Safety, Standards & Regulation

Rail Safety Week launched

Rail Safety Week. Photo: TrackSAFE Foundation

Communities and businesses across Australia and New Zealand are recognising the 2018 Rail Safety Week from August 13 to 19.

TrackSAFE Foundation patron Tim Fischer AC said on August 13 more than 70 rail, police and government organisations would work together to increase awareness surrounding all aspects of rail safety.

“Community members will once again be able to engage in free public events all with a strong rail safety theme, from police bands and demonstrations at rail stations and level crossings to barbeques and a special visit from Thomas the Tank Engine in Sydney,” Fischer said.

“Volunteers from the rail industry are cued to visit thousands of school students in metropolitan, regional and rural areas throughout the Week.

“Events such as these are important and effective for sharing rail safety knowledge, insight and experiences.”

Conducted by the TrackSAFE Foundation and the Australasian Railway Association, Rail Safety Week aims to draw attention to the behavious that could lead to incidents on the rail network.

“These behaviours are seemingly innocuous, such as looking at screens, not removing earphones or taking short cuts across tracks,” Fischer said. “However, all of these actions could lead to deadly consequences.

“The safety messages we push as part of Rail Safety Week are not new, but they continue to be the driving force behind incidents on our railways. We’re urging members of the public to take responsibility for their actions when on and around the rail network, I encourage individuals to take the time to tell a personal story and share rail safety tips with friends and family members.

“Together we can make a difference and reduce the number of incidents happening on our rail network– rail safety is everyone’s responsibility.”

Find out more: http://tracksafefoundation.com.au/rail-safety-week