HOLDING NETWORK RAIL TO ACCOUNT

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: october 2019 :: RMTnews 19 An RMT member who reported multiple near misses on a manually-controlled level crossing in Kent was left with life-changing injuries after Network Rail failed to act. Doug Caddell, a 66-year-old former signaller from Kent, sought support from his union after suffering a broken neck and a brain injury after being hit by a car in East Farleigh, Kent on April 24 2015. “One moment I’m getting ready to close the crossing, and the next I have two paramedics telling me they’re going to slide a spinal board underneath me so they could lift me up,” said Doug, speaking about the aftermath of the crash. Medical professionals warned his family that he only had a 50 per cent chance of survival. He was in hospital for over two weeks, and underwent surgery to repair his broken neck. Against the odds, Doug made a good recovery and has since taken an office job with Network Rail. “The level crossing was an accident waiting to happen,” Doug continued. “It was a very old-fashioned system and you had to run through a complex sequence to close the gates and signal the train to proceed. This had to be done quickly to avoid delaying the train, and was made more difficult by the absence of lights or warnings for drivers. “Most drivers would be alert enough to see what was going on, but some would try to ‘beat the gates’ which put me and my colleagues in danger. Our concerns fell on deaf ears though,” he said. Doug had reported near misses in the past – including one on the same day – but Network Rail failed to implement any safety changes until after his accident, where automated barriers were eventually installed. Doug and his family turned to the union for advice. His legal case was run and won by the union’s lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors, and he received expert rehabilitation and advice from Headway, the brain injury association. “I have nothing but praise for everyone who has supported me over the last four years. “The emotional support for my wife, Roberta, when I was critically ill. Being by my side, fighting my corner throughout the legal process. “Without my trade union membership, I wouldn’t have known where to turn or how to get answers. All I can say, is everyone should join a union to ensure they have access to the same level of support that I did,” he said. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that Doug did the right thing in reporting each near miss and instance where he was unsafe while at work – the problem was Network Rail’s failure to act. “It took a serious accident, which nearly cost him his life, for Network Rail to make the appropriate safety changes at the level crossing,” he said. Nicola Saunders, of Thompsons Solicitors, added that through the entire legal process the Defendants (one of whom was Network Rail) were unsupportive, refusing until the very end to admit culpability for Doug’s serious and life-changing injuries, which in turn delayed early rehabilitation. “It is to Mr Caddell’s credit that he has made such a good recovery, having made enormous personal efforts to do so. “Neither we, nor RMT, were prepared to let this matter rest. In this day and age, workers deserve safe working conditions and employers should have no place to hide. “Together, we were able to not only prove Network Rail was liable, but also secure a substantial sum that will mean Doug will not have financial concerns for any future rehabilitation or treatment he may need.” she said. HOLDING NETWORK RAIL TO ACCOUNT RMT supported member seriously injured in rail crossing crash, another reason to make sure you are in the union