Turnout issue prompts safety upgrade

The Loco Division was forced to raise a safety issue with Sydney Trains recently, after two instances of trains traversing a turnout movement over the posted the line speed were reported to the union.

With the assistance of RTBU delegates and members, Sydney Trains conducted two risk assessment workshops of the location with showed there was a risk to customers and members. The assessments helped identify several areas for improvement, which are now being implemented to help cover the safety risks associated with the infrastructure.

Among the changes implemented is a ammendment to the signaling software, which will mean that the signaler will not be able to set the turnout route unless the speed of the train has been “proven” to the appropriate track speed and then the route maybe set.

This will limit the excess speed of the train at the turnout should human error occur.

The Loco Division would like to thank all of the delegates and members involved for their participation, particuarly those who attended several meetings and risk assessment workshops. Those meetings were instrumental in helping achieve this improvement to safety for everyone.

Drivers will be briefed on the changes in the workplace shortly. If you have any questions about the changes, please contact the RTBU office.