,

RAIB release report into Hampshire near miss

by

Rowlands Castle station

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has released its report into a near miss with a member of staff at Rowlands Castle station in December last year.

At 19:14 hrs on December 19, 2020, a Network Rail Mobile Operations Manager (MOM) came close to being struck by a passenger train at Rowlands Castle station.

Also see

The MOM was on the track retrieving a rubbish bag when the train approached at 60mph. The MOM climbed back onto the platform and was clear of the line just one second before the train passed.

Article continues below…
Advert

Enjoy more Railways Illustrated Magazine reading every month.
Click here to subscribe & save.

The incident occurred because the MOM had not arranged protection from train movements before going onto the track, the MOM and the signaller did not have a mutual or accurate understanding about the reality of the situation, and because the MOM was otherwise unaware that the train was approaching.

Underlying these causes are factors associated with the MOM’s competence, which was not adequately managed to ensure he worked safely on the track, and local management not functioning properly, which probably affected the recruitment, training and ongoing monitoring of the MOM.

Although not causal to the incident, RAIB observed that voice communications were not recorded due to a fault with equipment at the signal box. RAIB also observed that the automatic station announcements were not providing adequate warning to passengers of non-stopping trains at Rowlands Castle.

Article continues below…
Advert

Three of the RAIB’s recommendations are addressed to Network Rail and concern the competency framework for MOMs as well as management arrangements for operational response staff, at both local and national level.

The RAIB also recommended South Western Railway ensure safety-related announcements at stations are made in a timely manner. The learning points highlight the importance of processes associated with safe systems of work and safety-critical communications, as well as addressing the observation on voice communications recording.

Read the full RAIB report here.

Article continues below…
Advert


Advert
Subscribe to Railways Illustrated Magazine
Enjoy more Railways Illustrated Magazine reading every month. Click here to subscribe.

Railway Reads

From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.


About the Author