ABSTRACT
The Institute for Occupational Ergonomics (IOE) at the University of Nottingham has supported staff at Network Rail from the West Coast Route Modernisation (WCRM) Safety Group and the Ergonomics Group in a programme of research after analysis of data held by the organisation raised some concerns about the numbers of incidents or possession irregularities which were occurring on the West Coast Route. Whilst they had not resulted in serious injuries or events, approximately 40% of these irregularities could have resulted in a fatality given different combinations of circumstances. In parallel, Network Rail have begun to take a fundamental look at possession planning and management, in order to improve performance such as time on track and minimising engineering train movements.
