Scope

To achieve these objectives, the group will:

  • understand the national risk profile for freight and develop strategies to improve areas of concern. 
  • communicate issues to the route groups, multi-route groups and topic groups for action.
  • obtain verification that issues have been addressed and are being managed.
  • provide an advisory function for the System Safety Review Group (SSRG) and industry members.
  • review the effectiveness of freight industry performance in managing risks.
  • promote and facilitate the management of risk by the most appropriate means.
  • ensure the cooperative structure encompasses the whole of the freight railway system’s risk profile.
  • identify good practice and share it with the relevant groups and stakeholders.
  • promote improvements in cooperation amongst safety management system duty holders.
  • review and challenge the effectiveness of the existing freight meetings to promote safety cooperation.
  • introduce an assurance process into the active groups and the process of safety cooperation.
  • sponsor and own research and development projects.
  • understand legislation and regulation and the impacts on the industry of proposed changes to them from within the UK and Europe.
  • horizon scan: systematically examine potential threats and opportunities to detect early signs of potentially important developments and changes to the industry risk profile. 

Read our NFSG Integrated Plan for Freight Safety.

The progress we’re making

We’re leading the industry response to RAIB recommendations
NFSG is leading on and working collaboratively with the freight sector in the progress and management of Llangennech recommendations 6 and 8 from the RAIB accident investigation report.

We’re leading on a Condition of Freight Vehicles on the Network project
In collaboration with the freight sector and the University of Newcastle, we’re leading the Condition of Freight Vehicles on the Network (CFVN) project to ensure vehicles enter the network in a safe condition. This includes increased knowledge and development of the human factors involved in safety-critical activities.  

We’re providing a more strategic approach as we enter CP7
With support from RSSB, a comprehensive and strategic review of the Freight Integrated Plan has taken place. The new Freight Safe Programme has been endorsed by the Freight Council and will provide direction for NFSG into CP7. 

 

Last updated: 07/08/2023. Visit our Leading Health and Safety on Britain’s Railway – Freight Derailment webpage for more on how we are responding to freight risk.

Subgroups