The Rail, Tram and Bus Union says rail workers had lost confidence in the rail safety regime, and an urgent review of the Rail Safety National Law was needed.
Speaking in the aftermath of the derailment at Inverleigh, RTBU National Secretary Mark Diamond said it was fortunate there were no injuries to traincrew.
“But the incident could have been catastrophic if the train was carrying passengers, rather than freight,” he said.
“Rail workers are increasing concerned that Australia’s rail safety regime is no longer fit for purpose, and not enough is being done to ensure that tracks are safe.
“While the cause of the derailment will be the subject of an investigation, rail workers are already aware of the failings in the rail safety system, and they want to see action.”
Diamond said heavy rain should not be used as an excuse to justify infrastructure failings.
“Australia is a big country with a big rail network. It therefore needs a rail workforce that is big enough to ensure that every kilometre of track is appropriately maintained and regularly checked – especially during times of extreme rainfall or heat,” he said.
“It has also been 10 years since the adoption of the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL). It’s time that safety laws were brought up-to-date with contemporary practices and standards in the rail industry.”
Diamond said the introduction of the Law in 2012 was a milestone moment for the industry, and a key achievement of the former Labor Federal Government.
“Since then, however, it has become clear that the regulator needs greater powers in order to hold rail operators fully accountable,” he said.
“There is also a grey area between the responsibilities of employers under the RSNL and model Workplace Health and Safety laws. A comprehensive review would allow for the Act to be strengthened, ensuring workers had the protection of a world class safety regime.”
Diamond said a major problem with the current rail safety regime was the lack of transparency.
“For example, when an individual makes a report to the regulator, they are not provided with a report back on the outcome of any investigation which arises – or even advised if any investigation has been conducted,” he said.
“This undermines rail workers’ trust in the system, as they do not know whether anything has been done about the safety issue.”
Diamond said that RTBU analysis of rail safety statistics had found that in recent years:
• Workplace deaths have increased
• Derailments have increased
• Level crossing incidents have increased
• There has been no reduction in SPADS (incidents of Signals Passed at Danger)
• The total number of injuries is most-likely under-reported.
“By any objective analysis, the rail safety regime is failing to do the job it was set up to do,” he said.
