Two rail workers involved in 'near miss' on Ballyhaunis to Castlerea line

The Railway Accident Investigation Unit (RAIU) has revealed that two members of staff were involved in 'a near miss' on the line between Ballyhaunis and Castlerea on July 13 last.

The employees had accessed the line under Red Zone Working conditions.

A safety bulletin by the unit revealed: "At 14:05 hours, the 13:10 hours passenger service from Westport to Dublin Heuston approached the two members of staff, near the 118 ½ MP between Ballyhaunis and Castlerea, at 67 mph (108 km/h)

"On seeing the staff members, the train driver sounded the horn.

"On seeing the train, the staff members moved to a position of safety, reaching it approximately four to five seconds before the train passed.

"The driver of the train applied the emergency brake and the train came to a stop.

"There were no injuries to the staff member.

"The available sighting distance was insufficient to allow the two staff members to reach a position of safety with an adequate margin before the train arrived.

"The TAI identifies the location as an Orange Section (Medium Risk)."

In the aftermath of the incident and eight other similar occurrences throughout the country, the RAIU stated: "Staff must not access the railway until the required protection arrangements have been established and the necessary authorisation has been obtained.

"Those responsible for planning protection arrangements must be trained, assessed and competent to do so.

"They must be able to assess the hazards associated with the work and location and select the appropriate safety at work procedures."