SAFETY ALERT WWA22-33 – NEAR MISS AT PENMAENMAWR
OVERVIEW
A near miss occurred with 5 track workers at Penmaenmawr (15/05/22) who were walking on a line where trains were still running.
The investigation is ongoing but it is understood that the adjacent line was blocked for the planned work and there was confusion about the arrangements.
This followed a significant event at Gaerwen in April where a wheelbarrow was struck by a passenger train and it was discovered that trackworkers were in the immediate vicinity of the collision.
Either of these incidents could have had much more severe consequences and remind us of the importance of being 100% certain on where we are working and the safety arrangements in place.
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED:
- If you are responsible for briefing others how have you checked that your briefing on access arrangements, track layouts and arrangements have been understood by everyone? By signing the relevant forms (e.g. RT9909) individuals and you are declaring that the briefing is understood. If you need to spend more time to confirm this, do you feel empowered to do so?
- Everyone must be 100% clear on where they are. How do you know you are accessing the correct line and which line you are working on? How would you confirm this? How do you check that the safe system of work is still suitable and able to be set up as planned? If in any doubt, stop and check.
- Who is responsible for your safety today? If you have any doubts, however small, challenge. If a safety concern cannot be resolved within the team, remember the Worksafe Procedure.
