Working at height is an inherent part of many roles in the railway industry, particularly within infrastructure maintenance and rolling stock servicing. This necessity arises from the size of the assets to be maintained and the fact that underlying design principles often take little, if any, account of maintenance access needs. The varied nature and ever-changing mix of structures and equipment further complicate the challenges and risks involved.
The Persistent Risk of Falls from Height
Falls from height remain a significant hazard in the workplace. In 2023/24, 50 workers lost their lives due to falls from height, accounting for 36% of all fatal workplace injuries in Great Britain.
This statistic underscores the importance of addressing this risk proactively. UKATA
In the railway environment, the complexity is heightened by challenging conditions:
- Outdoor Work: Exposure to weather elements.
- Proximity to High Voltage Supplies: Increased electrical hazards.
- Live Running Lines: Safety concerns with active tracks.
- Aging Infrastructure: Older structures not designed for modern maintenance needs.
- Time Constraints: Possession time pressures and often night shifts.
These factors can lead to work at height risks being overlooked or less pressing compared to other immediate concerns.
Challenges in Rolling Stock Maintenance
In depots, working on rolling stock presents its own set of challenges. Many buildings were either not designed for rolling stock maintenance or are part of the British railway infrastructure – often so old that they neither cater for modern vehicles nor current safety expectations. Operational pressures, tight maintenance windows, and multiple contractors with competing priorities can lead to situations where safety may inadvertently be compromised.
A Structured Approach to Mitigation
To effectively manage the risks associated with working at height, a structured approach is essential:
- Risk Assessment: Thoroughly assess the task to identify potential hazards.
- Task Organisation and Planning: Properly organise and plan the task to ensure safety measures are in place.
- Apply the Hierarchy of Control: Implement measures to avoid, prevent, or minimise risks.
- Avoidance:
- Use drones for inspection of high-level equipment or infrastructure.
- Utilise remote or long-handled tools.
- Bring the workpiece down to ground level.
- Prevention:
- Design the workplace to have permanent access infrastructure at the correct height with collective fall prevention.
- Use certified compliant proprietary or purpose-designed mobile or versatile access equipment with suitable collective fall prevention.
- Implement fall restraint systems.
- Minimisation:
- Install safety netting.
- Use fall arrest systems.
- Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Select the Right Work Equipment: Choose equipment that supports the adopted strategy and complies with safety standards.
Elevating Training as the Foundation of Safety
Effective training is not merely an administrative checkbox—it is the cornerstone of any robust work‑at‑height strategy. By equipping every team member with deep, practical understanding of fall hazards, control hierarchies, and correct equipment use before they set foot on site, organisations can significantly reduce risky behaviours at the source. In practice, well‑structured, scenario‑based training empowers personnel to:
· Identify and mitigate hazards proactively
· Apply avoidance and prevention measures with confidence
· Make informed decisions under pressure, rather than reverting to unsafe shortcuts
Putting training front and centre ensures that every subsequent control measure—be it engineered systems, PPE, or equipment selection—delivers its intended safety benefit. Continuous refresher programmes and on‑the‑job coaching further embed a safety‑first mindset, driving consistent compliance and fostering a culture where no one tolerates unnecessary risk.
Tailored Access Equipment for Railway Applications
To complement robust training and planning, selecting the right equipment for your specific work environment is essential.
By pairing tailored equipment with scenario‑based training, your teams gain both the knowledge and the tools they need to work confidently and compliantly at height—whether on trackside structures or rolling stock.
Conclusion
As a manufacturer of equipment for safe working at height, we understand that the last step—selecting the right equipment—makes a difference. However, it's all for nought if the previous steps aren't done right. By prioritising planning, risk assessment, and training, we can work together to mitigate the risks associated with working at height in the railway industry.
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