See the link below Two signal workers were struck by a North Bound Coal train this morning. I'm sad to say one of those killed was a fellow colleague who I have known for 27 years. My condolences to his family and the other worker yet to be identified. It's a sad day for the rail family here in New South Wales Rail workers Killed
Paul, I'm very sorry to hear of your colleague's tragedy. I hope both "families" will have the strength to get through this. Regards, Doug
Very sorry to read of this sad event. :sad: If there is a public report, of inquiry findings, please let us know the outcome? :sad: Boxcab E50
I am very sorry to hear this Paul. It just shows that even in these highly regulated, safety-conscious days, accidents can still happen. Let us know the outcome of the inquiries - and you stay safe out there.
Sad news indeed. There is a lot of rumour circulating as to what happened but I will await the official report. Even so, tonight I had a co-worker wandering around the open line under single line working in high curvature track in cutting, whilst supporting tamping operations, as if there were no trains. Needless to say one of his favourite expressions is 'you can't put brains in statues'. He was fulfilling that tonight...
Risk assessments and NAR can be dangerous for those people Gary, I hope the outcome of this doesn't involve Network Control babysitting trackworkers who work under NAR. You tell us where you are as a courtesy and we leave you alone to do your work.
You are right to a degree, Alex. Some of these people like to think they know it but haven't generally been on live running lines for any extended period in their career. As long as the risk assessment has been considered sufficiently there generally isn't a problem unless someone does the wrong thing. Unfortunately, no amount of risk assessment and mitigation is going to replace keeping a closer eye on those who could do the wrong thing. Look out for yourself and everyone else. On the other hand, I don't expect Network Control or it's representatives to do anything other than they do now unless I am advised of out-of-course working at first contact and if conditions happen to change to that working before I advise I am clear. Then I would like to know. Out of courtesy, that's what I do. I like, and in some cases am required, to tell the controlling signaller, or a signaller at either (or both) end(s) of an auto section that I am working within the area and what I am doing, generally under NAR. This allows the signaller, some of whom are less than enthused at being bothered by such triviality where others welcome it, to know I am in his or her section in case of emergency, a fault developing due to my work or report of persons on or near the line. In all honesty we do get more done being left alone than having an additional watchdog actively limiting our workload over and above the checks and measures already in place. I wouldn't want Network Control involved unnecessarily nor do I feel I need them to be.