Fine for Death Highlights Need for Safety Compliance

Network Rail has been fined £450,000 after being prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and will face a substantial claim for damages following the 2010 death of a woman in Herefordshire when the car in which she was travelling was hit by a train as it went over a level crossing.



Network Rail had decided not to install an automated crossing on cost grounds. Such a system would have prevented the accident which cost the woman her life. The collision resulted from a signalman raising the barrier in error after being distracted by a call from a farmer over arrangements for his sheep to cross the railway line further along the track.



The HSE is vigorous in pursuing prosecutions of firms that breach health and safety law, especially where death or serious injury is the result.