Take a step to safety as you travel on the rail network
This Rail Safety Week, we are reminding passengers to put their phones away, be careful on train station platforms and take their time while travelling on the network.
There were 2030 incidents on the rail network in the past year, with 993 people injured on escalators, in lifts, on platforms and concourses, on stairs and ramps, or getting on and off the train.
The highest number came from slips, trips and falls as passengers rushed for their train or were distracted by their mobile phones or headphones.
Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland says one accident is one too many.
“I want to urge everyone travelling on the rail network to be safe. So please, look up from your phones, don’t rush, be alert on platforms, and stay behind the yellow line well clear of the platform edge.”
On 460 occasions, people tripped and fell between the platform and the train, causing 150 injuries. Another 140 passengers were caught in a train’s closing doors, with nine people suffering injuries.
“Sydney Trains has been rolling out a major safety upgrade to close the platform gap, with an innovative rubber gap filler product installed at 19 higher risk platforms so far. There have been no incidents of people falling through the gap at those platforms with the gap filler installed.
“As we expand the gap-filler program, we’re asking passengers to be careful when they get on or off the train,” said Leanne Watson, Executive Director for Customer Experience.
“We make announcements to remind passengers about platform safety and there are also signs around stations, so please turn down your headphones and tune in to your surroundings.”
This Rail Safety Week, we are reminding passengers to:
• Stay behind the yellow line: Always stand behind the marked safety line on the platform edge until the train has come to a complete stop.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Avoid distractions such as using your phone, listening to music with headphones, or engaging in activities that could divert your attention from oncoming trains and platform conditions.
• Hold on to your belongings: Secure bags, backpacks, and other personal items to prevent them from falling onto the tracks.
• Mind the gap: Be cautious when boarding and alighting trains and take note of the gap between the train and the platform.
• Supervise children and assist vulnerable individuals: Ensure that children and individuals requiring assistance are closely supervised and supported at all times.
• Report unsafe behaviour: Alert station staff or security personnel if you notice any unsafe behaviour or potential hazards.
"We are committed to ensuring you have a safe journey on the network, so we urge all passengers to listen to announcements and heed the safety signs," said Mr Longland. "By working together, we can create a safer environment for everyone using the train network.
"Station staff are there to help passengers so ask for assistance at any time,” he said. “We also have help points on platforms and trains that you can use to contact staff.”
Rail Safety Week is an annual initiative by the TrackSAFE Foundation and runs from 5 August to 11 August this year.