Train workers jump clear of freight train with 'second to spare' after miscommunication

A Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) report found the two workers had been part of a group trying to fix a fault with the overheard lines which help power electric trains along the route between Wolverhampton and Stafford. Network Rail blocked the northbound line so workers could safely identify the problem.

The pair had split off from the rest of the group, but a recognised safe system of work was not in place to protect them from any approaching trains with the two workers believing the line was blocked still when they left their colleagues.

However, the person in charge believed they were standing away from the track in a safe position, so gave signallers the go-ahead to lift the line blockage and allow a freight train to be sent through. However, both workers were still on the line as the train approached.

A CCTV image from the front of the northbound freight train showed at lease one track worker in its path.

The report said: "Witness evidence confirms that the second track worker was also in the path of the train as it approached. Both staff jumped clear of the track, less than a second before the train reached their location."

It added: "One of the track workers suffered a minor ankle injury as a result of taking avoiding action, and both were shaken by the incident."

Andrew Hall, Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents said: "Network Rail has made huge progress in reducing the amount of work undertaken on lines open to traffic. However, the near miss at Penkridge, where a line blockage was being used, is a reminder that working on the track remains hazardous.

"In this incident, track workers split into two groups, with the person responsible for their safety remaining with one group and no safe system of work in place to cover the revised working arrangement. This was a result of a misunderstanding between the track workers and almost cost two people their lives.

"If a group of track workers has to be split, adequate arrangements must be put in place to ensure that the safety of all members of the group are maintained. Communication must be such that everyone fully understands what safe systems of work are in place."

In the wake of its investigation, the RAIB has recommended Network Rail improves processes and guidance available to those in charge of site safety when working on railway lines to help control risks when groups split or change during the work. It has also recommended understanding how the practicalities of managing a group on site can be improved.

RAIB has also identified three learning points relating to the importance of clear communication, the duties allowed to be undertaken by a PIC, and the importance of the availability of train mounted CCTV to assist in safety investigations.

James Dean, route director for West Coast South at Network Rail, said: “We co-operated fully with the RAIB and recognise and accept the recommendations of their report.

"We’ve already started to make changes, introducing additional measures to assure ourselves of our safe systems of work. We’re also holding a safety stand-down, working with our people to understand the potential consequences of this near-miss.”