Re: NSW train drivers still in dark over track workers

[David Johnson <trainman@ozemail.com.au>]

Bill wrote:

> It has been "traditional" in many railways for track staff to move on and off
> the track between trains, without a block of line. The ganger rings control to
> get the "line-up" of trains, and takes responsibility for ensuring that the
> workers are clear of the track when trains arrive. As a precaution, track
> staff put out flagmen and/or detonators as warnings for further protection.
>
> However, in recent years modern upswept managers have decided that greater
> productivity can be obtained by cutting gang numbers, and depriving them of
> the staff needed to provide decent protection. Also, trains are travelling
> much faster, and are much quieter. It is a very hazardous situation.

The East Hills line is getting to be a real worry.

> I notice that one person has commented in this thread that persons wearing
> hi-vis vests seem to think that it guarantees their safety. Good point. Hi-vis
> vests are very useful around road vehicles and track maintenance vehicles, but
> they are barely a scrap of use as a locomotive bears down. I suppose it makes
> the doomed track worker the focus of the loco engineer's attention..........

The only benefit is that the driver can see them a bit earlier and blow the
whistle a bit earlier, giving them an extra few seconds to wake up and move.

--
David Johnson
trainman@ozemail.com.au
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~trainman/
------------------------------------
These comments are made in a private
capacity and do not represent the
official view of State Rail.
C.O.W.S. Page 11.