A train travelling at 104mph (167kmh) came very close to striking the worker, who was crossing an underbridge between Harpenden and Luton Airport Parkway stations.
The track worker was just stepping off the bridge from an area where there was very limited space between the bridge parapet and the track when the train passed.
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Upon seeing the track worker on the bridge, the driver sounded the train’s horn and then made an emergency brake application.
Once the train stopped, the driver reported the incident to the signaller, unsure as to whether the train had struck the track worker.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) found that the worker, who was carrying out telecommunications cable testing at the time of the incident, had crossed the bridge without an effective safe system of work in place, despite being aware of the risks in doing so.
However, the tester’s personal track safety competency and the associated rules for walking alone on or near the line did not prohibit them from crossing a structure with restricted clearance. RAIB also identified that the bridge was not signed as a limited clearance structure, which was a possible factor.
RAIB's recommendations
As a result of its investigation, RAIB has made four recommendations. The first is for Keltbray Infrastructure Services to review and amend how it plans work on or near the line, so its staff can better understand how to manage and carry out the work they need to deliver.
The second recommendation asks the Rail Safety and Standards Board to follow the relevant rail industry processes to review and amend as necessary the rail industry standard requirements for warning signage at structures with restricted clearance.
The third is for Network Rail to record its lineside signage assets, determine what inspection and maintenance regime is required for these assets, and then schedule these activities to be done.
And finally, also addressed to Network Rail, is to reduce the risks to railway staff due to warning signage not being fitted to structures with restricted clearance.
