John Wright

1. 1. perfunctory safety briefing

   “The safety briefing regarding the work at Newark Northgate appears to have taken place in the van whilst en-route. This gave an impression that it was perfunctory and merely routine.”

2. 2. oblivious to approaching train

   “Mr [name redacted] appeared oblivious to the approaching train which struck him or its destination, namely platform 3 at Newark Northgate. It is not clear if this was due to a hearing defect, the presence of hearing protection ( did not think the deceased was wearing hearing protection at the time), complacency, ignorance or lack of training.”

3. 3. failure to consult timetables

   “The evidence also suggested that, due to the volume of trains which pass track side maintenance crew, they do not consult timetables whilst at work.”

4. 4. lack of vigilance

   “Despite its obviousness I am concerned that track side maintenance crew need frequent reminders/training as to the need to maintain vigilance at all times when working in the vicinity of lines along which trains can pass.”

5. 5. inadequate briefing of train routes

   “When working in the vicinity of stations and/or points on the network where there are multiple lines, crews should be fully briefed as to the potential route of trains through stations or across any such lines, including, where reasonably practicable, consulting timetables; and safe methods of work are briefed and enforced.”

6. 6. inadequate hearing protection

   “Further, I am concerned that there needs to be a balance struck between the ensuring that track side maintenance crews are provided with personal protective equipment such as hearing protection and an ability to hear oncoming locomotives/trains.”

No published response was found on judiciary.uk.