Health and Safety for Train Stations

Rail transport is the most heavily relied upon means of transport by most European countries. This is so owing to the fact that it is the most convenient means of transport with hardly any delays and no traffic jams. Heavy reliance of this means of transport by the public, therefore, makes the health and safety of train stations a priority for all companies that provide rail transport services.

One might think that the safety of passengers at train stations is their sole responsibility. This ranges from crossing rail tracks and looking out for passing trains to ensuring the safety of their luggage in the trains while on transit. This notion however, would only work against the well-being of most passengers especially the elderly and physically handicapped. Consequentially, efforts have been made to make train stations safe for every user without necessarily leaving that responsibility solely to the passengers.

Construction of subways has gone a long way in minimizing railway accidents as pedestrians and motorists can cross the railroads undeterred by passing trains. Bridges are equally effective and they have and continue being erected in places where the railway occurs on the surface. 

Construction of standard platforms cannot be overlooked as a safety precaution. In the pioneering years of rail transport passengers were forced to climb up trains using portable steps or staff employed at the train stations. This posed a great danger especially to the elderly but the good news is that those days are long gone. Platform designs have been adjusted tremendously to favor safe boarding and alighting of trains by passengers. Today it is observed that the platforms are raised high enough to be at the same level with trains and as close as possible to the trains to bridge gaps that might otherwise cause accidents.

Platforms designed to be at the same level with trains also facilitate easier loading and offloading of trains. They should also be made to provide a wide range of view for the passengers to be in a position to read signs.

The health and safety of train stations should by all means define safe and alternative emergency options. The first area for consideration is the entrances and exits which should be wide enough to allow passengers to comfortably access or exit the stations even in the event of an emergency without stampedes. The manner in which doors at train stations open is recommended to be both ways as emergency situations might require crowds in or out of the stations and doors that open both ways pose the lowest risk of accidents occurring.

After a long ride on a train it's only natural to require a restroom facility. Unfortunately it has been difficult to provide toilet facilities due to the difficulty in maintenance as most users are reckless and render the restrooms unfit for use.