Our monthly risk reduction series explores how geofencing technology can help mitigate specific safety incidents in the railway industry, offering practical insights and strategies for creating safer and more efficient work environments. In this edition, we cover how geofencing can be used in place of physical marker boards to support possession management and mitigate the risks to track workers.
Worksite Marker Boards (WSMBs) are a crucial element of possession management, providing demarcation of worksites for On-Track Plant (OTP), On-Track Machinery (OTM), and Engineering Haulage. However, incorrect placement or failure to remove them poses safety risks to teams and can disrupt operational services.
The challenges involved with physical WSMBs
Currently, WSMBs are placed at worksite limits to signify the safe work area and provide an indication of an upcoming worksite to drivers. While this method has long been standard practice, it is vulnerable to human error. Incorrect placement can lead to confusion over the exact limits of a possession or worksite, potentially resulting in unsafe deviations onto live lines. Likewise, failure to remove boards after work is complete can cause delays and in some cases, damage to operational services.
Environmental factors such as adverse weather conditions, or dead batteries at night can also make physical boards difficult to see, further increasing the risk of misinterpretation.
Furthermore, there is a risk to track workers having to place boards on the infrastructure, walking very close to live railway lines. Again, external factors like poor visibility, as well as human error and loss of situational awareness, can enhance this danger and pose a real threat to workers should they unintentionally stray towards open lines.
The benefits of virtual worksite marker boards
Virtual worksite marker boards (VWSMBs) use geofencing technology to define worksite limits digitally, providing multiple benefits over their physical counterparts.
OTM, OTP and Haulage require a way of understanding when they are approaching the limits of a worksite and so, instead of WSMBs, in-cab geofencing devices can be fitted. This system allows operators to accurately detect when they are approaching worksite limits, replacing physical marker boards with a modern and reliable digital solution.
How it works
1. Worksite limits are mapped with geofencing on a product-approved online Dashboard. This uses Network Rail ELR, miles and chain data.
2. In-cab geofencing devices notify the driver /operator or Machine Controller (MC) when they are approaching the worksite limits via audible and visual alerts.
Watch the video to learn more:
Key takeaways:
- Removing the need to place WSMBs eliminates the risk of incorrect placement and/or non-removal.
- Increased locational and situational awareness for staff involved in the worksite.
- Reduced time to take a worksite, enabling more productive time within a possession time.
- Enabling staff to perform other duties by reducing their time required to set up worksites.
- Up to 30% efficiency gains from not having to place and recover boards
Support from Network Rail
The shift to virtual marker boards has recently received approval for a deviation to the Rail Industry Rule Book. Granted by RSSB's Traffic Operation and Management Standards Committee, this deviation allows VWSMBs to be tested in a live rail environment without the need for physical WSMBs in OTP only worksites
Network Rail’s Technical Authority has been working with Tended to complete successful testing of the technology. This marks a critical step towards the digital future of possession management and demonstrates how geofencing can deliver both safety and efficiency benefits to Network Rail and its contractors, supporting the railway industry’s dedication to safety innovation and continuous improvement. There are many further upcoming developments in the programme to deliver the solution for VWSMB, including the agreement and testing of the methodology for OTM and Engineering Haulage.
Want to see how virtual worksite marker boards can transform your possession management? Get in touch with us to learn more.
