellbeing Live 2022 is now available to view in the on-demand area of the Rail Wellbeing Live website: www.railwellbeinglive.co.uk/resources/rail-wellbeing-live/lets-talk-about-stress-baby.
   
   
   

Next meeting: 1 February 2023

If you have any questions or would like to contact the group, please email: health&wellbeing@rssb.co.uk

The Occupational Hygiene Management Group (OHMG) last met on 23 February 2022

The key messages from the meeting were:

• Positive Engagement

The Occupational Hygiene Management Group continues to engage with other areas of rail and forge new lines of communication for support to the workstreams.  The group is keen to expand the membership and are looking to create a support network of interested rail professionals to participate in the Occupational Hygiene Strategy deployment workstreams. 

Action: Rail Professionals are required to join the workstreams’ working groups for the Occupational Hygiene Strategy deployment.  For further details please contact Ian Mulhall.

• Future Roadmap

The roadmap that defines the work for the Occupational Hygiene Management Group continues to generate valuable discussions for development in line with the workstreams.  It will be invaluable in managing workloads for the future and measuring success.

• Occupational Hygiene Strategy Deployment Workstream Progression

The workstreams are starting to move forward with interest from the industry.  They must continue to drive forward in their definition of project management with distinct milestones and realisation of end goals.  The Strategy Deployment Plan is by the industry for the industry.

• Group Membership

Maintaining and extending the membership of this group and into the workstreams is a call for everyone to ensure success. Everyone we can positively affect goes home safely.

• Occupational Hygiene Resource Hub

The occupational hygiene resource hub has been launched on RSSB’s website.  There are topics including the OHMG Occupational Hygiene Strategy and resources around biological, physical, and chemical hazards.

Next meeting: 25 May 2022

If you have any questions, or want to contact the group, please email: health&wellbeing@rssb.co.uk