INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATOR WARNS RAIL INDUSTRY OVER SAFETY

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: july/august 2024 :: RMTnews 4 A n RAIB investigation into a runaway trolley and its subsequent collision with work site equipment at North Rode, Cheshire in May is underway. The track trolley ran away after its brakes became ineffective and came to a stop after it collided with equipment being used for moving rails within the site of work. The track workers had seen the runaway trolley approaching and moved clear of its path before the collision occurred. The investigation will consider the design and maintenance of the trolley, the actions of those involved and the arrangements put in place to manage and control the risks of trolley use any underlying management factors. The Rail Accident Investigation branch’s (RAIB) annual report has questioned whether the rail industry has learnt lessons from the Clapham Junction and Carmont railway accidents. A recommendation from the Hidden Report into the Clapham accident when 35 people were killed was for Train Protection Systems – and the legal requirement for this system was established 20 years ago. In its 2023 report the independent investigator referred to several speeding events, which although very different – were not protected by an engineered solution of train protection. Instead, there was complete reliance on the individual signaller or driver to react correctly. In relation to this RAIB explained: “TPWS (Train Protection Warning System) fitment was a stopgap measure while the railway waited to fit automatic train protection, which would bring with it features to supervise the speed of trains”. The RAIB explains that despite 20 years having passed, the “universal fitment of such technology is a long time away”. The RAIB also noted in its report that incidents at Waterloo, Dalwhinnie and South Wingfield which saw the integrity of the signalling system being compromised by the incorrect application of the processes developed following the Clapham Junction accident. The RAIB explained that those with personal knowledge of Clapham who are aware of the importance of safety processes and have learnt from this have retired or moved away from front line jobs and that “this has impacted on the corporate memory vital to achieving safety”. The safety body said that it was actively seeking to address this loss of skills from the rail industry. CARMONT The RAIB report on the deadly derailment of a train at Carmont in 2020, which saw three people fatally killed, was published in March 2022 with 20 recommendations. Two years on the safety body noted that although a lot of work had been undertaken and progress was being made towards implementing the recommendations, “the majority remain open and there is a considerable way to go”. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that if the government and the rail industry does not act on the safety concerns raised by RAIB in its annual report there was an increased risk of more accidents like those Carmont and Clapham Junction putting rail workers and rail passengers at risk of harm. “The union will be raising these concerns at every level and in every forum we can,” he said. INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATOR WARNS RAIL INDUSTRY OVER SAFETY Report warns workers with crucial knowledge being lost and recommendations are not being implemented DISASTER: The scene of the Carmont derailment just south of Stonehaven which led to the loss of three lives in 2020. RUNAWAY COLLISION IN CHESHIRE