Rail sector looks at how to improve health and safety

A November conference will be asked to focus on how to prevent accidents and illness in the rail industry.

The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Rail Industry Conference is held in Manchester on November 19th and will discuss rail safety. The railway industry is faced with demands for better quality trains and improved punctuality, but the IOSH wants health and safety to be a priority.

Data published by the Office of Rail and Road reveal that 17 passengers were killed and a further 377 had major injuries in the 2018-2019 period. Additionally, two workers died and more than 6,000 workers were injured. These figures do not include people being taken ill from silica dust, diesel fumes and other dangerous substances.

More passengers are using the railways and there are major upgrades of stations planned. If health and safety are not improved, more passengers and workers could be harmed. PPE (personal protective equipment) can help rail workers, while safer equipment, trains and other systems can protect passengers.

The chair of the IOSH Railway Group, David Porter, said:

“Our conference will aim to get to the heart of the issues, to ask the questions that need to be asked over whether enough focus is being given to preventing accidents and ill-health in our industry. Industry leaders must ensure health and safety are prioritised.”

Among the major speakers at the conference are Ian Prosser CBE, the Chief Inspector of Railways, and Greg Morse from the Rail Safety and Standards Board.