Incident at Enfield Town 12/10/21

[Domk]

Thank you Donk.
So back to my original question - what was it that meant the whole branch needed to be closed all day - not even an evening service with Bush Hill Park impacted as well?

I’d imagine it’s because the isolation of power is up to Bush Hill Park which would mean it is not possible to turn back a train as there is no crossover south of Bush Hill Park

 

[Mcq]

So untill the 'incident' train was clear of the station (ET) the power would have to remain off to all platforms up to Bush Hill Park.
One of the dowsides of Overhead line I guess.
Thanks for your help.

 

[2HAP]

RAIB have launched an investigation.

[Withdrawn] Buffer stop collision at Enfield Town

Investigation into a collision between a passenger train and a buffer stop at Enfield Town, 12 October 2021.

www.gov.uk

At 08:21 hrs on 12 October 2021, a passenger train collided with the buffer-stop on platform 2 of Enfield Town station. The train came to a stand with its front end raised on top of the buffer-stop, which had become detached during the collision...

Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events that led to the collision...

 

[172007]

RAIB have launched an investigation.

[Withdrawn] Buffer stop collision at Enfield Town

Investigation into a collision between a passenger train and a buffer stop at Enfield Town, 12 October 2021.

www.gov.uk

So it's a full report and not a divest suggesting there is a little more to this than just one thing.

 

[Dave W]

Notifications of RAIB investigations often mention the train's performance and response being one of their focus points. This may be an honest omission in this case, but equally, that the training and management of ARL drivers is specifically mentioned does offer some clues as to the outcome of the preliminary investigation.

I suspect the main reason for a full investigation comes down to the potential consequences - I'm not an expert in these matters but if the train had been going a few mph quicker (as in, "if circumstances were slightly different") the first carriage might have ended up penetrating a busy morning peak concourse.

 

[swt_passenger]

So it's a full report and not a divest suggesting there is a little more to this than just one thing.

Surely they do the investigation first, then decide whether to issue a full report or a digest afterwards

 

[Dave W]

Surely they do the investigation first, then decide whether to issue a full report or a digest afterwards

No, they conduct a preliminary investigation to establish their response - in this case they've decided to conduct a full investigation.

EDIT: A link to RAIB's guidance on how they respond: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/raibs-response-to-accident-and-incident-notification

 

[Mag_seven]

As noted in a couple of posts above, An RAIB Investigation is now underway. When it reports we will reopen the thread.

[Withdrawn] Buffer stop collision at Enfield Town

Investigation into a collision between a passenger train and a buffer stop at Enfield Town, 12 October 2021.

www.gov.uk

At 08:21 hrs on 12 October 2021, a passenger train collided with the buffer stop on platform 2 of Enfield Town station. The train came to a stand with its front end raised on top of the buffer stop, which had become detached during the collision.

The train involved was the 07:45 hrs London Overground service from London Liverpool Street to Enfield Town, operated by Arriva Rail London. 75 passengers were reported as being on the train at the time of the collision. Two passengers received treatment at the scene for minor injuries.

Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events that led to the collision.

 

[ainsworth74]

An update to this event is below as covered in several media sources this morning and last night:

Train driver who crashed into London station barriers ‘was on cocaine’​

A train which smashed through barriers and stopped inches from a station building was being driven by a man allegedly under the influence of cocaine.

Around 50 people were evacuated by firefighters from the morning Overground service on October 12.

It jutted over the tracks at Enfield station in north London after coming to rest just before glass windows of a ticket office at 8.15am.

The driver, 39, from Essex, was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of endangering the safety of the railway and being unfit to work on a transport system through drink or drugs.

A routine blood test was taken and allegedly revealed cocaine present, The Sun reports.

The driver, who was said to be ‘experienced’, has been released on bail until November 19.

It’s understood he has been suspended by Arriva Rail London.

A source said: ‘This has caused shock among his colleagues because it’s a very serious incident.

Two people were treated for minor injuries, but they were not taken to hospital.

The maximum penalty for a transport worker convicted of being unfit to drive because of drink or drugs is six months in prison.

Endangering the safety of people on the railway convictions can result in two years’ jail.

Train driver who crashed into London station barriers 'was on cocaine'

The 39-year-old has been arrested.

metro.co.uk

At this time we're keeping the thread locked as it doesn't seem there is anything constructive that can be added currently. If anyone does see something they think might be relevant to this thread please do feel free to report this post and the Forum Staff can look at adding it the thread or re-opening.

 

[ainsworth74]

There has been a short update from the RAIB regarding the status of their report into this incident:

To allow the rail industry to start acting on RAIB’s safety recommendations immediately, RAIB has sent embargoed copies of its final report to other public bodies, the rail industry and the parties involved. RAIB continues to liaise with the CPS and will keep under review the decision as to when the final investigation report can be circulated more widely.

[Withdrawn] Buffer stop collision at Enfield Town

Investigation into a collision between a passenger train and a buffer stop at Enfield Town, 12 October 2021.

www.gov.uk

 

[ainsworth74]

The RAIB report into this accident has now been published:

Summary​

At 08:21 hrs on Tuesday 12 October 2021, an Arriva Rail London (ARL) train hit the buffer stop at Enfield Town station in North London at 7.7 mph (12 km/h). The train struck the buffer stop, which was damaged in the collision, and rode up on it, coming to a rest with its leading wheels about 800 mm above the rails. No serious injuries resulted from the accident. The train had been travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) when it was 69 metres from the buffer stop. After briefly applying the brakes, the driver made no further control actions for just over seven seconds, until they made an emergency brake application just before the train hit the buffer stop. This occurred too late to prevent the collision.

The accident occurred because the driver of the train did not apply the brakes in time, as a result of him losing awareness of the driving task. The loss of awareness was probably a result of him being significantly fatigued at the time. Post-accident drug and alcohol tests of the driver also yielded a positive result for a recreational drug. The driver had not reported his fatigue to his employer, who in turn had not identified his fatigue when he signed on duty, or that his personal circumstances made him vulnerable to fatigue. There was also a potential conflict between his employer’s processes for ensuring that staff attended for duty and for managing levels of staff fatigue.

None of the engineered systems provided automatically applied the train’s brakes, as the conditions for their intervention were not met. In particular, the Train Protection and Warning System did not activate because the train was travelling below the speed at which the system would be triggered on approach to the buffer stop. This system was installed in compliance with the relevant standards but did not protect against the conditions leading to this accident.

Recommendations​

RAIB has made two recommendations. The first is addressed to ARL and relates to encouraging staff to report fatigue that could affect their ability to do their jobs safely. The second, addressed to Network Rail in conjunction with RSSB, seeks to improve the risk assessment process for collisions with buffer stops at terminal platforms.

RAIB also identified three learning points. The first reminds Network Rail and train companies that engineered safeguards do not protect against all events, and that operational controls may also be required to manage risk. The second reminds train staff of the importance of reporting fatigue when it affects their ability to work safely. The third reminds staff of the need to comply with their employer’s drug and alcohol policies.

Embargo​

This investigation was completed in November 2022. Having received representations from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) about ongoing legal proceedings, RAIB decided not to place a copy of the final investigation report on its website at that time. The status of those proceedings has now changed.

However, to allow the rail industry to start acting on RAIB’s safety recommendations immediately, RAIB sent embargoed copies of its final report to other public bodies, the rail industry and the parties involved at the time the investigation was completed.

Report 13/2022: Buffer stop collision at Enfield Town station

RAIB has today released its report on a buffer stop collision at Enfield Town station, 12 October 2021.

www.gov.uk

The RAIB have decided they can now publish the report but it is not clear to me whether or not the legal process has concluded so I would request that members exercise caution in their comments regarding this incident as contempt of court applies to posting made online however the thread will be re-opened. If anyone knows the status of the court proceedings please do feel free to post that information.

Edit: An informed source has contacted me to say that an email has been sent to ARL employees stating the driver has been found guilty and will be sentenced tomorrow (7th July).

 

[ainsworth74]

I've only skimmed but it strikes me that this is another accident where fatigue has played a large role. The use of cocaine will likely grab the headlines but it strikes me that that a bigger issue was that the driver was utterly knackered and, rightly or wrongly, it seems did not feel able to admit as much due to concerns around the attendance management process in place. I wonder how many other TOCs have a similar issue?

 

[stuu]

Wasn't he utterly knackered because of the cocaine use though? It's hardly conducive to a good night's sleep, and would have affected him even if it wasn't the night before his shift

 

[ainsworth74]

Wasn't he utterly knackered because of the cocaine use though? It's hardly conducive to a good night's sleep, and would have affected him even if it wasn't the night before his shift

Dunno but the report indicates that he had issues going on at home that were causing him problems getting a decent nights sleep as well.

 

[theageofthetra]

I've only skimmed but it strikes me that this is another accident where fatigue has played a large role. The use of cocaine will likely grab the headlines but it strikes me that that a bigger issue was that the driver was utterly knackered and, rightly or wrongly, it seems did not feel able to admit as much due to concerns around the attendance management process in place. I wonder how many other TOCs have a similar issue?

Our certainly has where most are afraid to report fatigue issues. I doubt we are alone. Our ridiculous shift patterns are a ticking time bomb imho.

 

[NSEWonderer]

Fatigue and recreational drugs never is a good mix. It looks like it will be a slam dunk case pretty much on the driver.

Only questions will be if this will mean LOR will introduce a tad more, random drug testing and as well monitor more closely drivers signing in for fatigue as a result of this update. Or maybe its treated as a anomaly.

 

[Russel]

Sounds like the driver had a micro-sleep, which I'm sure we've all experienced at one point.

Though, after having 9 days off, one should be reasonably well rested, so the effects of cocaine have clearly be a contributing factor.

 

[Bayum]

Sounds like the driver had a micro-sleep, which I'm sure we've all experienced at one point.

Though, after having 9 days off, one should be reasonably well rested, so the effects of cocaine have clearly be a contributing factor.

Depends. My anxiety/depression cause sleeplessness, including half terms and holiday times. I frequently sleep better during term time because I am fully involved with my class and teaching. When I’m out of the routine or have more time to ruminate in my mind, my sleep suffers. Quite common.

 

[infobleep]

If drugs were not involved would the driver have been less fatigued?

 

[FrodshamJnct]

Sounds like the driver had a micro-sleep, which I'm sure we've all experienced at one point.

Though, after having 9 days off, one should be reasonably well rested, so the effects of cocaine have clearly be a contributing factor.

Have you read the report? It also states that the driver reported having only one hour of sleep the night preceding his shift as his partner has a long-term health condition and he was kept awake becuase of it:

The driver had insufficient sleep before starting his shift. 44 The driver stated that he had settled in bed by 21:30 hrs on the evening before, but that he lay awake most of the night due to his partner having a long‑term health condition. He reported that, as a result, he had only had about an hour of sleep before his shift, and that he had experienced similar sleep patterns on previous nights. 45 The driver also reported that he was aware of being tired on the drive to work as well as when driving his train before the accident, and that at one point his eyes were stinging and that he just wanted to close them. 46 Comparison of the OTDR data with records of the driver’s previous assessments showed that, before the collision, there were no significant differences from his normal driving practice.

 

[Bayum]

If drugs were not involved would the driver have been less fatigued?

Or more fatigued given the stimulant effect cocaine has.

 

[43066]

Fatigue and recreational drugs never is a good mix. It looks like it will be a slam dunk case pretty much on the driver.

Only questions will be if this will mean LOR will introduce a tad more, random drug testing and as well monitor more closely drivers signing in for fatigue as a result of this update. Or maybe its treated as a anomaly.

A real pity the (unforgivable) positive drug test will now completely mask the underlying fatigue issue, which we all know is a massive problem.

 

[NSEWonderer]

A real pity the (unforgivable) positive drug test will now completely mask the underlying fatigue issue, which we all know is a massive problem.

Sadly. Especially as the media will draw on it to justify other agendas.

 

[Dai Corner]

What happens if a safety-critical railway worker phones in and tells the boss 'Sorru didn't sleep well, don't feel fit for duty'?

(Genuine question)

 

[Mothball]

What happens if a safety-critical railway worker phones in and tells the boss 'Sorru didn't sleep well, don't feel fit for duty'?

(Genuine question)

I've done this once when I had a troublesome newborn at home and didn't get a minutes sleep all night ahead of a 12 hour shift. The team leader knew my circumstances and was absolutely fine about it, however it still felt like a very uncomfortable call to make. When I came back in the manager pulled me to one side and had a friendly chat about support etc....

Unfortunately i could see my experience being in the minority, although im in a safety critical role, me not turning in at the last minute doesn't have an affect on the service like other roles may and not all supervisors are as reasonable/approachable so i could understand why many wouldn't feel comfortable enough to do it.

 

[bramling]

What happens if a safety-critical railway worker phones in and tells the boss 'Sorru didn't sleep well, don't feel fit for duty'?

(Genuine question)

Depends to some extent on the local management.

However the standard response is often “are you saying you’re unfit for duty, yes or no?”. If the response is no, then the next response will be “in that case it’s a sickness item”. The normal attendance policy will then apply.

Places with better relationships between management and staff may be more helpful, perhaps sorting out a swap of rest days, change of duty, or whatever. The problem is this can be very much open to abuse.

 

[43066]

What happens if a safety-critical railway worker phones in and tells the boss 'Sorru didn't sleep well, don't feel fit for duty'?

(Genuine question)

Based on the places I’ve worked you will be taken off your duty, asked to fill in a report, usually a chat with management about why the issue has occurred, any assistance you can be offered etc.

It isn’t something people do lightly as a. one of your colleagues then has to cop your work, and b. If it happens more than very occasionally the company will inevitably begin to question whether shift work is for you etc. so there tends to be a culture of braving it out, and quite honestly we should all probably go fatigued more.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 Jul 2023 ==

However the standard response is often “are you saying you’re unfit for duty, yes or no?”. If the response is no, then the next response will be “in that case it’s a sickness item”. The normal attendance policy will then apply.

Places with better relationships between management and staff may be more helpful, perhaps sorting out a swap of rest days, change of duty, or whatever. The problem is this can be very much open to abuse.

TOCs do tend to have formal fatigue policies in place these days. However, exactly as you say, the actual response will range from supportive to mere lip service being paid. It very much depends on the culture and the individuals involved.

 

[Archvile]

I've done this once when I had a troublesome newborn at home and didn't get a minutes sleep all night ahead of a 12 hour shift. The team leader knew my circumstances and was absolutely fine about it, however it still felt like a very uncomfortable call to make. When I came back in the manager pulled me to one side and had a friendly chat about support etc....

Unfortunately i could see my experience being in the minority, although im in a safety critical role, me not turning in at the last minute doesn't have an affect on the service like other roles may and not all supervisors are as reasonable/approachable so i could understand why many wouldn't feel comfortable enough to do it.

Any manager who doesn't respond in that manner isn't worth their salt, and certainly doesn't belong in a position of responsibility in such a safety conscious industry.

Feeling pressure to continue while fatigued is precisely the mentality that this industry has worked so hard to stamp out.

Yes, if it happens regularly then it lends itself to a deeper issue, but it's important that people aren't punished for doing the right thing on a case by case basis.

Perhaps giving a solid example of long-term shift work would be a beneficial addition to the structured interview one sits as part of the application process, as it's impossible to tell how somebody will cope if they've never done it before.

 

[AlterEgo]

Any manager who doesn't respond in that manner isn't worth their salt, and certainly doesn't belong in a position of responsibility in such a safety conscious industry.

Feeling pressure to continue while fatigued is precisely the mentality that this industry has worked so hard to stamp out.

Yes, if it happens regularly then it lends itself to a deeper issue, but it's important that people aren't punished for doing the right thing on a case by case basis.

Perhaps giving a solid example of long-term shift work would be a beneficial addition to the structured interview one sits as part of the application process, as it's impossible to tell how somebody will cope if they've never done it before.

This is slightly tangenital but if you think fatigue reporting within TOCs is bad, wait until you see what goes on at some of the agencies who work for NR. A lot of people on zero-hour contracts who simply don't get asked back the next day if they call in tired or sick.

 

[bramling]

TOCs do tend to have formal fatigue policies in place these days. However, exactly as you say, the actual response will range from supportive to mere lip service being paid. It very much depends on the culture and the individuals involved.

Yep. It’s one thing having policies in place, what happens in practice is quite another. This doesn’t just apply to fatigue either. Except when there’s been some kind of incident, of course, until corporate memory fades, which never takes long. It’s hard not to be cynical about all this unfortunately.