Rail safety is improving, the RSSB suggests, following its 2011 overview. The number of incidents is decreasing and there were no fatalities due to train crashes, which is excellent progress.

But the number of fatalities from trespass has increased. While it is the trespassers themselves at fault in these cases, the large number suggests that more could be done to restrict the public’s access to railway property.

Additionally, while the number of deaths at level crossings did not increase, they did not decrease either, suggesting that safety in this area remains an important issue for the rail industry.

Network Rail is closing hundreds of level crossing in an effort to improve safety, and with the recent prosecution for two deaths in Essex at a level crossing, emphasis on the risks involved with level crossings look set to remain for some time.

Safety is something that must constantly be improved upon, in as many different areas as possible. It is not enough to maintain a level of security and good risk management. There is always more that could be done.