What is a close call?

Anything that had the potential to cause injury or damage but didn’t… this time.

01908 723 500

Recent examples

Close CallEvidence of Class A substance abuse and hypodermic needles found in derelict toilets at station site.

Possible Consequences/RisksPassengers, members of the public or Network Rail workers could have come into contact with the needles, risking a sharps or needles injury and possible exposure to serious infection.

01908 723 500

Recent examples

Close CallA scaffolding ladder cracked and split just before an operative was about to climb it.

Possible Consequences/RisksThe operative could have fallen and injured themselves, injured other workers below the ladder, other surrounding equipment could have become damaged which could have posed further injury risk.

01908 723 500

Recent examples

Close CallTrackside cabling stripped of its outer covering, exposing internal wires.

Possible Consequences/RisksElectric shocks to Network Rail workers or anyone coming into contact with the bare internal wires.

01908 723 500

Recent examples

Close CallAccess gate to site left open.

Possible Consequences/RisksMember of the public being hurt by machinery or plant. Or the risk of theft and vandalism.

01908 723 500

Why bother to report a close call, no one was injured?

Reporting these occurrences will help us learn as an Industry. This will lead to a reduction in more serious events where workers or the general public where hurt or the infrastructure was damaged.

Ultimately we want to make sure we all get home safe, every day

01908 723 500

Frank E Bird’s accident triangle

By identifying and reducing the Close Call events at the bottom of the triangle we can reduce the numbers of events happening further up the triangle

Fatality or Major Accident

Minor Accidents

Property Damage

Close Calls

01908 723 500

Our accident reporting… triangle?

01908 723 500

Fatality or Major Accident

Minor Accidents

Property Damage

Close Calls

Making life easier

To simplify Close Call Reporting we have introduced a new phone number.

So when you see something with the potential to cause harm:•Recognise it as a Close Call•Respond as appropriate•Report it

01908 723 500

01908 723 500

In case you missed it…

•Recognise it as a Close Call•Respond as appropriate and then•Report it by calling:

01908 723 500

01908 723 500