LINK TO CCTV: https://vimeo.com/735966134/e8d920e019
Queensland Rail has released nail biting vision of near misses on the rail network, bridge strikes, and customers falling over as a reminder to stay safe around the rail network this Rail Safety Week.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said that Rail Safety Week (8-14 August) was all about working together on rail safety.
“The theme of this year's Rail Safety Week is Stand Back. Look up. Stay Rail Safe. which is why I'm calling on Queenslanders to be aware and have safety front of mind when on or near the railway," Mr Bailey said.
“Any incident on the railway is one too many, so it's disappointing to see vision of customers running on the platform, rushing through safety gates and cars racing the boom arm at level crossings.
“Risky behaviour like this is never okay when trains can travel at speeds of up to 160 kilometres an hour, and overhead wires are supercharged with 25,000 volts.
“We'll continue to invest in rail infrastructure to make train stations safer and more accessible, with the $2.6 billion Kuraby to Beenleigh upgrade also programmed to remove five level crossings at Kuraby, Woodridge, Bethania, Holmview and Beenleigh.
“The Palaszczuk Government is backing rail like never before as part of our seventh record road and transport plan, and I'm proud to raise awareness for rail safety on this important week."
Mr Bailey said the safety of rail workers was also an important factor.
“A moment of distraction or impatience can change your life forever, but it can also have a lifelong impact on our rail staff," he said.
“Even if it's just a near miss, the impact that can have on a train driver, train guard or nearby station staff can be unimaginable.
“To all our rail workers I say thank you for driving a strong safety culture here in Queensland."
Queensland Rail Head of South East Queensland Scott Riedel said Rail Safety Week was a reminder to everyone of some hard facts.
“Queensland Rail's trains can move at up to 160 kilometres per hour – they can't stop quickly and are unable to swerve, so the difference between near miss and tragedy can be a matter of just seconds," Mr Riedel said.
“We know we all lead busy lives and while it's tempting to run to make your train, try to beat closing train doors, or rush on escalators or stairs, it's simply not worth injuring yourself just to save a few minutes. We are also asking our customers to please hold the handrail when using the stairs.
“And finally, for motorists – please know the height and load of your vehicle and steer clear of rail bridges where your vehicle or load is too tall."
TrackSAFE Foundation's Executive Director Heather Neil said the week was an important time to remind the community to pay attention in the rail environment to stay safe because a person is killed or injured on the Australian rail network every 2.5 days.
“Rail Safety Week reminds Australians to 'Stay Rail Safe' every day with this year's theme reminding people to stand behind the yellow line and remove distractions such as headphones and mobile phones when on the platform," Ms Neil said.
“A moment of distraction can change your life and unsafe actions also affect a train or tram driver and other rail worker's lives forever. Beyond the human loss, injury and grief, these incidents can cause trauma and work-related stress to both the rail staff and recovery staff involved with incidents.
“These events, and the cumulative impact of near hits, can result in an absence from work and the risk of acute and chronic health and wellness issues for staff. Safe Work Australia have grouped train drivers with first responders as one of the most at-risk occupations for work-related mental disorders.“
This year's Rail Safety Week theme is “Stand Back. Look up. Stay Rail Safe", with more information available at TrackSAFE Foundation's website
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