Train operators demand more security from SBB

A sad result: three people died in accidents at SBB construction sites at the end of September this year. The other three people were seriously injured. In addition, one person died while maneuvering.

At the beginning of October, SBB boss Vincent Ducrot (60) returned to the 4,000 employees working on and alongside the tracks. Ducrot at the time (as SonntagsBlick reported) “I pointed out that even if you’ve been working near the track for many years, it’s extremely important to never lose sight of and respect for potential hazards.” said.

bahn is enough

But the series of misfortunes does not end. In the past two weeks, four more serious accidents have occurred while working near the tracks. At an SBB construction site in the canton of Neuchâtel, two employees of a third-party company working for SBB were hospitalized within a few days. At AltdorfUR, a technician had to be taken by helicopter to the hospital, suffering severe burns when he touched a power line. And there was a serious accident on the marshalling ground in Biel BE.

Enough of the train operators. They are no longer content with words of sympathy and warning, but demand an immediate meeting with the SBB leadership. This week, the transportation personnel union (SEV) therefore sent a letter to Peter Kummer, 57, head of federal railroad infrastructure. In the letter submitted to SonntagsBlick, staff representatives outline possible causes of security issues.

Third-party companies should be checked

SEV criticizes the often “totally uncontrolled” operation of third-party companies on SBB construction sites, and the leaving “companies with no experience in the rail industry” on and off the rails with little specification.

Unionists are therefore calling for an “immediate review” of tenders and awards on security issues. “For example, companies that do not have their own qualified personnel or experience in the relevant railway sector cannot take orders,” the letter states.

Rail operators also criticize the continued coverage of SBB employees with additional systems, work equipment, processes and forms. “The important and unimportant things are getting blurred,” writes SEV. And more: “We assume that the current situation may affect attention to safety.”

SBB is ready to talk

As a result, trade unionists are demanding a crisis meeting with those responsible at SBB. “It’s not about blaming, it’s about increasing the safety of all colleagues as soon as possible.”

When asked about SonntagsBlick’s letter, SBB is ready to speak: “We will meet with SEV on November 1, 2022 and will also discuss the contents of the letter we received,” writes the press office.

However, the company categorically denies the accusation that SBB has failed to meet its obligations to third-party companies. “We invest heavily in the safety of our construction sites.” In addition, it is in the process of further training and refining staff, including staff from third-party companies. SBB explains the accumulation of accidents by the fact that they are currently building a lot.

Such statements are no longer sufficient for trade unionists. “It can’t go on like this,” says Urs Huber (60), head of infrastructure at SEV. After all the terrible events, one cannot go back to work as usual.