Sheffield rail safety specialist expands works as rail crossing incidents on the rise

According to the organisation’s latest Annual Report of Health and Safety on Britian’s Railways, the average amount of accidents at level crossings had worsened by 15.9 per cent by the end of 2022.

The firm has installed warning beacons on a busy walkway crossing at the Three Bridges facility near Crawley, to alert workers to imminent train movements.

Christian Fletcher, Zonegreen’s head of engineering, said:“The risks posed by crossings continue to be a major concern for the rail industry. When combined with the dangers depot staff already face from high voltage electricity and powerful machinery, it is clear more action needs to be taken to protect those who find themselves working outside.”

In the Sussex site, Zonegreen has installed post-mounted beacons, along with its flagship Depot Personnel Protection System (DPPS), which was implemented during the depot’s construction in 2017.

The systems illuminate when the tracks are unprotected to warn staff who may be passing that moving vehicles are expected.

Mr Fletcher added: “Depot operator, Siemens, asked us to install the beacons to reflect the growing amount of work taking place on sidings and stabling roads at Three Bridges. These areas were never intended to be used for maintenance, so they typically carry little or no protection, yet due to increased demand and finite internal space, working practises are changing.

“ We welcome the foresight Siemens has shown in implementing additional safety measures and I am sure we’ll see many other facilities following suit, as throughput expectations increase.”