Managing violence on the railways

This paper describes the findings of a series of targeted inspections that considered the arrangements and measures for managing and preventing work-related violence in train-operating companies (TOCs). In general, TOCs manage the risk of violence to their staff in the same way as other personal risks. Hence, the inspection considered risk assessments, reporting measures and investigation reports, and evaluated the preventive, protective and response measures in place. A number of deficiencies were identified, the most serious of which concerned the arrangements and measures in place for contract staff employed in checking tickets or in security activities. Action was taken by HM Railway Inspectorate (HMRI) to ensure the TOCs and the employers of the contract staff resolved this issue.