Project number: 2021-STN-016

Changes to rules for trackworkers walking on or near the line

Phasing out unassisted lookouts means changes to the Rule Book. Here, we clarify and define how an individual working alone (IWA), or controller of site safety (COSS) with a group of track workers, accesses sites of work.

'The opportunity to be part of the project team and help write the rules was a positive experience.'

Martin Biggin
Trackworker Safety Specialist, Network Rail

The challenge

The rules for walking on or near the line in Rule Book Handbook GERT8000-HB1 (General duties and track safety for track workers) needed improvement.

They were generic, did not take account workers’ varying competency levels, and the content was the subject of interpretation. This led to various methods being used. There have been serious incidents involving track workers being struck by trains or facing ‘close calls’.

Network Rail requested clarity for who, where, and why walking is permitted on or near the line for trackworkers and clear rules for crossing open lines. This project’s aims were to clearly define within the rulebook:

when walking on or near the line is permitted and for what reasons
how walking can be permitted for varying levels of competency
the permitted arrangements for crossing lines open to traffic.

What we did

The relevant rules in three Rule Book handbooks were reviewed. The Network Rail Technical Authority commissioned an external consultancy to run a series of hazard identification workshops. Participants joined from Network Rail, its supply chain, and RSSB’s Standards and System Safety and Health teams.

They found that only an IWA or a COSS can go alone on or near the line, only when working or walking to/from a site of work, and only with a recognised safe system of work in place. The rules were revised in line with the objectives. There are also new instructions on bypassing unexpected obstacles, crossing open lines, and a person joining or leaving a group.

Individual companies could use alternate safe systems of work when walking or bypassing obstructions, or when a PTS holder is to access a site of work. Alternatives must be subject to risk assessment. Network Rail is developing guidance.

Benefits delivered

This work is expected to reduce fatalities, injuries, legal costs, and train delays.

The value of Preventing a Fatality is £2,308,000. If this work avoids one fatality over five years, that benefit would be achieved.

Using injury data from the Safety Risk Model for workforce slips, trips, and falls, the fatalities and weighted injuries (FWI) is 3.6855 FWI per year. Assuming a 3% reduction in the risk, this has a benefit of £1,275,925 over five years.

If one incident of serious injury over five years were to occur that related to walking on the line, then a potential cost of £350,000 could be incurred.

If this work contributes by 50% to avoiding this cost, then this is a total benefit of £175,000. In terms of delay minutes, this work might prevent 1% of incidents, a saving of £55,120 over five years.

The total value of the industry opportunity over five years: £3,814,045.