Developing trackwork safety training

All persons involved in trackwork must have the trackwork safety qualification (TURVA). The qualification can be acquired during a one-day training course (7 hours), after which a final examination must be passed. The training includes broad subject matters, such as knowledge of trackwork environment, instructions and regulations; trackwork safety; and response to accidents and incidents. A short course with an emphasis on lectures does not encourage profound learning or changes in attitudes. The investigation concluded that the reasons behind several trackwork incidents involved ignorance or lack of responsibility on the part of the employees. The training should be more comprehensive, dispersed across a longer period of time, and more focused on the responsibility for one's own safety and that of others.

The Finnish Transport Agency will determine stricter minimum requirements for track-work safety training.

As a minimum, the quality and quantity of training must correspond to a high Nordic level. Training should better activate and motivate the participants, in order to provide individuals involved in trackwork with the skills and knowledge required for working on the railways without endangering themselves and others.

All persons involved in trackwork must have the trackwork safety qualification (TURVA). The qualification can be acquired during a one-day training course (7 hours), after which a final examination must be passed. The training includes broad subject matters, such as knowledge of trackwork environment, instructions and regulations; trackwork safety; and response to accidents and incidents. A short course with an emphasis on lectures does not encourage profound learning or changes in attitudes. The investigation concluded that the reasons behind several trackwork incidents involved ignorance or lack of responsibility on the part of the employees. The training should be more comprehensive, dispersed across a longer period of time, and more focused on the responsibility for one's own safety and that of others.