Winter Safety on the Railway, Staying Safe During the Festive Period
As we head into the winter period, safety remains a critical focus across the railway industry. While many people slow down over Christmas, the railway continues to operate around the clock, supporting essential travel, freight movements and engineering activity.
Cold temperatures, reduced daylight, ice and severe weather all introduce additional risk, both on and around the railway. Managing these risks effectively relies on good planning, situational awareness and simple, practical safety measures.
Staying safe on and around the railway in winter
Winter conditions can significantly affect rail infrastructure and working environments. Slippery surfaces, poor visibility and frozen equipment increase the likelihood of incidents if not properly managed. Key considerations include:
Allowing extra time for access and egress to sites and depots
Ensuring walkways, steps and access points are kept clear where possible
Remaining vigilant around points, crossings and areas prone to ice build-up
Using appropriate PPE for cold and wet conditions
Clear communication and dynamic risk assessment are particularly important during winter possessions and out-of-hours work, when conditions can change quickly.
Vehicle safety, winter driving matters
Many rail professionals rely on vehicles to access sites, depots and possessions, often during early mornings or late nights. Winter driving introduces additional hazards that should never be underestimated.
Simple but effective precautions include:
Checking tyres, lights, wipers and washer fluid before journeys
Clearing ice and snow fully from windows, mirrors and lights
Allowing extra braking distance and reducing speed in poor conditions
Carrying essentials such as warm clothing, a torch and a charged phone
Planning journeys carefully and avoiding unnecessary risk helps ensure everyone arrives safely, particularly during adverse weather.
Keeping the railway moving over Christmas
The festive period places unique demands on the railway. Passenger services, freight operations and essential engineering works all continue, often with reduced daylight and challenging weather conditions. Maintaining safety standards during this time is vital to keeping the network running reliably.
At OSL Global, we recognise the commitment of those working across the industry over Christmas and throughout the winter months. Safe behaviours, good preparation and a collective responsibility for safety all play a part in ensuring everyone gets home safely.
As winter sets in, taking the time to pause, assess conditions and make informed decisions can make a significant difference. Small actions, taken consistently, help protect people, projects and the railway as a whole.
Need support with rail engineering, safety-critical work or winter resilience planning? Get in touch.
