On the occasion of Rail Safety Week (27 April – 3 May), the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) reiterates its ongoing support of Operation Lifesaver’s efforts to raise awareness about rail safety. Many organizations involved with the railway industry including the Railway Association of Canada, Transport Canada (TC), provincial and municipal governments, police, and community groups cooperate to save lives by educating Canadians about the hazards surrounding rail property and trains.
In the aftermath of the Lac-Mégantic train derailment and other recent accidents, rail safety has been top of mind for Canadians across the country. “Over the past 18 months, positive action has been taken by industry and TC to address the rail safety deficiencies we've identified through our investigations,” said Jean L. Laporte, Chief Operating Officer of the TSB. “We're on the right path, but there is more work to be done.”
The TSB created its Watchlist to focus attention on the issues that pose the greatest risk to Canada's transportation system; and five of the current Watchlist issues concern railway safety. One of these issues is the need for voice and video recorders in locomotives to capture in-cab communications which provides additional information to investigators when an accident occurs. To address this outstanding Watchlist issue, the TSB is pleased to announce that it will be working with TC to conduct a joint safety study on locomotive voice and video recorders.
The safety study will look at the potential safety benefits of recorders in locomotives, identify and assess related technology issues, and identify legislative and regulatory considerations. The results of this study will provide valuable information leading to the development of an action plan for the implementation of locomotive voice and video recorders. “We're looking forward to working with TC and engaging other key stakeholders on this important safety initiative,” added Mr. Laporte.