Shunter at Washwood Heath had to leap clear of approaching train
An investigation is under way into a near miss on the railway at Washwood Heath in Birmingham.
At around 0720 on September 18, a train travelling at 36 mph (58 km/h) narrowly missed hitting a member of railway ground staff, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said.
The ground staff member was engaged in shunting duties on a stationary freight train located on the Washwood Heath Goods Loop.
This loop runs adjacent to a slow line, which at the time was open to traffic.
The shunter was in the space between the two lines when a train approached on the slow line.
Upon hearing the warning horn of the approaching train, the shunter moved quickly to get out of harm’s way. No one was injured.
The RAIB said its investigation will explore
- the actions of those involved and the factors that may have influenced them
- the roles, responsibilities and competence of relevant staff
- the local working instructions and how the risks associated with being on or near a railway line were being controlled
- any underlying management or systemic factors.
An RAIB spokesperson said: “Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.
“We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation.”
