News – FREIGHT SAFE Programme

Industry-first Climate Change Risk Assessment Model launched to help rail freight sector manage growing safety risks

freightsafe_admin — Tue, 12 May 2026 16:57:50 +0000

The Freight Safe Programme (FSP) has launched a pioneering Climate Change Risk Assessment Model. It will provide the UK rail freight industry with a practical, standardised approach to understanding and mitigating the safety risks posed by climate change across multi-user rail freight sites.

Developed as part of the Freight Safe Programme’s Climate Change Project and supported by funding from the Freight Safety Improvement Programme (FSIP), the model is now available to all rail freight operating companies (FOCs) via the RSSB website. It represents the first co-ordinated, cross-industry effort to assess climate-related threats to FOC property assets.

Climate change is already having a measurable impact on rail freight operations, with increasing risks linked to extreme temperatures, flooding, high winds, drought, and sea level rise. The Climate Change Risk Assessment Model has been created to help the industry respond proactively to these challenges.

Developed in collaboration with independent sustainability experts Arcadis, the model draws on assessments of approximately 200 rail freight operator-owned multi-user sites. It allows users to select a specific site and hazard category, generating a clear risk ranking from low to very high. This enables site owners and operational teams to prioritise risks, develop mitigation plans and respond effectively to emerging threats.

By combining climate science with safety risk management for the first time at scale, the model bridges the gap between complex environmental data and day-to-day operational decision-making. It also supports the development of climate change adaptation reports, giving estate and property managers a structured way to plan for both current and future risks.

The initiative has been driven by a cross-industry working group, ensuring that the model reflects real operational needs while maintaining a consistent methodology across the sector. The result is an online tool that not only provides individual site insights but also delivers wider assurance that climate risks are being assessed in a standardised way across the rail freight industry.

Freight Safe Programme Climate Change Project Lead, Philip Hassall, said:

“The Freight Safe Programme is proud to have led the development and launch of the Climate Change Risk Assessment Model. This initiative brings together climate science and operational safety in a way that has not been done before, providing a practical, accessible tool that enables site teams to better understand, prioritise and mitigate climate-related risks. By working collaboratively across the industry, we are helping to build a more resilient, safer future for rail freight.

The model has already been piloted over a 12-month period at DB Cargo UK’s Crewe International Electric Maintenance Depot, where it has been used to assess real-world climate scenarios and identify site-specific risks.

Key impacts of climate change identified include the effects of extreme heat on track infrastructure, increased wind exposure along tree lines, and the risk of ballast washaway and track instability due to higher levels of precipitation. The model also highlighted the potential for increased rainfall to lead to flooding of inspection pits within the depot, presenting a direct safety and welfare concern.

Stacie Scullion, Sustainability Manager at DB Cargo UK, said:

“It is important that, as a rail freight operating industry, we are aware of the hazards that climate change can cause to sites not just now, but in the years to come, to enable us to have mitigation plans in place.

“Here at DB Cargo UK’s Crewe International Electric Maintenance Depot we have been working closely with the Freight Safe Programme to bring the model to life and use it for real case scenarios that could be caused through climate change. It allows us to plan, budget and address the impact of climate change on safety before issues arise, putting in place a clear plan for the future.”

To support rollout of the model and encourage adoption, a dedicated promotional training video has been developed by the Freight Safe Programme and is available together with a ‘how to’ manual on the RSSB website. The video is designed to engage the operational workforce responsible for managing multi-user rail freight sites across the UK, demonstrating how the model can be applied in practice.

By focusing on real-world scenarios and practical application, the video aims to support widespread uptake of the model and the implementation of Climate Change Adaptation Reports across the sector.

The Climate Change Risk Assessment Model provides the rail freight industry with an accessible, easy-to-use tool that delivers measurable benefits at both site and sector level. By enabling proactive risk management, it helps organisations stay ahead of climate-related challenges while improving safety outcomes across the network.

As climate pressures continue to evolve, this industry-first initiative ensures that rail freight operators are better equipped to protect their people, assets, and operations – both now and in the future.

To view the video click here, or view below: https://vimeo.com/1191503624/3301afa04a?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

WCP Executive Bulletin

freightsafe_admin — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 07:30:20 +0000

WCP Executive Bulletin
The latest progress of the Wagon Condition Programme which remains on schedule to complete in July 2026.

WCP Executive Bulletin
This briefing document gives updates on the latest progress of the Wagon Condition Programme, a priority project of the Freight Safe Programme, and includes information on:

Completion of Workstream 2 toolkit (Train Preparation Standard & Yards and Sidings CofE)
Wheel flats – first phase of freight research drawing to a close
Timetable for publication of Maintenance Guidance Document
Defining lineside v onboard technology research project

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Rail freight welcomes new service to help identify emerging risks

freightsafe_admin — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:30:41 +0000

The rail freight industry has welcomed a pioneering service to help safeguard against future risks thanks to a project initiated by the Freight Safe Programme and delivered by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB).

The Freight Emerging Risks Horizon Scanning service has been developed over 18 months and overseen by the Freight Safe Programme in partnership with RSSB. The service helps freight operating companies to identify, understand and consider their response to emerging risks such as cyber threats, global political instabilities and extreme weather events.

The Emerging Risks Horizon Scanning service delivers briefings on emerging risks, alongside practical support to help organisations interpret and use the information. It forms one of the Freight Safe Programme’s key priority workstreams, supported by freight operating companies, Network Rail, RSSB and other key stakeholders.

The Emerging Risks Brief provides research and analysis on potential future challenges on a UK wide and global scale, a process to evaluate potential relevance and implications, and options for tracking and monitoring developments. The first Freight Emerging Risks Horizon Scanning Brief was released in September 2025, with 2026 marking the first full year of production.

Geoff Spencer, Chairman of the Freight Safe Programme, said:

“In our fast paced world, global and more localised events can have a huge impact on our daily lives and businesses, including rail freight which delivers essential goods across the country. The Freight Safe Programme sees horizon scanning as an essential service in putting rail freight operating companies on the front foot, to enable them to prepare and plan for co-ordinated responses should an event outside of their control, such as a natural disaster, global instability or economic downturn, occur.

Engagement with industry partners has been a central part of the Horizon Scanning Brief rollout by RSSB with introductory training and awareness workshops held with the National Freight Safety Group (NFSG), Rail Operations Group (ROG) and freight operating companies. This continued collaboration supports the programme’s long-term goal of embedding the ‘Horizon Scanning service’ as business-as-usual for the sector.

Guy Yeomans, Professional Head of Foresight and Horizon Scanning at Rail Safety and Standards Board, said:

“We’ve worked in close collaboration with the Freight Safe Programme and individual freight operating companies (FOCs) to develop and bring the horizon scanning initiative to fruition. Based on the interest and relationships established, we look forward to continuing to support and enhance our collective effort to help FOCs embed and use emerging risks thinking into their safety, operational and organisational resilience thinking.

The Freight Safe Programme extends particular thanks to Guy Yeomans and Elliot James (RSSB Futures Lab – Foresight & Horizon Scanning), whose leadership, drive and sustained commitment were central to delivering the project. Their work in steering the programme through development has been instrumental in bringing Horizon Scanning into operation. The Freight Safe Programme also recognises and thanks the wider project team and industry partners for their valuable contributions to the development and testing phases.

More information about the service is available from Guy Yeomans at guy.yeomans@rssb.co.uk with further details at www.rssb.co.uk/freight-horizon-scanning

WCP Executive Bulletin

freightsafe_admin — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 09:00:09 +0000

This briefing document gives updates on the latest progress of the Wagon Condition Programme, a priority project of the Freight Safe Programme, and includes information on:

Key Wagon Maintenance Principles document
Yards and Sidings Centre of Excellence Toolkit
Research to understand the ‘above rail factors’ that lead to wheel flats
The Technology Working Group

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Progress update for Wagon Condition Programme – Driving improvements in safe train preparation

freightsafe_admin — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 15:10:52 +0000

Members of the Wagon Condition Programme (WCP) project team came together at Freightliner’s Basford Hall depot in Crewe in September for an update on their work to produce industry-wide guidance and best practice advice on freight train preparation.

The WCP is a priority project of the Freight Safe Programme and aims to improve the way freight wagons are prepared for the rail network by driving continuous improvement in maintenance, train preparation, and the use of emerging technology. At its core, the programme promotes industry-led learning and collaboration, using sector-wide knowledge and experience to deliver practical, scalable improvements.

Part of the work being spearheaded by this programme is a specific focus on train preparation practices. The goal is to establish clear, industry-wide guidance for Freight Operating Companies and freight partners, helping to deliver consistent, high-performing train preparation and a basis for long-term industry resilience.

The meeting brought together updates from the Freight Operating Company Working Group, RSSB, Basford Hall’s Centre of Excellence team, rail industry operational and standard experts, and competency specialists. Discussions centred on the Train Preparation Standard pilots, the Train Preparation Maturity Model, and the development of new guidance on the competence and training of train preparers.

Significant progress has already been achieved. A draft Train Preparation Standard has been developed, with pilot studies successfully completed at both Basford Hall and Margam Centres of Excellence, along with Dove Holes in Derbyshire. These pilots highlighted the professionalism and collaboration of all involved – particularly ground staff, who played a central role in table-top exercises and practical trials. The pilots confirmed the strength of the standard and identified opportunities for refinement, which are now being incorporated into the documentation process.

In parallel, the Train Preparation Maturity Model and Toolkit are progressing well, with work underway to collate mitigating measures to ensure train preparation remains safe and efficient across the network. A review of the draft Train Preparation Standard’s requirements is ongoing, assessing its application under all operational conditions.

In addition, updates from the Rail Industry Standards (RIS) Working Group and RSSB highlighted ongoing reviews of standards covering key topics such as vehicle condition checks, brake tests, and handbrake status. The Competence Working Group has agreed high-level tasks for train preparers, including safety-critical communications, personal safety, and workload management. Discussions with industry groups continue to shape guidance and ensure emerging standards align with operational needs.

Looking ahead, the next phase of the workstream will see the draft standard tested further across varied environments with an additional Centre of Excellence programme being rolled out before the end of the year, and five new sites identified to trial the maturity model, toolkit, and grading system. The trials will test mitigating measures and provide valuable insights to support consistent, high-quality train preparation across the industry. A key priority will be demonstrating the value of the changes and to reach agreement and promote adoption of the train preparation standard consistently across all freight operating companies by Q2 of 2026.

Reflecting on the meeting, Stuart Ash, who sits on the WCP Board and is Chair of the National Freight Safety Group (NFSG), said:

“It was pleasing to see such positive collaboration and commitment to raising standards across our industry. It demonstrates what can be achieved when we share knowledge and work together. The momentum from Basford Hall underlines the Wagon Condition Programme’s role in shaping a safer, more efficient, and more consistent rail freight sector – with collaboration and shared expertise at the heart of its success.”

Tim Shakerley, chair of the FSP’s Wagon Condition Programme Board, said:

“It is great to see so many industry colleagues come together, putting aside commercial differences to drive meaningful and lasting change for rail freight. This specific project is much focused on the ground staff who are at the heart of train preparation. Their work is vital, and this programme is about learning from their expertise in the role, for the benefit of the whole rail freight industry, and identifying any emerging tools, training opportunities, and support as required.”

The project manager, David Ethell, added:

“One of the strengths of this project is how it brings together expertise from across the industry to tackle shared challenges in a practical way. By combining operational experience with new thinking, we’re building a framework that doesn’t just work in theory but delivers real benefits on the ground. This collaborative approach is helping us set a clear path towards safer, more consistent, and future-ready train preparation.”

What has been achieved so far:

A draft Train Preparation Standard has been developed for all operational conditions
Pilot studies completed at Basford Hall and Margam Centres of Excellence, and Dove Holes in Derbyshire, demonstrating collaboration and professionalism, with ground staff central to table-top exercises and on-train pilots
Refinement opportunities identified during pilots and incorporated into the documentation process
The Train Preparation Maturity Model and Toolkit moves forward at pace, helping to identify and implement mitigating measures to ensure train preparation remains safe and efficient across the network
Updates from the RIS Working Group and RSSB on vehicle condition checks, brake tests, and handbrake status used in the project work
Competence Working Group achievements captured, including high-level tasks for train preparers covering safety-critical communications, personal safety, and workload management

What’s next:

Continue reviewing draft standard requirements to confirm applicability across all operational conditions
Expand the Centre of Excellence programme, with five new sites testing the Train Preparation Maturity Model, toolkit, and grading system
Share learnings before the end of the year to support consistent adoption across sites
Encourage all Freight Operating Companies to sign up to the Train Preparation Standard for industry-wide consistency
Maintain engagement with the RIS Working Group, RSSB, and Competence Working Group to refine requirements and embed high standards for train preparers

‘During Shift Fatigue’ tool launched

freightsafe_admin — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:52:24 +0000

The Freight Safe Programme consists of four priority projects and a collection of collaborative projects which are led by the National Freight Safety Group (NFSG).

NFSG has delivered a ‘During Shift Fatigue’ assessment tool as one of these collaborative projects, which was driven by an identified need from the industry.

The tool is helping freight organisations better assess and manage driver fatigue levels during their shifts.

Following discussions around the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) report into a collision at Loversall Carr Junction, the NFSG Freight Fatigue Working Group found that assessing driver fatigue levels proactively during their shifts posed a significant challenge.

This incident occurred in July 2022 when a freight train passed a signal at danger and collided with the rear of a stationary freight train.

Most assessments rely solely on drivers self-reporting fatigue when levels have already reached an unacceptable level. But this leaves no room for mitigations other than finding a relief driver.

This new tool helps to better assess driver fatigue levels during their shift, and also gives guidance to control room staff on potential solutions to help with fatigue management.

Stuart Ash, Chair of the NFSG, said:

“The management of fatigue has been and will continue to be an area of focus for the industry, and whilst there are still insights to be gained and work to be done, the ‘during shift fatigue tool’ represents the progress the industry is making to better manage our frontline people’s fatigue in a dynamic way. The project is an indicator of how important we know the management of fatigue to be and is evidence that good things can come from caring about our people and working together with a common aim.”

Two successful trials

The tool was trialled successfully by Direct Rail Services and Colas Rail.

You can read their stories of implementation in the following case studies:

The tool is available for organisations to use. Click here for more information.

Keep up to date with the latest news from our colleagues at the National Freight Safety Group in their summer newsletter

freightsafe_admin — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 20:12:41 +0000

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