The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has started an investigation into an incident last month at St Philips Marsh depot in Bristol when a member of staff was struck by a train.

The incident occurred at around 13:15 on 26 September when a member of staff who was responsible for shunting trains in the depot was struck by a Great Western Railway Class 158 diesel multiple unit train that had just exited from the depot’s main shed. As a result of the accident, the member of staff sustained serious injuries to his lower body and some minor injuries to his upper body and head.

In its investigation, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch will attempt to determine the sequence of events leading up to the accident, and will also consider:

• what were the actions of those involved in the accident, and the factors that may have influenced their actions;
• what processes were in place for train movements inside the depot;
• what processes were in place for the training and competence of staff involved in train movements inside the depot;
• how the risks associated with train movements inside the depot were being managed;
• were there any underlying management factors.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch will publish its findings at the conclusion of its investigation. This will include any recommendations to improve safety and will be available on its website.