Occupational hazards and prevention in railway work: safety on the rails

Occupational hazards and prevention in railway work: safety on the rails

The world of railways has always had a special magnetism. From the first steam train to high-speed lines, rail transport has been synonymous with progress and connection between territories.

However, behind every safe and punctual journey, there is a human machine working in workshops, stations and on tracks, often in complex conditions. These professionals, who are essential to keeping everything running smoothly, face very specific occupational risks that require rigorous prevention measures.

A sector with unique risks

Working with trains is unlike any other job. In addition to the usual risks in the industry—falls, blows, entrapment—there are others that are unique to the railway environment. One of the most serious is being hit or run over during maintenance work on active tracks. It is no coincidence that this risk is present in most of the protocols of Adif and other infrastructure managers: coordination and prior signalling are vital to prevent fatal accidents.

Another recurring danger is electrocution. Train catenaries and electrical systems operate at extremely high voltages, making specific training and the use of dielectric equipment essential for repair work. Nor should we forget the risk of exposure to vibrations and noise, which affects both heavy machinery operators and those working in workshops. In the long term, this exposure can lead to hearing or musculoskeletal problems if preventive measures are not taken.

Regulations and preventive culture

In Spain, the Occupational Risk Prevention Act (31/1995) is the legal framework that regulates safety in all sectors, but in the case of railways, there are also specific regulations and very detailed protocols. Every access to a track must be authorised, work areas must be clearly marked, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) adapted to the environment is mandatory.

Organisations such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (INSST) have highlighted the importance of continuous training in the railway sector in various guidelines. A workshop operator does not face the same risks as a catenary maintenance team, but they all share one premise: without prevention, there can be no safety.

Preventive equipment and measures

The list of preventive measures in railway work is extensive, but some fundamental ones stand out:

  • Signalling and access permits: before starting any work on the track, the interruption of railway traffic or the corresponding signalling must be guaranteed.
  • Specialised training: all workers must be trained to identify electrical, mechanical and traffic risks.
  • Personal protective equipment:
    o Safety helmet with chin strap.
    o Approved reflective vest for daytime and night-time visibility.
    o Hearing protection against machinery and engines.
    o Gloves appropriate for the task (dielectric, cut-resistant, precision).
    o Safety footwear with non-slip soles, electrical resistance and protection against impacts and punctures.
  • Emergency and evacuation plans: regular drills to respond to collisions, fires or electrical accidents.

Facts and figures

The rail transport sector in Spain directly employs more than 30,000 people, including operators, maintenance technicians, drivers and infrastructure personnel. According to INSST data, the most common accidents in this environment are falls on the same level, followed by blows and entrapments in workshops. However, the most serious accidents are linked to collisions on the tracks and high-voltage electrical contacts.

In recent years, thanks to the modernisation of safety protocols and awareness of prevention, the number of serious accidents has been significantly reduced, although there is still some way to go.

Conservation and the future

Railway safety is not just a matter of complying with regulations; it is a culture that must permeate the entire sector. At a time when Spain is expanding its high-speed networks and modernising conventional lines, occupational risk prevention is more crucial than ever. Every worker who steps onto a track or into a workshop needs to know that they have the training, protocols and equipment necessary to return home safely.

Prevention is not a bureaucratic formality, but the railway worker’s best ally. And the commitment of companies in the sector — together with manufacturers of protective equipment — will make all the difference in a future where safety on the rails will be as important as the speed of trains.