Safe System of Work on Track

A safe system of work is the formal process that protects workers from being struck by trains while working on or near the railway.
The COSS (Controller of Site Safety) is responsible for setting up and managing the safe system of work at the worksite.
Safe systems include separated, controlled, and uncontrolled — each providing different levels of protection from train movements.
A separated safe system blocks train movements entirely through engineering possessions, giving workers full protection.
A controlled system uses lookouts and warning equipment to provide advance warning of approaching trains.
All persons working on the railway must be briefed on the safe system before entering the railway corridor.
Positions of safety where workers shelter during train passes must be identified, marked, and within easy reach.
Warning times must be sufficient for all workers to reach the position of safety before the train arrives.
Safe systems must account for sighting distances, train speeds, and the time needed for workers to move clear.
The COSS must conduct a site-specific risk assessment and confirm all elements of the safe system before work begins.

Prevent train strikes	Trains travel at up to 125 mph and cannot stop quickly — the safe system is the only thing between you and a moving train.
Strict procedures	Rail safety is governed by the Rule Book — any deviation from the safe system of work is a disciplinary and criminal offence.
COSS responsibility	The COSS bears personal responsibility for the safe system — workers must follow their instructions without question.

Do

Don't

Listen carefully to the COSS briefing and understand the safe system before starting work.
Know your designated position of safety and be able to reach it within the warning time.
Respond immediately to lookout warnings — move to safety without delay or hesitation.
Stay within the defined worksite boundary at all times during the possession or work period.
Maintain awareness of your surroundings and the railway environment throughout the shift.
Confirm you understand the safe system by signing the COSS briefing record.
Use the communication systems provided — do not rely on shouting in noisy environments.
Report any concerns about the safe system to the COSS before continuing work.
Return tools and materials within the site boundary before stepping back for trains.
Attend the end-of-shift debrief and sign off from the COSS before leaving the railway.

DON'T enter the railway until the COSS has briefed you on the safe system of work.
DON'T ignore the position of safety — know where it is before work begins.
DON'T delay when you hear a warning — move to the position of safety immediately.
DON'T stray outside the defined worksite boundary for any reason during work.
DON'T become complacent — maintain awareness even during possessions with no train movements.
DON'T begin work without signing the COSS briefing record to confirm understanding.
DON'T wear headphones or use mobile phones that could mask warning signals on track.
DON'T continue working if you have concerns about the safe system — speak to the COSS.
DON'T leave tools or equipment fouling the running line when stepping back for trains.
DON'T leave the worksite without formally signing off with the COSS at end of shift.

See also: Rail Safety Awareness | Lookout Warning Procedures

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