RO-2007-110

On Tuesday 19 June 2007 at about 1105, express freight Train MP2 was travelling between Huntly and Te Kauwhata when it struck a gantry crane from Work Train 22. Work Train 22 was stationary and was working on the adjacent Down Main line with its cranes fouling the Up Main line. The gantry swung around and struck one of the crane operators, knocking him from the wagon and under the passing train. The operator was fatally injured.

The safety issues identified included:

• the unfamiliarity of staff working in double-line territory
• the absence of an appropriate induction for the person-in-charge and the rail recovery unit operators prior to working in double-line territory
• the absence of a hazard analysis and task briefing prior to starting work on the day
• the absence of any worksite protection on the adjacent main line
• unclear procedures regarding the application of appropriate protection rules
• the level of auditing or regulatory oversight of the safety system.

Seven safety recommendations covering these issues have been made to the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Transport Agency (formerly Land Transport New Zealand).