IOSH
How to get rail safety back on track
Why violence against rail workers is rising and what we can do to protect our people
- Date posted
- 05 February 2026
- Type
- Opinion
- Author
- Simon French CMIOSH
- Estimated reading time
- 3 minute read
Work‑related violence on the UK railway is increasing, leaving frontline staff feeling vulnerable, unappreciated, and at times seriously at risk.
Drawing on personal experience and the latest industry insights, rail safety consultant Simon French OBE explores the scale of the problem and previews a new two‑part webinar series, hosted by the IOSH Railway Community and the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), focused on improving protection for rail workers and passengers.
A personal reminder of the risks
In 1984, as a young British Rail management trainee, I encountered my first experience of violence on the railway. While escorting two unticketed passengers from a train late one evening, I was subjected to a sudden and vicious attack. I still vividly remember the fear, pain, and humiliation and the anger of knowing I was assaulted simply for doing my job.
Sadly, this type of incident is becoming more common.
A growing and deeply concerning problem
Work‑related violence on the railway reflects broader societal tensions now playing out across the transport network. Every day, railway colleagues face verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, and sometimes severe physical harm. No one should feel unsafe while serving the public.
Both British Transport Police (BTP) crime data and surveys conducted by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) and the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) reinforce the same worrying trend: incidents of threats and assaults directed at staff are rising, even as BTP resources remain under significant financial pressure.
Stark reminders of the consequences
Recent tragedies highlight the seriousness of the issue.
The death of Jorge Ortega at Ilford Station in December 2024, and the mass stabbing attack on passengers and staff aboard an East Coast Main Line train, are devastating examples of how aggression can escalate with fatal results.
While the industry is far from unaware of the risks, there is widespread acknowledgement that more must be done, and that action is needed urgently.
Industry collaboration to drive change
To help accelerate progress, the IOSH Railway Community has partnered with the Rail Delivery Group to host an open, collaborative webinar series on work‑related violence. Speakers include representatives from Network Rail, Transport for London, the RMT, BTP, and RSSB, ensuring a broad and expert perspective.
The series will explore:
- lived frontline experience
- policing data and the importance of reporting
- potential legislative changes
- the role and aims of the Work‑related Violence Group
- industry‑wide strategies for tackling violence
- the role of body‑worn video and new training resources
- guidance to support and encourage reporting
- conflict avoidance and best‑practice interventions.
Participants will also be able to ask questions and engage directly with the speakers.
What to expect from each session
Given the significance of the subject matter and the range of insightful speakers, the webinar will take place in two parts. The first session, on 05 March, will focus on the scale of the problem and the need for improved reporting, as well as provide an outline of the industry’s strategy to improve the situation.
The second session, on 13 March, will delve deeper into the measures we can implement now, and in the future, to better protect our people and passengers. Both sessions will be free to attend and open to all
Please join us for these important events.
Last updated: 05 February 2026
Simon French CMIOSH
- Job role
- Rail safety consultant