12 Mar 2024
RISSB Connect Edition 54, March 2024
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Edition 54 March 2024 INSIDE THIS EDITION+ CEO message CEO MESSAGEKey government and industry players in the rail and road industries came together at a Level Crossing Summit last week to “up the ante” with respect to level crossing safety. The Summit was called after the tragic level crossing incident at Bindarrah (SA) on New Year’s Eve where two Pacific National train drivers lost their lives due to a collision with a heavy road vehicle. It is recognised that heavy vehicles are over-represented in level crossing collisions and near misses – for a host of reasons – and hence there was a strong representation from the road transport industry at the Summit. A National Level Crossing Safety Strategy and associated Work Plan was recently endorsed, with a Vision of “Zero harm at Australia’s level crossings”. This is a big and aspirational objective, especially when one considers there are more than 20 million motor vehicles of all types (and a similar number of drivers), and more than 23,000 level crossings. However, if we prioritise those actions relating to heavy vehicles (because they represent the greatest risk), then we’re able to focus our collective efforts on a much smaller target – less than 200,000 heavy articulated vehicles and much less than 23,000 level crossings, by focusing initially on heavy vehicle routes. Then many of those heavy vehicles are operated by, dare I say large, sophisticated organisations who can control training, recruitment, risk management etc., in order to generate a step-change in safety outcomes. We have a massive task to create improvements in level crossing safety, but by prioritising efforts, and commitments from industry and governments, I’m convinced we’re on the right track. Damien White GENERAL NEWSNational Level Crossing Safety RoundtableLast week, our CEO Damien White, and General Manager of Products and Innovation, Sudha Niles, attended the National Level Crossing Safety Roundtable in Brisbane. Leaders from across the rail freight, trucking and logistics sectors came together to identify any further action that could be taken by governments, regulators, and industry to move towards achieving the overarching goal of Vision Zero-Zero Harm at Australia’s level crossings. The roundtable aimed to urge state and federal governments and road and rail operators to work more closely to improve awareness of level crossing safety, and improve education with an ongoing coordinated campaign. RISSB is committed to improving safety outcomes at level crossings, and will continue to work closely with the National Level Crossing Safety Committee, regulators, governments, and operators, in the development of supporting Standards, Codes, and Guidelines. Find out more about the National Level Crossing Safety Strategy by clicking here. 
ARA QLD Women In Rail Networking LunchToday, our CEO Damien White, and General Manager of Strategy and Stakeholder Relations, Sharon Tang, attended the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) Women in Rail Networking Lunch. The event was held for anyone across industry that wanted to show their support for greater diversity in rail. Sharon had the opportunity to network with likeminded individuals who are passionate about creating change. At RISSB, we believe in supporting gender inclusion and diversity. The event was a great opportunity to celebrate the women who are already making a difference in the industry, and also recognise the importance of greater participation and advancement of women in rail. Last year, the ARA released the ‘Women in Rail Strategic Plan 2023 – 2026’. The strategy aims to create a more sustainable, thriving rail workforce by empowering women at every level of industry. Find out more about the strategy by clicking here. 
TRAINING AND EVENTSExploring innovative solutions at the 2024 Rail Turnouts workshopToday was the 2024 Rail Turnouts workshop that took place as part of this years Heavy Haul Rail conference. RISSB was lucky enough to be a partner for this years workshop, working with Informa Connect to deliver the tensive one-day event focusing on fundamental technical knowledge from a range of experts working across rail turnouts. The workshop delved into fresh perspectives on the rail turnouts challenges of track construction, signalling of turnouts, maintenance and management. Experts within the industry, including our very own Standards and Developments Manager Carly Wilson, and General Manager Products and Innovation, Sudha Niles, explored innovative solutions to the real challenges faced, and work towards industry solutions. We want to thank everyone who attended the workshop, and Informa Connect for organising this years event. 
PRODUCTSCall for Development Group Members - Light Rail, Management of rail safety worker competencies Code of PracticeWe are seeking nominations from people to join a Development Group to develop the Light Rail - Management of rail safety worker competencies Code of Practice (CoP). The CoP aims to provide the light rail industry with a harmonized approach to managing competency management systems for light rail operators and maintainers. Your contribution to the development of this CoP will help provide the light rail industry with the processes and tools to assist in managing the competencies of rail safety workers. Find out more information and how you can contribute by visiting out website here. The closing date for nominations is Friday April 5 2024. 
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