Work of HM Railway Inspectorate (HMRI)

Inspections and audits

Inspections and audits check that the rail industry has the management systems in place and that they are effective in controlling health and safety risks. HMRI also targets risk areas of particular concern under what is called mandatory inspection programmes.

Investigations of incidents and complaints

Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) carry out the investigation into the most serious rail accidents and incidents without apportioning blame or liability with a view to enabling lessons to be learned, improving safety on railways and preventing similar accidents and incidents. HMRI are responsible for implementing any recommendation made by RAIB following the completion of their investigations.

HMRI is responsible for the investigation of breaches of criminal law and health and safety legislation on the railways. ORR will continue to investigate accidents on the railways for its own purposes in co-operation with RAIB and with RAIB taking the lead. For the HMRI Investigations Guide see Related links. Each year HMRI investigates a large number of complaints from the public and other stakeholders.

Providing guidance and support

Much of the contact railway inspectors have with the industry involves giving advice and information both face-to-face and in writing. ORR also holds regular liaison meetings with various parties in the industry and provides the secretariat for the Railway Industry Advisory Committee (RIAC). In addition, ORR publishes guidance to help the rail industry understand their legal obligations under the safety case and the approvals process.

ORR has high-level internal guidance and general principles on the application of 'so far as is reasonably practicable' (SFAIRP) and the use of cost benefit analysis (CBA) in support of safety-related investment decisions.