Queensland Rail (QR) has defended its safety system against a leaked document, but the State Government said the company had “a long way to go” to improve its record.
The company released its safety report following a leak of internal documents highlighting staff concerns about safety.
QR chief executive Lance Hockridge said its record spoke for itself and users should have “the utmost confidence” in rail travel in Queensland .
“The fact there has not been a fatality from a collision of QR trains for more than 20 years demonstrates that our safety system is working,” Mr Hockridge said.
“Our record speaks for itself and we ask passengers and the community to make their own judgments based on an informed understanding of QR’s safety systems and processes.”
However, Queensland Transport Minister John Mickel told parliament despite the company’s renewed focus on safety, it had a big task ahead to reduce workplace accidents.
“Let us be clear. In 2007-08 it paid out more than $17 million in workers compensation claims. That is unacceptable, not just in financial terms but much more importantly because of the impact it has on workers and their families,” Mr Mickle said.
He said QR awarded safety advisor DuPont a $24 million contract over four years to assess and improve workplace safety aiming zero harm.
“I understand this increased focus on safety and the engagement of DuPont has ruffled some feathers within QR, but safety must be improved further.
“There have been some safety improvements in the last decade, but Queensland Rail has a long way to go,” he said.
He said its derailment rate declined over the past decade from 2.2 to 0.8 for every million train kilometres travelled, the company was still prone to workplace injuries.
"There has been some success with a reduction in QR's lost time injury frequency rate in the last six months, but one workplace accident is one too many.
“We expect Queensland Rail to lift its game,” Mr Mickel said.
NTP Forklifts Australia has recently launched two new ranges of Jungheinrich battery electric counterbalance forklift trucks into the Australian market.
more»
The new Nuvi 465T speciality trucking GPS from Garmin has all the features of an in car GPS, along with specialised routing options and truck friendly points of interest
more»
In today's busy material handling world the demand on productivity is high. This often increases risk. Bearcat Tyres can solve some of the daily issues by way of their Tyre Watch tyre pressure monitoring systems - or TPMS
more»
An exciting opportunity with substantial earnings potential if you can convert business opportunity into new revenue streams is available in our WA and QLD office.
more»
MHD
Supply Chain Solutions
Has been the industry leader for more
than 30 years. It is the reference guide for professionals
striving for effective end-to-end supply chain management...
Diesel
A bi-monthly magazine that has shaken up
the Australian road transport magazine sector with sharp news
stories and bold feature articles on the diverse character
of the Australian trucking market...
