Brookfield Rail has announced its partnership with the Australasian Railway Association in launching the industry’s first national rail safety initiative; the trackSAFE Foundation.
Brookfield Rail will be one of 11 rail companies contributing to the Foundation which aims to reduce level crossing, trespass and suicide incidents on Australia’s rail network whilst providing a safe environment for rail industry employees, travellers and communities.
The trackSAFE Foundation, which is an Australian first, will focus on improving education and awareness around level crossing safety, minimising the incidence of trespass, implementing suicide prevention strategies, and providing additional support to rail industry employees who experience trauma as a result of being exposed to one of the above incidents.
The establishment of trackSAFE comes after 2011 reported alarming figures in near collisions and minor injuries, as a result of trespassing or dangerous level crossing, and high levels of actual and attempted suicide on the rail network.
In alignment with its key focus of safety, Brookfield Rail has committed $50,000 per annum to the not-for-profit Foundation for the first two years.
“Brookfield Rail has a responsibility to our employees, people travelling on our network, people interacting with the network and communities within which we operate to ensure we do everything we can to minimise risk and ensure their safety,” said Paul Larsen, CEO of Brookfield Rail.
“Safety is at the core of our business and our partnership with the trackSAFE Foundation supports our strong commitment to a safer railway network in Australia,” Mr Larsen continued.
