The reporter has raised safety concerns in relation to inadequate lighting while conducting night shunting operations at the freight terminal at [Location].
The reporter states in late [year], [Operator] [operation type] commenced operating a new facility at [Location]. Initially, the operations were primarily conducted during the day with only arrival and departure operations to be conducted at night. The reporter also states there is no lighting provided in the yard for night works other than the areas where the points are operated with sections of track up to 700 m in darkness.
The reporter states a new roster was implemented on [date] with more than half the shifts being night shifts with inadequate lighting in the yard. The reporter further states, ‘Management advised the lighting would be sorted soon and the new roster was placed into operation'.
The reporter advised pressure is placed on staff to complete shunting operations at night despite a risk assessment yet to be completed. Staff have been advised if they do not feel safe, they could use site vehicle headlights to highlight the track and torches for walking along the ballast.
The reporter is concerned that the inadequate lighting in the yard is placing staff at a higher risk of injury as well as risk of damage to equipment and infrastructure due to the decreased visibility of moving rolling stock.
[Operator] acknowledges the reporter’s concerns and provides a response on each element below.
In summary, [Operator] continues to work with the [Location] workforce and their representatives in relation to the lighting suitability at [Location]. To support operational context, we have attached a map (supplied to the ATSB and ONRSR) of [Operator's] [Location] terminal with the location of fixed solar lighting identified.
In response to the specific concerns raised:
The reporter states in late [year], [Operator] [operation type] commenced operating a new facility at [Location]. Initially, the operations were primarily conducted during the day with only arrival and departure operations to be conducted at night. The reporter also states there is no lighting provided in the yard for night works other than the areas where the points are operated with sections of track up to 700 m in darkness.
[Operator] can confirm the context of operations is correct. Through the staged ramp up of services for customers, the times that activities are required in the yard have changed meaning a necessary increase in the volume of nighttime work. Fixed lighting is provided in the yard at critical work areas (i.e. points and at the hardstand). Transportable lighting is provided in the form of torches, headlamps, and ATV’s / light vehicles where activities are dynamic.
The reporter states a new roster was implemented on [date] with more than half the shifts being night shifts with inadequate lighting in the yard. The reporter further states ‘Management advised the lighting would be sorted soon and the new roster was placed into operation'.
[Operator] believes suitable lighting is available for all yard activities – whether in the form of fixed lighting over critical work areas, or transportable lighting (in the form of torches, headlamps and ATV’s / light vehicle lighting) where activities may be more dynamic.
As explained above, the ramp up to full services for customers has required rosters to change, aligned to service volumes.
Based on the feedback received, [Operator] has convened a risk assessment on [date] with relevant site personnel to understand any concerns and potential controls that could be implemented / upgraded.
The reporter advised pressure is placed on staff to complete shunting operations at night despite a risk assessment yet to be completed. Staff have been advised if they do not feel safe, they could use site vehicle headlights to highlight the track and torches for walking along the ballast.
[Operator] does not agree that pressure is being placed on staff to complete nighttime work. Since commencement of operations at [Location], [Operator] has worked with staff to refine work processes to reflect the ramp up profile and in response to feedback. These include running the train head end into the siding to remove the requirement to propel, and when propelling is required, the use of end of train markers to improve visibility. Where possible, shunting activities are scheduled to reduce the volume of nighttime shunts.
Risk assessments for the commencement of [operation type] operations have been conducted, in addition to the bulk [State] hazard and risk inventory. As discussed above, [Operator] has convened a risk assessment on [date] with relevant site personnel to understand any concerns and potential controls that could be implemented / upgraded.
For clarity, newly installed yellow walkways exist through the site (as shown in Image 2 supplied to the ATSB and ONRSR) to reduce the need to, and risks associated with, walking on ballast.
The reporter is concerned that the inadequate lighting in the yard is placing staff at a higher risk of injury as well as risk of damage to equipment and infrastructure due to the decreased visibility of moving rolling stock.
In response to hazard reports received, [Operator] has committed to undertaking a further risk assessment with the [Location] workforce on [date]. At this stage, [Operator] believes suitable lighting has been provided for all activities mentioned.
ONRSR confirms receipt of REPCON report number RR2024-00005, regarding lighting during shunting operations at a facility in [State]. ONRSR has reviewed the reporter’s concerns and operator’s response including supporting information. ONRSR has liaised with the operator and received further information. ONRSR is satisfied with the operator’s response and management of this matter and will monitor this issue through regular stakeholder engagement meetings with the operator.