LOCATION:

Batley - Up/Down Huddersfield

WHEN:

05/02/23 - 12:00 approx

HOW THE ACCIDENT/INJURY OCCURRED:

LEM derailed on Up Huddersfield Line whilst moving 7865AB Layout into install position.

WHAT IMMEDIATE ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN TO PREVENT RECURRENCE?

None – Unsure at the time of the incident as to what caused the LEM to derail. LEM rerailed and remaining LEMs monitored when passing the derailment point with no further incident.

Supervisors post this incident have been briefed/reminded (15/02/23) of positioning of Supervisors and Operators when installing with LEMs on temporary track and to travel with a level/supported load. Alignmentof track and any installed track panels that the LEMs are to travel on, to be jointly inspected by Geismar Supervisors and Customer Worksite Supervisors for future installations.

IMMEDIATE CAUSE?

Immediate cause was unknown since the S&C layout (with LEMs 1B-5B) had already past the location of the LEM derailment on the Up Huddersfield.

UNDERLYING CAUSE?

Upon inspection of photo footage and understanding the location of the LEMs (see attached drawing), the conclusion is that LEMs 2A and 3A (positioned/travelling on the Down Huddersfield) should have had their respective lifting tables elevated slightly higher and reduce the ‘sag’ of the panel.

In not doing so, this has caused a slight weight/load transfer of the S&C tied area resulting in a point loading to the six-foot wheels of LEM 6B (positioned/travelling on the Up Huddersfield). As a result of the point loading, and an unloading of the opposite wheels, LEM 6B subsequently derailed.

Additionally, comment has been made in respect of the plain line track alignment of the Up Huddersfield, in that there was a misalignment of the previously installed track panels. Whilst the panels may have been to a temporary alignment (prior to tamping) it is possible that the misalignment was also a contributing factor to the derailment.