HSE keeping track of human factors on level crossings

E103:05 4 August 2005

The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) Railway Inspectorate (HMRI) has published new research highlighting conditions that may lead to people making errors at railway level crossings.

The report prepared on behalf of HSE by Davis Associates Limited, identifies 104 human factor issues associated with the use of railway level crossings. The report highlights competence, distraction, inadequacies in design and user risk perception as recurring themes throughout the research.

The research found that some users were not aware of, or failed to understand the correct rules and procedures for using level crossings or that they were susceptible to other factors such as noise and activities in the vicinity, which caused distraction.

The research also found that people perceive risks differently. This is defined by their personality and social influences on their behaviour (e.g. through approval or disapproval by others). The level of perceived risk can change dependant on the user's situation. Risk-taking behaviour at level crossings may be higher during rush hours, at mid-day and at times of the school-run. Familiarity with using the crossing and complacency also play a part in perceived risk.

The report, available free on HSE's website at www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr359.htm summarises the findings from a literature review, site visits, interviews with stakeholders and a validation exercise. The findings and key human factors issues are presented in a database format for ease of use and searching via keywords. It also provides a traceable source of information for the development of inspectors' tools and approaches.

Commenting on the research, Claire Dickinson from HMRI's Human Factors National Expertise Team said:

"The research is important as level crossings now present the largest risk of a multi-fatality train incident on the UK rail network. The report presents the human factors issues for each type of level crossing. Human factors affecting safety on level crossings are not easily managed, but it is intended that this research will inform HMRI's level crossing strategy and help advance the debate on how to control and mitigate the associated risks."

Notes to editors

HSE's HMRI consists of inspectors and other staff involved in promoting compliance with health and safety law. Further information regarding railway safety regulation can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/railways/aboutus.htm

The Rail Safety and Standards Board have a programme of research including human factors research for the railway industry. Further information can be found on their website at www.rssb.co.uk

Bound copies of Level crossings, summary of findings and key human factors issues, ISBN 0 7176 6132 6, price £30, are available from HSE Books.

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