A Day in the Life of RAIB

We welcomed Simon Lomax from the RAIB (Rail Accident Investigation Branch) to our October meeting who provided us with an illuminating and interesting talk about his role and that of the RAIB.  Simon explained that he is a mechanical engineer, joining BR in 1989 and later RAIB in 2014. He is currently one of RAIB’s team of six Principal Investigator’s leading his own small team of inspectors, that can be called upon to 24/7 to incidents and accidents across the railway network.

RAIB can trace its origins back to the birth of the railways, although the organisation itself was only established in 2005. The sole purpose of the RAIB is to improve safety. It is a wholly independent body, charged with investigating accidents and incidents that could have led to an accident. As Simon explained the RAIB has far reaching powers, although it does not apportion blame, enforce safety law or conduct prosecutions.

The RAIB currently has 43 staff who are based at two sites – Farnborough and Derby. The RAIB’s powers to investigate are wide ranging. Interviews are conducted in the strictest confidence seeking to establish the facts and sequence of events that led to an incident.

Reports into accidents can take around a year to produce and are carefully drafted to ensure they are impartial and non-accusatory. Simon reminded us RAIB’s mission is to improve safety and the purpose of its reports are to provide learning and recommendations to the industry to prevent similar incidents occurring again.

The role of an investigator can be demanding, requiring attendance at incidents for sometimes days at a time, working away from home. It was clear though from Simon’s presentation that there was a commitment to upholding the highest professional standards and a constant drive to make the railways safer.

A fascinating evening and an insight to a role that for most remains unseen but vitally important in the ambition to make our railways safer.