RSSB report that 2010 was the third year running with no passenger or workforce fatalities in train accidents, and showed reductions in train accidents and fatalities to members of the public at level crossings.
At the same time there were more fatalities to passengers at stations, workforce fatalities and Signals Passed at Danger. The overall performance should be viewed in the context of increasing passenger usage, with levels having increased by around 25% over the last five years.
The headlines for 2010 were: For the third year in succession, there were no passenger or workforce fatalities in train accidents. Nine passengers died in separate incidents. All occurred in stations. This is the highest number since 2004.
At 26, the number of potentially higher-risk train accidents (PHRTAs) was the lowest recorded; and compares with 42 for 2009. Three members of the workforce were fatally injured, compared with one in 2009. At six, the total number of fatalities occurring to members of the public, and not involving trespass or suicide, was the lowest for more than 10 years. Four of the fatalities occurred at level crossings, compared with 13 for 2009. At 306, the number of category A SPADs for 2010 was higher than the 261 occurring in 2009.
The level of SPAD risk stood at 76% of the September 2006 baseline, compared with 63% at the end of 2009. Fatalities arising from trespass and suicide totalled 258 in 2010, compared to 266 in 2009.
Anson Jack, Director of Policy, Research and Risk said:
“The rail industry has seen a growth in passenger usage of around 25% over the past five years. Against this backdrop key indicators related to train accident risk have shown improving trends. There were no passenger or workforce fatalities in train accidents for the third consecutive year, the number of potentially higher-risk train accidents was at a record low, and the trend in train accident precursors continued to be maintained at a lower level.
At the same time, nine passengers lost their lives in accidents at stations and three members of staff were fatally injured while working on railway infrastructure. The number of public fatalities, not due to trespass or suicide was historically low; there were six such deaths, four of whom were level crossing users.
The industry is working to provide higher levels of service and increased capacity while reducing its costs and the call on the taxpayer for subsidy. Against that background the industry continues to seek practicable ways to reduce risk further.”
