14 April 2004 - HSC Publishes its Response to the Department for Transport's Rail Review
The Health and Safety Commission has published its response to the Department for Transport's Rail Review published in January. The Submission to the Secretary of State for Transport from the Health and Safety Commission can be found on the HSE web site here. It addresses:
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health and safety law and the railways
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current industry problems
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solutions being taken forward now by HSC/E.
HSC states:
'improved railway industry performance and public confidence, sound infrastructure and control of costs are dependent on effective management of risk and other aspects of the business. The flexibility of the existing health and safety framework provides real advantages for operators: independent regulation through HSE offers public and political assurance and minimises interfaces.'
It affirms it will - 'continue to work with the industry to ensure that its needs are taken into account, and will continue to promote open dialogue about its approach to enforcement and key concepts such as reasonable practicability. Its aim is for a railway industry that demonstrates a sound understanding of risk management, reflected in improved trends in the types of incidents that precede major accidents.'
Bill Callaghan, Chair of the HSC commented:
"I repeat what I said when the Rail Review was announced - that health and safety must be truly independent of the industry and economic pressures, and that the regulator must have teeth to be able to enforce health and safety measures where necessary. We saw last week that the courts imposed on Thames Trains a record fine of £2 million for its serious omissions in respect of driver training which led to the Ladbroke Grove collision. The judge remarked that the fine should serve as a reminder of the paramount importance of safety and the prompt attention to risk."
Alongside its regulatory duties, HSC and HSE are also tasked by Government to monitor the implementation of the safety recommendations made following the Public Inquiries into recent rail disasters. While good progress has been made in the last few years there are key issues which remain to be resolved; for example, licensing of train drivers. Both HSC and HSE remain committed to the task of working with the industry to ensure reasonable standards of safety for rail workers and passengers alike. They should expect nothing less."
I hope that the Rail Review will provide a rigorous and objective examination of performance and safety and the reasons for cost increases. We are determined to play our part in achieving a safe and high performing railway."
