Close Call

A Close Call is defined as anything that has the potential to cause harm or damage.

This includes the potential to:

  • Harm a person including minor, major injuries, and fatalities
  • Harm the environment and/or protected species
  • Damage railway infrastructure, plant, vehicles, tools, equipment, systems and information

Watch the close call video below:

 

 

What’s the difference between a Close Call and an incident?

A Close Call is something that could happen, whereas an incident has already taken place.

For example, if a trip hazard is spotted it can be reported as a Close Call because someone could trip over it. If someone actually trips because of the hazard, it is then classed as an incident.

What to do if you see a Close Call

Safety is everyone’s responsibility, if you see something that could cause harm or damage follow these three steps:

  • Recognise – Could it cause harm or damage?
  • Respond – What can you do?
    • Fix the situation, if you can do so safely – then report it
    • Always challenge unsafe behaviour – then report it
    • Inform others around you so they are aware of any risk.
  • Report – Always report Close Calls

 

 

 

 

Reporting a Close Call 

Reporting Close Calls means that we can remove immediate risks and understand strategically where we need to make improvements by identifying areas of high risk and taking steps to prevent more serious incidents from occurring.

All Close Calls under Network Rail’s area of responsibility, along with Close Calls bulk uploaded onto RSSB’s System for Principal Contractors and Suppliers, will make their way to the Close Call System for industry analysis.

To ensure that timely action is taken to address any risks identified, the first step is to decide which is the most appropriate channel for you to report your Close Call.

Please note from 27 Feb 2024, the Close Call Telephone Helpdesk will no longer operate.

Please see below for the options available.

 

I’m working on railway infrastructure, in a Network Rail building, or travelling on Network Rail business

Internal Network Rail staff:

Report via the Network Rail “Safety Events” mobile app
Graphic representing a mobile screen with the title 'Safety Events'

  • The app should automatically be available on your mobile device (from 27 Feb 24)
  • If you do not have access to a mobile device, report via desktop option below
  • Any issues with accessing the app, please email safertyreportingsystem@networkrail.co.uk

Report via the “Safety Events” Desktop version

Network Rail users who do not have access to Network Rail mobile devices, can report Close Calls from laptop/desktop devices by using the Webform Safety Events Desktop version.

Safety Events Reporters (desktop) for Network Rail users

 

External Users raising Close Calls to NR:

Close Calls requiring Network Rail attention to resolve must be reported through our Close Call webform

Please continue to access this webform to raise close calls. A new version will be launched for external users toward the end of March 24 and you will receive communication on the new URL shortly.

Close Call Report (oncreate.app) for external users

 

I’m working on railway infrastructure managed by a Principal Contractor

Users must report Close Calls via the contractor Close Call system

Details should be given in site induction, if in doubt, speak to your supervisor or Health & Safety Representative.

For those contractors who currently submit resolved close calls in bulk to Network Rail, please continue using the existing process. A new email address will be launched to submit your spreadsheet to toward the end of March 24 and you will receive communication on this shortly.

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