Latest Updates in Risk and Safety Intelligence

The latest version of our RAATS tool introduces improvements to the classification algorithm and new functionality for analysing signal approaches by operator. This allows users to understand period-by-period changes in red aspect approach rates and to normalise SPAD numbers by signals approached at red and not just train miles. The tool has over 300 registered users and the RAATS user group meets quarterly.

We delivered a commercial contract to provide assurance for Network Rail’s ALCRM. Together with Network Rail and their suppliers we undertook a review of the transition from v1 to v2. The model has now gone live and Network Rail is using our feedback to improve their documentation and making minor modifications.

We’ve adapted our Risk Profile Tool to inform the East Midlands Railway and Route Joint Safety Improvement Plan (JSIP). This included equipping the tool with the appropriate SMIS data and enabling visibility of results by risk owner. The work has enabled them to identify where to focus joint task forces. We’ve been invited back later in the summer to present the approach to their Exec and set the foundations for their JSIP monitoring plan, which will include more leading indicators.

We’ve updated our Covid-19 Transmission Model to fully account for the increased transmission rates due to the Delta variant. Outputs from the model continue to be disseminated at fortnightly briefing calls with industry. We provided bespoke modelling to help Southeastern understand and manage the risk from spectators travelling from London to Sandwich for the Golf Open in mid-July.

“Many thanks for all your work on this, for the session this morning and for sending over the slides. It’s a really great piece of work.”

We published our Annual Health and Safety Report 2020/21 on 1 July. The 8-page summary was accompanied by a three-minute video, a podcast and 13 detailed reports structured around the key risk areas from the Leading Health and Safety on Britain’s Railway (LHSBR) strategy. This suite of reports combines the latest information on health and safety performance, operational learning, risk reduction initiatives and reviews the progress in implementing the LHSBR strategy.

The new SMIS reporting forms have the potential to save users 275 days per year, the new personal accident form has already saved over 20 days effort – based solely on the time users spend waiting for forms to load. Further reductions in the time required to enter events are being delivered by simplifying the structure of forms and removing up to 50% of fields.

The SMIS Data Improvement Report allows users to monitor the accuracy of their data and identify which of their records contain errors. The new version, which went live on 24 June, includes new functionality, new measures for events at the platform-train interface, and represents the first step towards more sophisticated and automated measures of SMIS data quality. Supporting guidance and a briefing note are available from our Industry Systems Service Desk.