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E103:05 4 August 2005
HSE keeping track of human
factors on level crossings
The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Railway Inspectorate
(HMRI) has published new research highlighting conditions that may lead to
people making errors at railway level crossings.
The report prepared on behalf of HSE by Davis Associates Limited, identifies
104 human factor issues associated with the use of railway level crossings.
The report highlights competence, distraction, inadequacies in design and
user risk perception as recurring themes throughout the research.
The research found that some users were not aware of, or failed to understand
the correct rules and procedures for using level crossings or that they were
susceptible to other factors such as noise and activities in the vicinity,
which caused distraction.
The research also found that people perceive risks differently. This is defined
by their personality and social influences on their behaviour (e.g. through
approval or disapproval by others). The level of perceived risk can change
dependant on the user’s situation. Risk-taking behaviour at level crossings
may be higher during rush hours, at mid-day and at times of the school-run.
Familiarity with using the crossing and complacency also play a part in perceived
risk.
The report, available free on HSE’s website at www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr359.htm
summarises the findings from a literature review, site visits, interviews
with stakeholders and a validation exercise. The findings and key human factors
issues are presented in a database format for ease of use and searching via
keywords. It also provides a traceable source of information for the development
of inspectors’ tools and approaches.
Commenting on the research, Claire Dickinson from HMRI’s Human Factors National
Expertise Team said:
“The research is important as level crossings now present the largest risk
of a multi-fatality train incident on the UK rail network. The report presents
the human factors issues for each type of level crossing. Human factors affecting
safety on level crossings are not easily managed, but it is intended that
this research will inform HMRI’s level crossing strategy and help advance
the debate on how to control and mitigate the associated risks.”
Notes to editors
HSE’sHMRI consists of inspectors and other staff involved in promoting compliance
with health and safety law. Further information regarding railway safety
regulation can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/railways/aboutus.htm
The Rail Safety and Standards Board have a programme of research including
human factors research for the railway industry. Further information can
be found on their website at www.rssb.co.uk/r_and_d.asp
Bound copies of Level crossings, summary of findings and key human factors
issues, ISBN 0-7176-6132-6, price £30, are available from HSE Books,
PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, Tel: 01787-881165 or fax: 01787-313995.
Priced publications are also available from good booksellers.
Public Enquiries : HSE InfoLine, Tel: 0845 345 0055, visit: www.hse.gov.uk/contact
or write to: HSE InfoLine, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.
Press Enquiries : Journalists only:
Paul Clements 020 7717 6915
Out of hours 020 7928 8382
