Safety Issue
The Works Infrastructure compliance officer (with overall
planning responsibility for ensuring that the overpass work site
was appropriately protected from train movements) and the North
Geelong 'C' signalbox signaller implemented a method of safeworking
based on section 15, rule 5 of the network rules. The variation in
safeworking arrangements was not formally communicated to
McElligott's, VicRoads or the ARTC. No opportunity was afforded
these agencies to review/challenge the safeworking arrangement and
to determine whether it was safe and fit for purpose. The revised
safeworking arrangements were clearly in contravention of the
safety plan that had been agreed between McElligott's, VicRoads and
the ARTC.
Safety Recommendation
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that Works
Infrastructure take action to address this safety issue.