ATC sets national health guidelines for rail safety workers

<p>The Australian Transport Council has approved a common set of health standards for all rail safety workers in Australia’s states and territories.</p> <p>The <em>Standard for Health Assessment for Rail Safety Workers</em> will come into effect on July 1, 2004.</p> <p>National Transport Commission (NTC) CEO Tony Wilson said the agreement, which takes into account findings of recent rail crash investigations, will lead to safer operations and better health for workers.</p> <p>"Many of the health standards for rail safety workers have not been consistent and have not kept pace with modern medical knowledge or practice," Mr Wilson said.</p> <p>The standard would ensure that rail workers’ health was maintained at a high level and that many developing medical conditions could be treated quickly to allow employees to continue work.</p> <p>An information toolkit has been prepared for rail safety regulators and rail organisations.</p> <p>More details can be found at the NTC’s website www.ntc.gov.au or from rail safety regulators. </p> <br />