Posted 8th October 2020 | 2 Comments
Depot where driver died was ‘operating at or beyond capacity’
A DEPOT in the West Midlands where a driver was killed between two trains had been ‘operating at or beyond its capacity at night’, according to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.
The driver had walked between the stabled trains at Tyseley depot on 14 December last year, ‘almost certainly’ unaware that one of the units was about to be moved so that it could be coupled to the other. He received fatal injuries.
A second driver who was in charge of the coupling move did not sound a warning because this was not required by local instructions and he would not have seen the driver who died, said the RAIB.
It added that ‘the depot operator, West Midlands Trains, had not adequately considered the risks faced by drivers on depots. The investigation also found that Tyseley depot is operating at or beyond its capacity at night and that West Midlands Trains’ management assurance processes had not promoted safe working practices.’
The RAIB has made two recommendations. One is that assessments are carried out of the risks faced by anyone walking and working in depots, yards and sidings, and the other is that West Midlands Trains reviews its safety assurance processes.
Reader Comments:
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Chris Kyaw, Barnsley
When I first visited engine sheds in the 1950's the first requirement was to READ ALOUD the notice on the wall that it was forbidden to walk between locos standing on the same track. Does this restriction no longer apply and if so, why not?
Sam Green, York
The Driver of the coupling didn't sound the warning horn because in most depots with residential properties nearby the use of warning horns is banned late at night and early morning due to complaints !! Had he sounded the horn this man would , most probably, still be alive !!!