WINNIPEG – Lack of direct supervision and the misapplication of safety critical operating procedures were factors in a 2013 fatal Saskatchewan train accident that killed one man.
The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) released its findings Wednesday in the November 2013 fatal accident near Tisdale.
A 39-year-old conductor trainee was struck and seriously injured by a CN freight train while performing switching operations at an interchange track.
He died while being taken to hospital.
The TSB investigation found conductor trainees working independently without direct and close supervision increases the risk of errors and can lead to accidents.
The board also found there is a risk of misapplying safety rules and instructions when there is inadequate reinforcement of proper procedures, reduced training periods and a lack of continuity and assessment among trainers.
A rail safety advisory letter was sent by TSB to Transport Canada (TC) in December 2013 identifying the potential risks associated with switching operations.
TC has identified the issue and is developing an action plan to address trainee supervision.
CN has also issued a number of safety memos to operating personnel.
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