Shunter struck by train at St Philips Marsh
RAIB report demonstrates the criticality of three actions after a shunter was hit by a train.
At about 13.03 on 26 September 2023, a shunter was struck by a train leaving the main shed at St Philips Marsh depot in Bristol. The train was travelling at 10 mph at the time of the accident. The driver applied the brakes after hearing the train strike something. Others working nearby went to help after they saw that the shunter was lying next to the train. The shunter, who had sustained serious injuries, was treated by paramedics and then taken to hospital.
The shunter left the main shed building via a roller shutter door. They did this so they could check that no one was approaching the nearby level crossing from a blind corner. The shunter regularly used the area between the main shed building and the crossing as a walking route. They were used to being there, but it did mean that they had to walk close to or foul of the train’s path. The shunter was also unaware that the train had started to move and didn’t realise it was catching up with them. They had expected to reach the crossing first, but the train exceeded the speed limit of 5 mph. As the driver didn’t see the shunter, they didn’t take any appropriate actions in response.
The driver was screened for drugs and alcohol after the accident. They declared ahead of their test that they had taken over-the-counter medicine that contained a small amount of codeine about 15 hours before. The driver had previously taken this medication, outside of work, without any side effects. As they had felt fit for duty that day, the driver had not declared taking this medication before starting their shift.
RAIB found that occupational advice for employees taking medication that contained codeine varied. However, due to the medication’s relatively small dosage, the time passed since the driver had taken it, and the driver reporting no side effects, RAIB considered it highly unlikely to have played a part in the accident.
Staff who work and walk on depots and in sidings being aware of the personal track safety requirement to look out for trains that could be approaching from any direction at least every five seconds when walking on the railway, particularly when they know a train is about to move.
Drivers being are reminded of the importance of complying with all speed limits on depots and in sidings. Particular care may be needed when accelerating at the start of a movement not to exceed a low-speed limit.
Staff with safety‑critical roles being reminded of the importance of remembering to declare to their employer if they have taken any medication that might have the potential to impact their performance, especially before they carry out any safety-critical duties.