Background

In order to effectively meet the challenges of improving Australia's rail safety record in a complex climate of advancing technology, increasingly rapid turnover of staff, and increased competition, significant investment in advanced safety training is necessary.

Objective

A recent report prepared for the Australasian Railway Association (Hawke, 2008) mapped out the key competencies required by a rail safety manager and identified gaps in the current provision of training for rail safety managers. This project responds to the identified need through the development of a dedicated post-graduate coursework program in Rail Safety Management.

Outcomes

The project will develop a standardised and comprehensive safety management curriculum that will be developed in close conjunction with industry and university partners. It will take the form of a postgraduate level program in Safety Management.

Benefits

It is expected that once the program is established, the industry will provide 20 participants in the program per year. Greater industry safety management awareness will add to productivity and safety, and enable industry personnel to make a more effective evaluation of the risk of current and future operations.