Concern regarding unauthorised personnel in [Operator's] train cabs
The reporter has raised a safety concern regarding unauthorised persons in active train cabs. The reporter states that children, friends, family or other unqualified persons are routinely allowed in the cab. The reporter believes that this is a systemic issue within [Operator], due to disinterest and/or inaction of supervisors when these breaches are reported.
The reporter states that while there are clear procedures in place for progressing safety reports, due process is not being followed by line managers. The reporter is concerned about the safety culture that has developed within [Operator], stating shift managers seem to have a lack of awareness, or respect, toward rail regulations and the potential consequences of safety breaches, resulting in employees growing increasingly unwilling to report safety concerns.
Below is a summary of the actions [Operator] are taking as we work towards sustainable solutions.
- Review of current policies and procedures relating to traveling in restricted areas on [Operator] services – COMPLETE
- Conduct face to face Safety Briefing Session with all staff to reinforce the requirements (introduce course code to capture on training records) – in progress
- Review current disciplinary processes for non-compliance –COMPLETE
- Compliance Alert – Information Bulletin (IB) – COMPLETE
- Complimentary Safety Alert to be issued to all staff targeting non-train crew with complimentary messaging to IB– in progress
- Undertake a compliance/assurance program – in progress
- Ensure all leaders and non-qualified people have a cab pass – review of expired Cab Passes – COMPLETE
We are also currently evaluating a possible validation process to be completed as a mandatory learning module for all new or renewed Cab Pass applications. This will be designed to cover off on the [procedure number] and will test knowledge through a brief set of questions. Applicants will need to achieve a minimum score to be issued a pass. As this will require some system development and collaboration with other parts of the business, this may take some time to deliver.
Work to establish the compliance/assurance program is also pending establishment of processes to document, track and respond to outcomes. We are hopeful this will be finalised at the next upcoming group meeting.
ONRSR can confirm it has received and reviewed the reporter’s concerns and operator’s response outlined in the REPCON report. ONRSR will continue to liaise with the operator through stakeholder meetings to monitor the status of the stated corrective actions.