Stuart Browing to lead c2c’s new Safety, Sustainability and Compliance department

Rail operator c2c has created a new Safety, Sustainability and Compliance department, with Stuart Browning appointed to lead the new function.  Formerly the firm’s head...

Hero among Heroes: Rizwan Javed, MTR Elizabeth line

Everyone put forward for Samaritans Lifesaver Award is a genuine, real-life hero. The Award recognises those who have demonstrated deep courage and compassion by...

Fatigue, fines, and a reopened investigation

Colin Wheeler A court case was heard in Aberdeen on 7 September concerning the triple fatality passenger train accident at Carmont, west of Stonehaven, back...

Non-compliance with structures examinations “Network Rail not good enough!”

Colin Wheeler I had optimistically hoped to write in this edition describing the process and timescale agreed between the Office of Rail & Road (ORR)...

Partners in safety

RailStaff speaks to Samantha Facey, Health, Safety and Security director at Govia Thameslink Railway, about itsrenewed partnership with the British Transport Police. The safety of...

A beacon of hope and a lifeline of support

Liam Johnston Railway Mission's Chaplaincy’s Liam Johnston discusses the devastating impact of suicide and the role thatchaplains play in supporting individuals and the industry. In the...

Health & Safety Roundup

The past few months have seen numerous initiatives aimed at improving the safety and wellbeing of staff and passengers. We give you a roundup...

Incidents, accidents, overspeeding, and a near miss

Late notices for train drivers rely on them signing on and reading the details that apply to the route they are to drive. Today,...

An open letter to Network Rail

Colin Wheeler An open letter from John Larkinson, the chief executive of the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), to Andrew Haines, chief executive of...

ORR offers further recommendations

Following on from ORR’s letter to Andrew Haines, the chief executive of Network Rail, in the past two months the regulator has issued further...

Award winning VR reduces complacency among signalling engineers

Signalling engineers need to make sure they don't become complacent. Keeping the consequences of accidents at the front of their mind is key. Complacency can...

Making Rail PPE Sustainable

Hi-visibility weatherproof safety clothing was first introduced to UK rail sector workers back in 1964. Since then, its essential contribution to PPE has enabled...

Our railways and trams need more focused organisation

Colin Wheeler Political turmoil, the UK economy, and Covid have all affected the way we live and work. Hopefully we are at last moving forward...

Good practice for protecting mental health

The rail industry is more aware of the importance of mental health than ever before, acknowledging the importance of emotional well-being and taking steps...

Expert Commentary: Nick Millington MBE – Route Director, Wales and Borders Route

Nick Millington, Network Rail’s Wales and Borders Route Director, was awarded an MBE in the 2023 New Years Honours list for services to the...

Rail Safety Summit 2023

Colin Wheeler Rail Media’s annual Railway Safety Summit Conference was held on Tuesday 14 March at Loughborough University’s Holywell Park Conference Centre. With 136 people...

XEIAD training academy – one year on

In December 2021, RailStaff spoke to civil engineering consultancy XEIAD as it prepared to launch its new Training Academy. Just over a year later,...

Fighting fatigue: a joint responsibility

All rail staff face a significant challenge in managing fatigue. The nature of the work means staff often work irregular hours or long shifts...