Blog

In ORR's latest Annual Rail Health and Safety report, Richard Hines, the new HM Chief Inspector of Railways, says the industry cannot afford to be complacent when faced with the effects of climate change, an increased reliance on maintaining existing infrastructure rather than replacement, and a period of significant change through reform.

As the rail regulator, we have legal duties to contribute to sustainable development, and to consider the railway’s effect on the environment. One of the ways we make sure operators are protecting the environment is through our role in licencing the railway, with a specific environment condition in all railway licences.

We have published new guidance on the application of rail safety regulations to train protection systems, which will support duty holders understand their obligations as they migrate to modern signalling systems.

Today is Earth Day, an annual event to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

Cyber security risks are a real and present risk for the rail industry, with potential safety implications clear. That’s why the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) continues to work with industry to ensure it is properly equipped to assess, prevent and respond to cyber security threats and incidents.

While some engineers work to directly design, develop and oversee projects, engineers at ORR play a slightly different role.

In this article David Ospina shares his experience of moving from an IT role in the private sector to an apprenticeship at ORR.

Tom Hague shares his experience of successfully completing a Business Administration apprenticeship course at ORR.