Railtrack plc

Railtrack welcomes Railway Safety Report
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date 5 December 1996
source Railtrack plc
type Press release

The findings of Health & Safety Executive's Annual Report were welcomed by Railtrack today.

The report, published today, shows railway safety improving in many respects and that rail is still the safest form of land transport.

Significant train accidents on the Railtrack network fell by 25% and the report recorded the lowest ever number of passenger and staff fatalities, including passenger falls from doors.

The number of people killed at level crossings has decreased and less people were killed as a result of trespass or suicide.

Commenting on the report, David Rayner, Railtrack's Director of Safety and Standards said:

"Despite the enormous changes that the railway industry has gone through, our safety record is not only being maintained but has improved dramatically in many areas.

"Contrary to intense media speculation that the changes in the rail industry would compromise safety, this report shows that our safety regime is robust and I believe that the priority we give to safety is a major influence in the downward trend.

"The number of accidents arising from vandalism has increased by 41% and we are working to safeguard the railway from these actions. We already undertake campaigns to educate children about the foolhardiness of trespassing on the railway and our new line safety department is actively seeking ways to protect the track from vandals.

"We have formulated plans to address the HSE's comments on the Forth Bridge, and these have been accepted by them. We will be bringing the condition of the bridge up to a very high standard, and have developed a maintenance programme to keep it there.

"We are not complacent though, and we do recognise that safety is something that can always be improved. During the last six months we have undertaken a thorough review of the way we monitor our contractors' safety regimes and have put together an improved auditing system which has been accepted by the HSE. We are in the process of implementing this programme.

"We agree wholeheartedly with the HSE's Chief Inspector of Railway's comments that there needs to be a continuing process of review and improvement and will work alongside the HSE and industry colleagues to make sure that this happens".

Railhub Archive ::: 1996-12-05 RTK-001