Safety and security issues, articles, discussion.

[Otto]

Redland Bay: Six students are being treated for shock after their school bus was involved in a fatal accident.

That intersection is just around the corner from me. My wife and I drive through it every day. The locals all know how dangerous that peticular intersection is. There are School services from Redland Bay state school traversing that intersection from Giles Rd and with the very high volume of through traffic going along Cleveland-Redland Bay road ( 80 zone ) , it is a miracle that this has not yet had a more serious accident with a fully loaded School Bus, let alone multiple deaths from a single multi car accident. ( No disrespect intended for the poor driver of the car in this incident ).
I believe that Redland City Council had a glossy brochure from the local councillor last year stating that funds were allocated for the provision of Traffic Lights at this intersection. To date, it appears that nothing has been done.
The driver of the car was most likely doing what I and many others with local knowledge do, that is to use Giles road to avoid the very congested conditions around the Victoria Point shopping area. The journey from Thornlands to Redland Bay can take up to an extra 25 minutes during School Pick Up times. Taking the long way via Springacre Rd, Heineman Rd, Giles Rd lessens the travel time.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> A Gold Coast woman is suing a Logan bus company after slipping

A GOLD Coast woman is suing a large transport company for $750,000 after claiming she injured herself while getting off a bus.

Brenda Ann Pearce, 54, has lodged a claim in the Southport District Court for $750,000 in damages against Clark's Logan City Bus Service after she allegedly slipped on a wet step while on her way to work as a cashier at Mater Hospital in Brisbane in June 2014.

Clark's Logan City Bus Service is one of southeast Queensland's larger transport providers.

The court documents, lodged on February 1, state Ms Pearce fell from the bus on to the footpath at the Mater Hill bus stop and dislocated her left elbow.

The Helensvale woman also suffered injuries to both knees and "stress and anxiety", the statement of claim said.

The 54-year-old claims the bus company and the driver's negligence caused her injury.

Ms Pearce required medical treatment as a result of the injury and can no longer undertake physical work, "especially involving the left arm and any work involving repetitive use of the arms" or prolonged standing, the statement of claim reads.

Ms Pearce claims the bus company failed to provide a "safe means to disembark" the bus, did not warn her of the slippery step nor ensure the rear exit did not have water or residue on it. The claim also argues the bus company should have locked the rear door if it was "unsafe to exit" and cleaned up any spillages.

Court documents state Ms Pearce required "major surgery" to her elbow and now finds driving difficult.

The claim states she now has "trouble getting in and out of her vehicle, applying the handbrake and changing gears because of pain".

Ms Pearce also states she has "trouble lifting money trays at work and pots and pans at home while cooking".

The claim states the elbow and knee injuries have left her with a "combined impairment of 13 per cent of the whole ­person".

Maurice Blackburn principal Alison Barrett said Ms Pearce's injuries were "avoidable" and had "significantly impacted" on her.

"Our client has worked hard to do everything she can to get back to work so she can provide for herself, including participating in all of her treatment. Despite this she still continues to suffer with pain daily that makes many aspects of her job difficult," Ms Barrett said.

"That is likely to continue if she loses her job, as she will have great trouble finding an employer accommodating of her injuries."

Clark's Logan City Bus Service did not return calls.

[ozbob]

9 News --> Brisbane bus driver assaulted by drunks

Two intoxicated men have assaulted a Brisbane bus driver as he tried to remove them from his bus.

The driver decided to remove the men due to their conduct about 9pm yesterday at a stop on Klump Road, Mount Gravatt, police said.

The men assaulted the driver before a passenger intervened, and they then fled the scene on foot.

The driver was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Read more at http://www.9news.com.au/national/2017/02/25/03/47/brisbane-bus-driver-assaulted-by-drunks

[ozbob]

22 y/o man fighting for life in hospital after being hit by bus in Carrara on Gold Coast: https://t.co/sM6hjoUwIm #9News

— Nine News Gold Coast (@9NewsGoldCoast) February 25, 2017

[ozbob]

State gets on track with train drug laws > https://t.co/8JNBgRR9nc #qldpol

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) February 28, 2017

[ozbob]

1st March 2017
   
Media Release
Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jackie Trad

National reforms to improve rail safety

Productivity and efficiency for the state's rail operators will be improved through greater consistency of national safety requirements under legislation passed by Queensland Parliament tonight.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad said the Rail Safety National Law (Queensland) Bill 2016 reforms would bring a single national accreditation regime for rail transport operators, removing duplication of auditing, monitoring and compliance processes.

"Under the reforms, the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator will become the rail safety regulator in Queensland and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau will operate as the rail safety investigator for no-blame investigations," Ms Trad said.

"This is a significant step forward and will improve the way safety risks are identified and managed by industry.

"By implementing these reforms in Queensland, we are cutting red tape for industry and making our railways safer."

Ms Trad said all permanent rail regulation staff currently working in Queensland would be offered a position with the National Regulator.

"The reforms have also received strong support from the Queensland's 66 accredited rail operators," she said.

"The National Rail Safety Regulator and the Department of Transport and Main Roads will work together to provide rail operators with information and educational resources to guide them through the changes.

"Rail is essential for passengers travelling throughout our vast state as well as moving bulk commodities, coal, minerals, agricultural products and livestock.

"We are proud of Queensland's excellent safety record and we thank our rail operators for remaining diligent, putting safety first and working collaboratively with Transport and Main Roads over many years."

Ms Trad said the travelling public would not be impacted by the amendments.

Until the transition, Transport and Main Roads will continue to regulate and investigate rail safety in Queensland.

Fast facts

     Queensland's rail network includes more than 9500km of railway track. This includes about 1400 public and 1600 private level crossings.
     In the last five years, total rail kilometres travelled in Queensland have increased by more than 13 per cent from 40 million kilometres to over 45 million kilometres.
     Total passenger journeys also increased over the last five years by 8.5 per cent from 55.5 million to over 60 million.

ENDS

[red dragin]

State gets on track with train drug laws > https://t.co/8JNBgRR9nc #qldpol

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) February 28, 2017

I already had to as a volunteer???

[ozbob]

Calls to increase penalties for people who attack bus drivers. @MyleeHogan https://t.co/vP5m6MyPjF #7News https://t.co/zvFR9VR1je

— 7 News Queensland (@7NewsQueensland) March 1, 2017

[#Metro]

If someone is drunk, on ice, throwing rocks, trust me, they are not googling what the legislative penalties are.

Prevention measures would be better I think.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> The train stations where you're most likely to trip and fall

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Video: Young thugs in random train attacks

DISTURBING footage has been shared online of a young man being relentlessly beaten on an Ipswich train.

And just as disturbing is that no one steps in to help.

He is seen sitting in front of an older man and in front of a woman, but neither react while the boy is repeatedly punched and kicked in the head.

And no one approaches the boy after the attack.

"Please be careful when letting your children train it home as there is a group of young males who frequent the train stations from Ipswich to Goodna train lines," the Facebook post warned.

"They will often start fights in a group."

The footage was allegedly sent to police and Queensland Rail on Thursday, but police initially said they were unaware of any complaint when asked Friday afternoon.

"It was done yesterday when the incident first happened ... over 24 hours later the police have said they are busy ... thus the reason we have made it public," the post reads.

Police later confirmed to The Courier-Mail that the Railway Squad was investigating the incident, but it is understood the victim was yet to make a complaint.

A Queensland Rail spokeswoman said it was made aware of an incident soon after it occurred and immediately called in the Railway Squad.

"Our officers livestreamed CCTV at the two stations where the group exited the train to monitor the situation, while emergency services responded," she said.

"We have since spoken to the victim's family and a witness who assisted the victim.

"Railway Squad has investigated the incident and identified the alleged offenders, and additional security resources have been deployed in the area to monitor, respond to and reduce the risk of any potential reprisals."

Friday was the seventh National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.

[ozbob]

About time! Number of motorists playing roulette with trains at level crossings has dropped@QuestNewspapershttps://t.co/Ck4Z5U9XYs pic.twitter.com/QdcntJswkL

— Quest Newspapers (@QuestNewspapers) March 23, 2017

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> The worst rail crossings in Queensland for boom gate strikes

There have been more than 1360 boom strike or level crossing collisions on the Queensland rail network over the past seven years.

That is more than 16 collisions every month.

The shocking figures were revealed in open data published online by the Queensland government, covering all rail networks in the state and showing some motorists just have not heard the message.

Analysis by Fairfax Media shows Telegraph Road at Bald Hills was the worst location, with 70 boom strikes recorded between 2009 and 2014 – and none in the past two years.

The data shows collisions with vehicles and people, but overwhelmingly the figures represent motor vehicles hitting boom gates.

The second-worst location was Beenleigh Road at Kuraby, with 33 boom strikes.

The next was Boundary Road at Coopers Plains, with 28 boom strikes.

There have been seven fatalities, 19 serious injuries and 35 minor injuries.

But the figures also show a decline in boom-gate strikes across the state, with 115 reported incidents where a motorist collided with level crossing boom gates in 2016 – about half the number in 2009, when there were 233.

Collisions with boom gates can cause serious harm, delays on the rail network and costly damage to infrastructure.

Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Jackie Trad said the statistics reflected the success of railway safety initiatives.

"There is a wide range of initiatives in place designed to combat level-crossing incidents, including education sessions at schools and community groups, campaigns through social media, media and advertising, as well as working with police on enforcement," Ms Trad said.

"It's very encouraging to see the downward trend in incidents, which shows the effectiveness of these programs."

Ms Trad said there was still work to be done and urged motorists to remain vigilant and patient at level crossings.

"We are still seeing far too many of these incidents," she said.

"Motorists need to understand that trying to beat the boom gate to save a few minutes has potentially devastating consequences and is simply not worth the risk."

The penalty for ignoring railway crossing protection is a $353 fine and three demerit points. People who damage QR infrastructure, including boom gates, can be fined up to $8800, in addition to repair costs.

[aldonius]

Analysis by Fairfax Media shows Telegraph Road at Bald Hills was the worst location, with 70 boom strikes recorded between 2009 and 2014 – and none in the past two years.

Hmm, I wonder when that level crossing was eliminated...

[HappyTrainGuy]

Fairfax Media. Quality research.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Rail train drivers run red lights, with rate of close calls climbing

COMMUTERS are being put at risk by train drivers who run red lights while chatting, speeding, eating snacks or daydreaming, as the rate of close-calls climbs.

But last year's timetable bungle was also partly blamed for an error that saw a driver blow through a red signal by 150m and ignore a back-up alarm warning.

The Courier-Mail can reveal the bungles outlined in official safety reports that have seen trains chug past stops by as much as 900m, with several having the potential for collision as ignorant passengers sat on board.

Safety investigation reports obtained under Right to Information laws identified drivers who were speeding, chatting with a guard, eating, distracted by a crackly radio, had their emergency broadcast turned down, or were thinking about personal issues when they recorded a Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD).

Several would have headed into the path of another train had emergency systems not kicked in. All were cleared for drugs and alcohol, and ­fatigue was thought to be a contributory factor in just one case, although another driver admitted he had got behind the controls after only five hours' sleep.

Queensland Rail yesterday refused to answer questions about disciplinary action taken against SPAD drivers.

Documents outline a December 11 incident in which a Shorncliffe service damaged track points after it drove on to a section set for a Cleveland-bound train that had passed by just 22 seconds ­earlier between Nundah and Northgate stations. The Shorncliffe driver read the wrong light and thought a warning alarm that sounded was a "fault". It wasn't until network control sent an emergency call that she braked to stop, overshooting the signal by 147m.

The investigation found that "the October timetable required a number of complex train movements through Northgate Station".

An investigation into another SPAD at Northgate on November 20 found the "potential to result in a flanking collision" as two trains headed towards the platform on the same piece of track.

Both trains were ordered to apply emergency brakes when one driver misread a signal and was travelling too fast on approach to the red.

QR's figures show the incidents of SPAD events trending up since January 2016.

There have been 27 since August last year, not including those caused by third party operators Aurizon and Pacific National, and the organisation is averaging one a week.

QR chief executive Nick Easy said the organisation was reviewing its SPAD Risk Reduction Strategy, but he said the number of events was consistent with the monthly average for the past five years of 3.6.

"Safety is Queensland Rail's absolute priority and we have a comprehensive strategy in place and a broad range of safety controls, from engineering design of the signalling system to driver training and cultural awareness programs," he said. "SPAD incidents are an industry-wide occurrence, but when you look at the data our strategy is working."

Transport Minister Jackie Trad (pictured) said she was confident QR was "doing everything it can to improve safety and reduce SPADs".

Rail Tram and Bus Union state secretary Owen Doogan said no SPADs had resulted in injuries and the current rate was "pretty good".

[HappyTrainGuy]

Sounds like over dramatic sensationalism. "Emergency systems" being control yelling at them to stop the f%cking train and to fill out a form

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Woman plunges 15m on to train tracks after car crash at Taringa, shuts Ipswich line

A WOMAN is fighting for life after being hit by a car and plunging 15m onto train tracks in Brisbane's inner west.

Police said the 19-year-old was struck by a car travelling along Swann Rd in Taringa around 7.30pm, flung over the fence and on to train tracks.

Paramedics were able to get to the woman via an access road.

It is understood the woman, from Redlynch in Cairns, was resuscitated on the scene before being rushed to the Royal Brisbane Hospital in a critical condition.

The 20-year-old female driver was taken to the Royal Brisbane Hospital as a precaution.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.

Investigators are appealing for anyone who may have seen the incident or who may have dash cam footage of the area to contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Track worker critical after being hit by train at Petrie station

A MAN was critically injured when reportedly hit by a train at Petrie station north of Brisbane overnight.

It is understood the man was working on the tracks when he was hit by the train.

Police have confirmed the man was critically injured.

He was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital with a critical care paramedic.

The police Forensic Crash Unit has been advised of the incident and it is believed Workplace Health and Safety will lead the investigation.

Terrible.  Hope injured worker makes a full recovery.

[ozbob]

^

I have been informed by Queensland Rail that the worker critically injured last evening has passed away.

R. I. P.  Our sincere condolences to family, friends and workmates at Queensland Rail.

[ozbob]

Statement from @QueenslandRail after track maintenance worker was fatally struck at Petrie Station o'night pic.twitter.com/iJFHEWhvvZ

— Jo Hayes (@johayesjourno) May 29, 2017

[ozbob]

Sent to CEO Queensland Rail

30th May 2017

Sincere condolences to all at Queensland Rail

Dear Nick,

I would just like to express our sincere condolences to the late Track Worker's family, friends and all his work colleagues at Queensland Rail, on behalf of all members at RAIL Back On Track.

Yours sincerely,

Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Queensland Rail worker killed after being hit by train north of Brisbane

A Queensland Rail worker has died in hospital after being struck by a train while he was repairing tracks north of Brisbane.

Police said the man aged in his 60s died in hospital after being hit by a passenger train at Petrie about 10:30pm on Monday.

Paramedics said he suffered serious injuries, including to his legs.

Work Place Health and Safety are investigating, with a report to be prepared for the coroner.

Queensland Rail chief executive officer Nick Easy said the employee was working as part of a track maintenance team.

"I want to express my heartfelt sympathies to the man's family and friends and Queensland Rail employees who I know will also be devastated by this incident," he said.

"Safety is and will always be our number one priority and we are currently working with investigators, including the Rail Regulator, to examine the cause of this incident."

[ozbob]

Exclusive: See what police officers find while on patrol on the South East's rail network. @vivienvon7 #7News pic.twitter.com/geU4Q3B5Tk

— 7 News Queensland (@7NewsQueensland) May 30, 2017

[ozbob]

^

I have been informed by Queensland Rail that the worker critically injured last evening has passed away.

R. I. P.  Our sincere condolences to family, friends and workmates at Queensland Rail.

Couriermail --> State Government asks Australian Transport Safety Bureau to investigate rail worker's death

THE State Government has asked the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) to investigate the death of a Queensland Rail crewman.

The track worker was killed after being hit by a passenger train as he worked on Monday night at Petrie, north of Brisbane.

The ATSB will interview witnesses, scour video evidence and review track rules and procedures as part of their investigation.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Rail workers sacked for drink, drugs


Queensland Rail debacle continues to frustrate commuters

AN UNPRECEDENTED seven Queensland Rail workers have been sacked in just one month after coming to work drunk or high on drugs, including three members of the same work crew.

The troubled operator has ramped up its hard-line approach to substance use in recent months that saw it record a peak in positive tests in April after a series of targeted stings, The Courier-Mail can reveal.

One operation homed in on a regional work group that led to the sacking of three – one who tested positive for cannabis and alcohol and two others who had been drinking.

Two guards, a station customer service attendant and another regional track worker were also netted in April during a whopping 852 tests for cannabis, methamphetamine and other amphetamines. They have either been sacked or are awaiting their penalty.

QR's new chief executive Nick Easy slammed the results as "unacceptable" as staff put safety at risk.

Exclusive figures show 67 positive tests have been recorded over the past two years and the vast majority (47) were classed as rail safety workers, like track crew, maintenance staff and rail traffic crew.

Forty-two were nabbed during a random test and the remainder were singled out due to suspicion, high risk or following an incident.

All staff involved in safety breaches like running a red signal or level crossing episodes are tested immediately.

The figures precede an even tighter crackdown by the National Rail Safety Regulator, which has increased powers to do its own tests in addition to the more than 10,000 a year QR already does.

Mr Easy said the company's drug-testing program was one of the nation's most rigorous.

"We undertake more than 10,000 tests a year, with a positive test rate of less than one per cent and all employees know they can be tested anytime and must be fit for duty."

QR staff who test positive to alcohol or drugs are banned from work immediately while disciplinary action – including dismissal – is considered.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Man found dead in coal wagon at Port of Brisbane

Police believe a man's body spent 11 hours in a coal wagon travelling from an inland mine before it was found at Brisbane's port some 350 kilometres away.

Detectives investigating the discovery at the Port of Brisbane described the death as "unusual to say the least" but was not being treated as murder. ...

[ozbob]

Overnight, the Brisbane bound tilt train was hit by a car in Denison Street Rockhampton.  Apparently minor.  Train is showing running late 2 hours and 10 minutes 1 hour 35 minutes presently ( http://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/ServiceUpdates/Pages/cairns-to-Brisbane-14jul17.aspx ).

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/899017179990863872

[ozbob]

Cane train derailment near Mossman, highway closed.

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Queensland Rail worker killed after being hit by train north of Brisbane

A Queensland Rail worker has died in hospital after being struck by a train while he was repairing tracks north of Brisbane.

Police said the man aged in his 60s died in hospital after being hit by a passenger train at Petrie about 10:30pm on Monday.

Paramedics said he suffered serious injuries, including to his legs.

Work Place Health and Safety are investigating, with a report to be prepared for the coroner.

Queensland Rail chief executive officer Nick Easy said the employee was working as part of a track maintenance team.

"I want to express my heartfelt sympathies to the man's family and friends and Queensland Rail employees who I know will also be devastated by this incident," he said.

"Safety is and will always be our number one priority and we are currently working with investigators, including the Rail Regulator, to examine the cause of this incident."

Couriermail --> Queensland Rail worker killed at Brisbane station tried was to late to jump: Report

A QUEENSLAND Rail worker killed while walking along an open track tried to jump out of the way of an approaching train too late, an investigation has found.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has released its preliminary report into the May 29 death of Robert Knights, 64, at Petrie Station, which occurred during track closures ahead of planned maintenance.

Mr Knights — a QR worker for 32 years — was one of four protection officers marking closed tracks at Petrie and Kippa-Ring stations when he was struck just before 10.30pm.

Mr Knights had just finished chatting with a station officer on the platform and was walking back to his car across the tracks when he was hit by an oncoming train.

The investigation found he had already walked along an open track to get to the station to avoid a culvert and drain.

"The protection officer proceeded to walk in the middle of the Up Caboolture line in a southerly direction," the report said.

"The protection officer was walking the same section of track that he had previously used to avoid the culvert and drain.

"At about this time, suburban train, designation T570, approached Petrie station on the Up Caboolture main line from the north."

It found the train's headlights were working normally but because it was coming around a bend and Mr Knights was walking with his back to the train, neither the worker nor driver knew of the impending danger until it was too late.

"As the train then exited the sweeping curve, the headlights shone directly on the protection officer," the report said.

"Upon sighting the protection officer, the train driver applied an emergency brake and sounded the train horn.

"The protection officer attempted to vacate the track, however, there was insufficient time and the train collided with the protection officer."

The investigation is continuing into safety procedures and worker training and whether "human performance and behavioural factors" may have contributed to the accident.

[ozbob]

ATSB Preliminary report: Collision between track worker and passenger train at Petrie, Qld on 29 May 2017

[ozbob]

Sent to CEO Queensland Rail

30th May 2017

Sincere condolences to all at Queensland Rail

Dear Nick,

I would just like to express our sincere condolences to the late Track Worker's family, friends and all his work colleagues at Queensland Rail, on behalf of all members at RAIL Back On Track.

Yours sincerely,

Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Moment Gold Coast train speeds along at 100km h with door open

THE doors remained open on the carriage of a train travelling at speeds of up to 100km/h on the Gold Coast line this morning, horrifying passengers on their peak hour trip to work.

The Gold Coast Bulletin was sent footage of the safety incident on a northbound train leaving Nerang for Helensvale station about 7.45am.

The video footage clearly shows the train travelling at high speeds with the doors wide open, and the standing area clear of passengers.

"The doors at Robina (station) would not close. They would continuously reopen," a passenger said.

"The train was travelling at 100km/h ... I had to notify people to push the emergency assistance button."

Passengers said a Queensland Rail staffer responded by turning off the power to the doors but they reopened at Nerang station when someone pushed the exterior button.

Passengers believe a communication breakdown occurred between staff on the train and those on the platform because the doors had been turned off manually.

"Both the train conductor and on-site train assistant didn't check the train ... and the train left the station," the passenger said.

Passengers later complained about the ageing QR rolling stock and asked whether staffers were trained to manage safety risks.

"That train should not have been allowed to operate," a passenger said.

The Gold Coast Bulletin has contacted QR for a response to the incident.

[ozbob]

Oh dear ...

https://twitter.com/AndrewPowellMP/status/900558268438765568

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/900563020065067009

[#Metro]

WHAT did I just read?   

Passengers believe a communication breakdown occurred between staff on the train and those on the platform because the doors had been turned off manually.

It's always "there was a communication issue". Whether it is twitter, correspondence between the minister and QR, trapped passengers in a train peeing in bottles...or whatever.

Let's face it - Queensland Rail should not be operating trains in SEQ.

If only a private operator could get away with half the things QR has done and get its contracts renewed again.

[ozbob]

Really wondering what when on here.  I thought there would have been warnings in the drivers cabs that a door was not closed?

Manual over-ride? 

Anyone know what was going on with the train?

[ In Melbourne when I was kid we usually travelled around with doors open on the Taits on warm days.  No big deal.  Problem here now of course is that doors are meant to be closed, absolutely. ]

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/LNPQLD/status/900569557252820992

[ozbob]

Transport Minister dials QR ...

" Hello Nick.  WTF !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! %^&*&^&%$%^& "