We can help you claim
compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
Call: 0800 10 757 95
Thousands of people work on UK railways to ensure the provision of public transport upon which many commuters and travellers depend. It is important that those who do this vital job are kept as safe as possible whilst they are at work.
Each year there are a small number of people who are killed whilst working on the railways, whilst many more suffer personal injuries, both serious and minor, in work accidents. There is a great range of jobs that are associated with the railway system and some pose more of a threat to life than others.
Those most at risk of being involved in a railway accident are track workers. Track workers fix problems with the track and carry out general maintenance on the railway lines. Although this work is necessary, there are many dangers involved that must be minimised in order to prevent work accidents.
Types of railway accidents
Running trains are one of the biggest dangers that track workers face. Over the years there have been many instances of workers being struck by trains, but this number has fallen dramatically since the 1990s.
The most obvious way in which the risk of this type of work accident can be diminished is to not have track workers doing repair work on lines that have trains running on them. Non-essential lines are often closed down in order for track repairs to take place. This is known as "green zone working" by some rail companies.
Alternatively, "red zone working" takes place on lines on which trains are running. Automatic warnings of approaching trains are considered to be the safest option for red zone working, although sometimes people must be relied upon to alert track workers. Human error can occur and, as a result, this is viewed as a less safe way to work.
However, the greatest cause of railway accidents amongst workers is a slip, trip or fall on the track. Up to 30 workers suffer serious personal injuries a year in this kind of work accident, whilst many more experience injuries that are not serious but painful nonetheless.
Slips and falls on the track can result in a range of injuries. Not only can slips and falls to the ground occur but also falls into machinery or onto the live rail, which can result in much more serious injuries.
There is a range of practices that can be introduced to reduce the risk of slip and fall railway accidents. These include supplying workers with suitable footwear, ensuring sites are left in a good state of repair, and putting down non-slip flooring in railway stations.
The Office of Rail Regulation HM Railway Inspectorate is in charge of health and safety for the UK's railways and has the authority to investigate any railway accident that takes place. See www.rail-reg.gov.uk for more information.
Getting compensation for a railway accident
Employers have a duty of care over their employees and if they breach this, they can be liable for compensation to the injured person. Read more about making an accident at work claim.
If you have been injured in a railway accident, we may well be able to help you get personal injury compensation. Each year we assist people throughout the UK in getting compensation for their pain and suffering, as well as any costs and losses that have been incurred as a result of their work accident.
Our personal injury solicitors are governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and do not charge you a penny for their service. You are protected from costs and fees if your railway accident claim is unsuccessful, while if it is successful, your opponent will pay costs and fees, and you will keep 100% compensation.
If you are interested in making a work accident claim, simply telephone 0800 10 757 95 or fill in an online claim form. Alternatively, you can chat to one of our advisors online for instant advice via e-chat.
