With less than three weeks to go until Rail Safety Week (RSW), Elaine Clark, CEO of Rail Forum, recorded a short podcast with Network Rail’s CEO Andrew Haines.
The RSW initiative is an industry wide and industry led initiative focused on rail safety for all. Established in 2016, Rail Forum adopted RSW in 2023 to take it forward and continue bringing rail safety to the forefront of everyone’s minds. Running from 26 June to 2 July 2023, RSW promotes the vital importance of safety across and beyond the industry to the communities it serves.
In the podcast, Andrew Haines shares why Network Rail have supported RSW from day one. Elaine also invites Andrew to share his thoughts on how the role of technology can help us to improve safety.
Excerpts from the podcast:
“There is nothing more important to us […] there is still so much learning to do […] and that’s what Rail Safety Week is about for me […] together we get a bit safer, a bit wiser and reengage with some of the issues…”, said Andrew.
Andrew discussed how technology advancements can dramatically improve the safety for trackworkers across Britain: “the more we can use technology to […] remove people from lineside, then I believe the safer we are.”
Speaking on the rail supply chain, Andrew comments: “We have a phenomenal SME community in rail that’s actually got very creative people […] Rail Safety Week is a brilliant opportunity to surface some of those ideas and possibilities.”
To companies thinking about getting involved in Rail Safety Week, the message from Andrew is clear: “There’s no better use of your time that week because […] you get to talk to people, you get to see things which are inspiring, you get to have challenging conversations, and you get to be part of that common cause of driving world class safety in Britain’s railways. There is nothing more important.”
Concluding the podcast, Elaine adds: “From our perspective as the custodian of RSW on behalf of the industry it’s very much about working together and building safety together.”
Listen to the full five minute podcast here: https://youtu.be/kqlvuVncBLQ
RSW is for everyone and we encourage all organisations in the rail industry and beyond to get involved. Please share what you are planning with the RSW team on RSW@railforum.uk.
Further podcasts and safety spotlights will be shared during RSW. Keep up-to-date with RSW communications on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and also via our mailing list.
In addition, anyone with an interest in health and safety on and around the railway is invited to register for the launch conference on 26 June. Please note, bookings close on 15 June.
