31 January 2014
GB Rail Safety Performance and Trends for 2013
RSSB has published its high-level Overview of Safety Performance for the calendar year 2013.
The performance should be viewed against an overall context of increasing passenger usage,
with levels having increased by around 25% over the last five years. The rail industry has
sustained improvements in safety performance and risk through the efforts of its employees and
is amongst the safest rail transport in Europe.
Colin Dennis, Director of Policy, Research and Risk said ‘The risk associated with train accidents
resulting in passenger or workforce fatalities remains low, with no such accidents occurring for
the sixth consecutive year. However, the potential increase in risk from operating incidents1
recorded in 2013 and the occurrence of the significant multiple fatality train accidents in Canada,
Spain, France and Switzerland in July 2013 reminds the industry of the risks associated with
railway operations and that there is no room for complacency in the ongoing management of risk.
Compared to 2012, when no passenger fatalities were recorded, 2013 saw an increase in
passenger fatalities at stations to a level more consistent with the longer-term average. Five of
the fatalities resulted from accidents at the platform edge which is an area of risk the industry is
targeting over the coming years’.
The headlines are:

For the sixth year in succession, there were no passenger or workforce fatalities in train
accidents.

Excluding trespass and suicide, the total number of fatalities in 2013 was 19, compared with
11 in 2012.

Six of the fatalities were passengers at stations, compared with none in 2012. 2012 was
exceptional in that it was the first calendar year where no passenger fatalities were recorded.
2013 was more consistent with the longer-term average. Two members of the workforce were
fatally injured: the same number as in 2012. Excluding trespass and suicide, 11 members of
the public were fatally injured, compared with nine in 2012.

The number of potentially higher-risk train accidents (PHRTAs) in 2013 was 29, compared
with 36 occurring in 2012.
1
Operating Incidents are acts or omissions by railway staff which result in an actual or potential safety loss.
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
At 297, the number of category A signals passed at danger (SPADs) in 2013 was a 19%
increase on the 250 recorded in 2012. In contrast, SPAD risk remained relatively stable,
ending 2013 at 69% of the September 2006 baseline level, compared with 66% at the end of
2012.

Fatalities arising from trespass and suicide totalled 304 in 2013, compared with 297 in 2012.
-EndsFor further information, please contact RSSB’s press office, on 020 3142 5330/1/2 or
email pressoffice@rssb.co.uk or visit the website at www.rssb.co.uk
Notes to editors:
Passenger

On 15 February, a man lying at the platform edge was fatally struck by a train entering the
station.

On 20 March, a man received a fatal head injury after falling down stairs in a station.

On 30 March, a man fell between the train and platform, following an altercation with other
people in the station.

On 4 April, a woman fell from the platform edge, as a train was entering the station, suffering
a heart attack as a result of the event.

On 6 November, a man fell from the platform edge on to the track. He was taken to hospital,
where he died from his injuries.

On 21 December, a man fell from the platform edge, and was struck by a train.
Workforce

On 19 June, two infrastructure workers travelling in the same vehicle were fatally injured in a
road traffic accident while returning from a worksite to their depot.
Public

Four people died when their motor vehicles were struck by trains at level crossings. Two of
the fatalities occurred in the same accident and were occupants of the one vehicle.

Six pedestrian users of level crossings died as a result of being struck by trains.

A child died after being struck by a train during an incident where his mother deliberately
accessed the track to commit suicide.
The Overview of Safety Performance 2013 can be viewed on the RSSB website
http://www.rssb.co.uk/SPR/REPORTS/Documents/Overview-2013.pdf
RSSB Block 2 Angel Square 1 Torrens Street London EC1V 1NY
Telephone: +44 (0)20 3142 5300 Facsimilie: +44 (0)20 3142 5301 www.rssb.co.uk
Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited Registered Office: Block 2 Angel Square 1 Torrens Street London EC1V 1NY Registered in England No. 04655675