What’s new in risk reduction?

Learn about the work of groups and committees

The latest headlines from RSSB’s specialist cross-industry risk groups

Our cross-industry risk groups meet regularly to discuss risks facing the industry and how to reduce them. Below we capture some of the headlines from the meetings held in April and May.

Asset Integrity Group

Volunteers needed to lead task and finish groups

The Asset Integrity Group (AIG) is seeking volunteers to lead its task and finish groups and various projects. The new recruits will help drive innovation and improvement in rail asset management. In its May meeting, the AIG reported that it successfully completed several projects in 2019–24, while others have been moved to 2024–29.

New cyber security report for asset managers

RSSB has produced a new cyber security report for rail asset managers to enhance their understanding and application of cyber security. The report provides clear guidance on keeping systems secure as technology evolves.

Contact the AIG

National Freight Safety Group

Wagon Condition Programme launched

The Wagon Condition Programme was launched on 28 May at an engagement day at RSSB’s office. At the event, speakers shared information about the programme’s five workstreams. They also told attendees how they can get involved in the programme. It was previously known as the Condition of Freight Vehicles on the Network.

Freight data dashboard launched

RSSB has launched a new Freight Safety Data Hub, enabling users to explore freight-related accidents and incidents. The dashboard provides data on 12 safety indicators up to the latest completed period. The National Freight Safety Group (NFSG) says the dashboard is a great step forward in having data readily available to freight operators.

Contact the NFSG

People on Trains and in Stations Risk Group

Update provided on PTI strategy

The People on Trains and in Stations Risk Group (PTSRG) is developing a new platform-train interface (PTI) strategy to support industry in the management of PTI risk. Stakeholders shared thoughts and aspirations for the strategy at a recent cross-industry workshop. They highlighted the importance of innovation, continuous improvement in risk control, and valuing even small improvements. Next steps are being decided. The aim is to have five tactical groups to deliver the new PTI strategy into 2024–29.

Trends seen in SOPE events

The PTSRG is calling for improved data quality and awareness initiatives concerning sitting on the platform edge (SOPE) incidents. This comes as data show a connection between SOPE events and both demographic patterns and seasonal trends. It has been proposed that the SOPE workstream, currently in PTSRG’s wheelhouse, is moved to the Trespass and Suicide Prevention Steering Group’s.

PTSRG welcomes new Chair

Stuart Browning, c2c’s Safety, Sustainability & Compliance Director, has been appointed Chair of the PTSRG. He replaces Jenny Saunders, Govia Thameslink Railway’s Customer Services Director. Members extended a heartfelt thanks for Jenny’s dynamic leadership and commitment to driving change in the industry at the group’s May meeting.

Contact the PTSRG

SPAD Risk Subgroup

SPAD rate still on the up

The SPAD Risk Subgroup is looking into the underlying causes of an ongoing rise in the SPAD risk and rate to spot any trends. So far, it’s analysed investigation reports for three SPADs, finding both similar and different underlying causes for each. The review of high-risk SPADs will be a permanent agenda slot at the group’s meetings. Additionally, all SPAD causes will be logged for further analysis and trend tracking, with findings shared with industry.

Contact the SPAD RSG

Road Risk Group

Participants sought for new road risk working group

A newly formed working group will draft proposals for an update to the Safety Management Intelligence System’s reporting criteria for road incidents. The group will be assembled by the Road Risk Group (RRG), which is keen to hear from those who would like to join the working group. Email RRG@rssb.co.uk to find out more.

Contact the RRG

Overspeed Group

Development of overspeeding tool well under way

RSSB has developed a provisional Overspeeding Risk Ranking Tool to help industry understand and tackle overspeed risk. Members of the Overspeed Group (OSG) are currently reviewing it. The goal is for a permanent tool to be created, and a research-and-development form has been submitted in a step towards that.

Group to work with the ORR to tackle overspeeding

The OSG will work with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to help mitigate overspeeding. In its reporting for 2024–29, the ORR highlighted specific concerns around the number of serious overspeeding events. The ORR said industry needs both to fully understand the risks posed by overspeeding and the speeds that create the most significant risks. The OSG will provide support through an overspeeding data strategy, the development of an overspeeding rail industry standard, and via the previously mentioned risk ranking tool.

Contact the OSG

Trespass and Suicide Prevention Strategy Group

New heatmap to support rail safety education

The Trespass and Suicide Prevention Strategy Group (TreSP SG) is supporting the development of a heatmap that will capture the delivery of rail safety education. The heatmap, which RSSB and Network Rail are working on, forms part of ongoing plans to improve young people’s awareness of railway dangers.

Model being developed to tackle trespass

RSSB is developing a model to support the reporting of trespass events at the source, with the help of the TreSP SG and its working group. It’s hoped that the model will enhance insights into this risk area and aid organisations, including the British Transport Police, in understanding the motivations and tackling the issue.

Contact the TreSP GP

Group or committee of the month

Every month we profile one of RSSB’s cross-industry groups or committees so you can learn what they do and why. This month’s issue of Horizon features Assurance Impartiality Committee, which you can read about here.