How we investigate incidents

When an incident or accident occurs, we are most likely to conduct an investigation. Our team of inspectors work in collaboration with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and British Transport Police in order to share information.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) carries out the investigation into 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. We also carry out our own investigation.

They make recommendations to us as the National Safety Authority. We consider their recommendations and pass them on to dutyholders who are required to take them into consideration and where appropriate act upon them.

If deemed appropriate, we have the power to prosecute under health and safety law. More information can be found in our enforcement section.

Our health and safety strategy

We have a health and safety strategy to ensure that safety of passenger, and that appropriate risk mannagement policies of dutyholders are in place. The term 'dutyholders' means railway operators such as Network Rail, the train and freight operating companies and contractors who have responsibilities under health and safety law.

We have developed specific key safety topics to ensure that risks are being adequately managed by duty holders.

Last updated: 10 September 2008