Work-related deaths protocol – addendum: the office of rail regulation becomes a signatory

Following the establishment of the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) as the combined health, safety and economic regulator for the railways and the planned transfer of inspectorial staff from HSE, ORR has agreed to become a signatory of the Work-related Deaths Protocol (WRDP) with affect from 1 April 2006 when it is expected that ORR will take on its new responsibilities and will follow the principles for liaison set out in the Protocol.

All those involved with the investigation etc of work-related deaths should note that inspectors from ORR will attend such incidents involving railways, tramways and guided transport systems. At such incidents, the current principles for liaison between the various agencies should be maintained.

Signatory agencies of the WRDP should also note that in October 2005, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) commenced operations. Although not a signatory of the WRDP, they will like the other Accident Investigation Branches (AIBs) – see Annex A of the WRDP – have statutory duties of investigation for railway accidents. There is a separate Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the AIBs collectively and the CPS and RAIB has MoUs with the WRDP signatory organizations. These Memoranda must be read in conjunction with this document and, where appropriate, complied with. 

NLC Secretariat
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London
SE1 9HS
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