The reporter has raised a safety concern relating to inadequate lighting at the [Location 1] and [Location 2] yards, [State].
The reporter states, multiple requests have been made to [Operator] for the supply of adequate lighting as well as repairs to existing lighting at both yards which is yet to be actioned.
The concerns specifically relate to shunting and rear propelling operations conducted within the yards which without adequate lighting significantly increases the risk of serious injury and or fatalities to rail safety workers.
The reporter states, 'A risk assessment (RA) was undertaken on [date] with specific controls to be put in place whilst no lighting was available, one of those being a third person for protection of propelling movements. This is not occurring. The RA also stated the lighting needed to be repaired which has still not happened a year later. The RA consequence was rated at catastrophic and the risk level as high'.
The reporter further states, 'ONRSR was engaged and made aware of this on [date] and no action has eventuated'.
[Operator] acknowledges the reporter’s concerns and provides a response on each element below. [Operator] does note, that despite the reporter stating that multiple requests have been made, no hazards related to lighting at these locations have been lodged in [Operator]’s hazard reporting system, [reporting program]. Should workers believe inadequate lighting is a hazard at those locations, it is important for those to be raised through the approved internal channels to enable appropriate actions by [Operator] management.
The reporter states that multiple requests have been made to [Operator] for the supply of adequate lighting as well as repairs to existing lighting at both yards which is yet to be actioned. The concerns specifically relate to shunting and rear propelling operations conducted within the yards which without adequate lighting significantly increases the risk of serious injury and or fatalities to rail safety workers.
[Operator] was aware of the lighting requiring repair at [Location 1], and repairs were arranged through the site owner, being completed on [date]. Additionally, [Operator] provides workers with head lamps and torches to supplement lighting where required.
[Operator] considers that the lighting at [Location 1] is adequate to manage the risk.
[Operator] management has not received any requests in relation to lighting at [Location 2], however, [Operator] considers that the lighting at [Location 2] is adequate to manage the risk, having regard to the head lamps and torches that are provided to workers.
The reporter states ‘A risk assessment (RA) was undertaken on [date] with specific controls to be put in place whilst no lighting was available, one of those being a third person for protection of propelling movements. This is not occurring. The RA also stated the lighting needed to be repaired which has still not happened a year later. The RA consequence was rated at catastrophic and the risk level as high'.
These concerns relate to [Location 1] yard. Historically, there was a requirement for a third person to assist with shunting at various locations within the [Location 1] yard due to non-reversable lever (kangaroo) points being installed at this location. Kangaroo points require the points lever to be held by hand as rolling stock traverses over them. This is generally undertaken by the second driver, and so a third person was provided to protect the setting back movement. Subsequently, a risk assessment was completed in [month] [year] specifically relating to the removal of the need for a third person to conduct shunting activities at [Location 1] yard. This was attended by operational staff and [Operator] leaders.
Further, the lighting at [Location 1] yard has been repaired.
The reporter further states, 'ONRSR was engaged and made aware of this on [date] and no action has eventuated'.
[Operator] received a request for information from ONRSR on [date] in relation to visibility for shunting at [Location 1] yard. [Operator] responded to the request on [date] (to advise of the repair work that was being carried out) and provided an update to ONRSR on [date] (to advise of the last scheduled works being completed on [date]).
ONRSR confirms receipt of ATSB REPCON report number RR2024-00009 regarding inadequate lighting at two yards in [State]. ONRSR has reviewed the reporter’s concerns and operator’s response. ONRSR has sought and received further information from the operator and will monitor the matter through regular stakeholder engagement meetings. The operator stated there were no records of some hazards being reported through their internal hazard reporting system. ONRSR encourages rail safety workers to report identified hazards through the appropriate process outlined as part of the operator’s safety management system to enable the operator to meet safety duties under Rail Safety National Law. Further information is available in the ONRSR Fact Sheet Duties of Rail Safety Workers, available on the ONRSR website.