Fortunately, multiple fatality rail accidents in Britain are rare. But only by learning from the past can we reduce risk in the future. Learning and remembering are vital. Even the lessons from a major accident, like that near Clapham Junction in 1988, can all too soon be forgotten.
In this episode we look at the Clapham accident, some of its causes, and how well we have, or haven't, learned from it. Good corporate memory—and incident reporting—as you'll hear, are vital to making our railways a safe place to work and travel.
01:22 A bit about Greg Morse.
02:28 Describing the Clapham accident.
03:15 The causes behind the accident.
04:11 How mistakes came to be made.
04:49 How fatigue is managed today.
05:31 Organisational complacency.
06:18 Clapham's lessons relevant today.
08:00 Looking at the whole system.
09:24 About future episodes.
09:58 Close.
Give us your thoughts and ideas—on this or any other episode: podcasts@rssb.co.uk
You may also be interested in:
Making Sure Clapham's Lessons Aren't Hidden (RSSB web article by Greg Morse on the 30th anniversary of the accident.)
Remembering Clapham (Michael Woods recalls the day as he was working for a division of BR at the time.)
The Hidden Report (PDF download, 8MB)
RAIB's report on the Cardiff signalling irregularities (PDF download, 3MB)
RAIB's report on the Waterloo collision (PDF download, 2.5MB)