VHRL Safety Alert 037 - Fatality 08 April 2020

No: Vital Safety Alert 037 Date: 09 April 2020

Internal Safety Alert – Network Rail Contractor Fatality 08 April 2020

During these difficult times of the Coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic it is still vitally important everyone continues
to work to industry / company safety standards.

It is sad to report the details below of a contractor fatality in the rail industry.

Two AMCO contractors were undertaking vegetation clearance on the West Coast Mainline South route - on the
Up-Northampton line (Roade area) on 08 April 2020, when the COSS of the group was hit by a train and fatally
wounded at just before 11am by a passenger train (Northampton to Euston train).

The work group had taken/operated in line blockages.

The man who died was a contractor helping with work to build foundations for a trackside wall to secure the
railway embankment.

After the initial on-site investigation there are still many questions that need answering.

As you would expect, BTP, ORR and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch will be carrying out a full investigation.

Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and loved ones at this time.

In the meantime, ask yourself:

• Are you properly rested and ready physically and mentally? This includes ensuring you are not fatigued.
• Do you have the right Equipment PPE and Competence?
• Am I coming to work with the right safety attitude?
• Do I understand the risks of my tasks?

Finally, please remember that if you see something that is not safe or witness unsafe practices, you can raise a
close call on the close call app or by visiting www.closecallnow.com. You can also use the Work Safe Policy.

Everyone home safe. Every day.

For further details contact: Mark Barrett Health & Safety Manager on 07717 306817 or at
[email protected]