Rail Safety Week 2022

Rail Safety Week 2022 kicked off yesterday, encouraging Australians to ‘Stay Rail Safe’ and educate pedestrians, commuters, and rail workers on the active role they all play in rail safety.

Now in its 17^th year, Rail Safety Week is an initiative of the TrackSAFE Foundation, supported by the Australasian Railway Association (ARA). It aims to connect and engage both the rail industry and the wider community on safer rail practices.

Danny Broad, Chair of both TrackSAFE and the ARA, said the week will unite more than 100 organisations across Australia and New Zealand in support of the initiative.

“The event once again highlights the importance of industry, government and the community working together to support a safe rail network for all of us,” he said.

Over the last six years there has been an annual average of 83 fatalities on the Australian rail network, with 71 of these being people taking their own life.

There are also as many attempted suicides each year, in addition to 27 injuries and 1880 near-misses at level crossings or due to trespassing on the network.

Vanessa Low OAM, Paralympian and TrackSAFE Rail Safety Ambassador, has continued her support for Rail Safety Week, sharing her experience as a rail accident survivor. She features in this year’s Rail Safety Week campaign.

Caroline Wilkie, ARA Chief Executive Officer and TrackSAFE Director, said it was more important than ever to remain vigilant and be aware around the rail network.

“Being rail safe means we all need to play our role in acting responsibly by standing back behind the yellow line, looking up, standing behind the gate, holding onto handrails and removing distractions such as headphones and mobile phones,” she said.

Rail Safety Week runs from 8-14 August 2022.

For more information, visit: www.tracksafefoundation.com.au