The worksite protection method presented an increased risk, in that track workers might inadvertently exit the worksite, and subsequently be in the immediate vicinity of operational main line rail traffic. Sydney Trains network rules and procedures for a Track Occupancy Authority did not manage the increased risk for the chosen worksite protection method.
The action taken by Sydney Trains does not make any change to the TOA network rule, however Sydney Trains seeks to address the risk by bolstering other network rules that require the protection officer to plan and deliver worksite protection arrangements.
The more specific instruction decreases ambiguity for the protection officer. Further, the program to improve safety culture, if successful, will provide greater impetus for workers to adhere to the rules.
Sydney Trains has made changes to their Network Rules and Network Procedures, specifically NWT300 Planning work in the Rail Corridor; NPR712 Protecting work from rail traffic on adjacent lines; and NRF014 Worksite Protection Pre-work Briefing. While the changes to these procedures decreases ambiguity, the success of the procedures is reliant on a compliant workforce to be effective.
The ATSB acknowledges Sydney Trains is implementing an Enterprise Safety Culture Program that if successful will provide the impetus to strengthen the network rules and network procedures.
