HSE WELCOMES APPOINTMENT OF RAIB CHIEF INSPECTOR

HSE press release E059:03 - 16 April 2003

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has welcomed the appointment of Carolyn Griffiths as Chief Inspector of the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).

Alan Osborne, Director of Rail Safety at HSE said, "The appointment of Carolyn Griffiths is another important milestone in the implementation of Lord Cullen's recommendations relating to future accident investigation on the railways."

Alan continued, "I look forward to working with Carolyn. One of our first tasks will be to develop the necessary working protocols between RAIB, HSE and the British Transport Police so that RAIB will be in a position to start its work as soon as possible. The protocols should ensure that investigations of rail accidents are undertaken effectively, with RAIB inspectors taking the lead to establish the cause and, where appropriate, HSE inspectors taking necessary regulatory action to ensure continuing safety on the railways."

Notes to editors

1. The appointment of Carolyn Griffiths as Chief Inspector (designate) of RAIB was announced today by the Secretary of State for Transport, Alistair Darling.

2. Lord Cullen recommended in his second Report on the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry that an investigation branch be established to investigate serious rail accidents. Lord Cullen also recommended the appointment of a new head of HSE's HM Railway Inspectorate. Alan Osborne was appointed to that post in November 2002.

3. HSE's HM Railway Inspectorate will continue to enforce health and safety legislation as the independent health and safety regulator for the railway industry.

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