Access Key	Description
1	Home Page

News and events

News release

8 June 2011 - NR 29/11

Safety experts join forces to cut work-related level crossing deaths

Cutting work-related accidents at level crossings in North Wales will be the aim of health and safety experts gathering in Porthmadog today (8 June 2011).

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) North Wales branch is holding the event to raise awareness among local businesses whose employees may come into contact with private level crossings in their day-to-day duties.

In the past nine years, 22 people have been killed on Britain's railways while using private level crossings, of which there are more than 200 in North Wales.

Sandy Jennings, IOSH North Wales Branch chair, said: “Level crossings are always a topic under debate here in North Wales because there are a large number of them.

“There is a lot of regeneration going on within the country at the moment and it is important that employers and employees are made aware of the risks associated with working near level crossings and railway lines – we want to make sure fatalities are reduced.

“Today’s event is about demonstrating what can potentially go wrong when working near the crossings and how situations should be dealt with as and when they arise.”

As part of the event, local business representatives were due to visit Minffordd level crossing, Porthmadog, where a staged accident between a car and train was set up on the line. Those attending the demonstration then heard practical safety advice from the Environment Agency, UK Power Networks and Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways surrounding using and working near level crossings.

Tricia Doyle, community relations manager, Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this important initiative organised by IOSH. At present, we have 127 level crossings on the Welsh Highland line alone, so public awareness of crossing safety is vital.”

In addition to the Minnfford crossing visit, delegates were also set to visit the new Porthmadog bypass and hear from representatives at the Office of Rail Regulation and the Health and Safety Executive.

- Ends -

Notes for editors:

IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals. With more than 40,000 members in 85 countries, we’re the world’s biggest professional health and safety organisation.

We set standards, and support, develop and connect our members with resources, guidance, events and training. We’re the voice of the profession, and campaign on issues that affect millions of working people.

IOSH was founded in 1945 and is a registered charity with international NGO status.