Network Rail incurs a £3.4 million fine following the death of a track worker in Surbiton
In a tragic incident that occurred on 9 February 2021 at Surbiton, a Network Rail track worker named Tyler Robert Byrne was fatally injured by a passenger train. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) launched an investigation into the accident, finding failings in the planning, monitoring, and supervision of the workers to ensure their safety while carrying out maintenance activities on the track.
Richard Hines, the HM chief inspector of railways at ORR, expressed sympathies for the family, friends, and colleagues of Tyler Byrne. He also emphasized the crucial role of track workers in delivering a safe railway and stated that Tyler Byrne had a bright future ahead of him.
Prior to this incident, ORR had served Network Rail two Improvement Notices in July 2019, one concerning planning and the other concerning the use of technology. The investigation found that despite some improvements made by Network Rail to track worker safety arrangements, the implementation of these improvements across the organization was deemed to lack urgency and pace at the time of Mr. Byrne's accident.
ORR alleged that there was insufficient protection and an inadequate warning system in place, exposing all members of the working party to the risk of being struck by a train. As a result, Network Rail was fined £3.41m and ordered to pay costs of approximately £43,000 for an offence under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Richard Hines called for continued focus on reducing risks faced by workers in the rail industry and expressed regret for the loss of Tyler Byrne's life. Tyler Byrne was 29 years old at the time of his death.
Moving forward, the public transport safety sector will gather to recognise and celebrate achievements and innovations at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards. The event will be held on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. More information about the CiTTi Awards can be found at www.cittiawards.co.uk. However, the search results do not contain information about who organized the fourth edition of the CiTTi Awards in London in 2025.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritising safety in the rail industry and the vital role that track workers play in delivering a safe railway.
Read also:
- Trump's SNAP reductions and New York City Council's grocery delivery legislation: Problems for city residents highlighted
- Reducing dental expenses for elderlies in Sweden: Over 50% cut in charges for pensioners by the government
- Forty-year-old diet: A list of meal choices to savor
- Exiled Life's Conundrum: A Blend of Liberation, Disillusionment, and Distress
