Why proper track safety is critical for construction companies
If your work takes place on or near railway lines, legal safety regulations must be strictly observed. Even minor errors can have serious consequences – from costly delays to fines or even contract cancellations. In this article, we highlight the five most common track safety mistakes – and how you can avoid them.
Mistake 1: Incomplete planning of safety measures
Common issues
Many companies start work before all safety measures are properly planned and approved. Missing documents or uncoordinated schedules often lead to stoppages or penalties.
- No approved safety plan in place with the infrastructure operator
- Unclear responsibilities on-site
- Lack of safety briefings or site inductions
How to avoid it
- Coordinate early with safety service providers and railway operators
- Create a binding safety plan including personnel and equipment
- Document all safety instructions for involved teams
Mistake 2: Using unqualified personnel
Common issues
Deploying safety personnel without valid qualifications is not just dangerous – it can lead to an immediate work stop if discovered during inspections.
- Expired training certificates
- Missing G 41 medical clearance (fitness for working near railways)
- Lack of real-world experience in trackside operations
How to avoid it
- Only hire certified and accredited security providers
- Regularly check all qualifications and documents
- Request proof of training before deployment
Mistake 3: Poor or missing communication
Common issues
Large construction sites with multiple contractors often suffer from communication breakdowns. This can quickly lead to dangerous situations and delays.
- No clear radio communication structure between safety staff
- Misunderstandings during train alerts
- No coordination between site management and security team
How to avoid it
- Define clear and reliable communication protocols
- Conduct regular safety meetings throughout the project
- Use checklists and radio logs for critical procedures
Mistake 4: Saving money in the wrong places
Common issues
Some companies hire the cheapest service providers – only to pay much more later due to errors, delays or lack of coverage.
- Unreliable or understaffed security teams
- Outdated technology prone to failure
- No support when issues arise
How to avoid it
- Choose experienced, reputable security companies
- Request references from similar past projects
- Remember: real safety = risk mitigation + scheduling reliability
Mistake 5: Lack of documentation and reporting
Common issues
In case of an incident, documentation is key to determining liability and insurance coverage. Missing records can result in high costs and legal trouble.
- No site logbook or track safety documentation
- No photo records of key safety stages
- Incomplete paperwork for inspections or project handovers
How to avoid it
- Use digital documentation tools and apps
- Request daily safety reports from your service provider
- Ensure archiving of all documents according to legal requirements
Conclusion: Cutting corners in track safety can cost you twice
Track safety is not only a legal obligation – it’s a critical factor for the success of your project. With a professional security partner like USM Security GmbH, you avoid costly mistakes, ensure compliance, and keep your timeline intact. Let’s talk before it gets expensive.
Request your consultation today:
info@nopeusm-security.de or call us at +49 6151 / 9145640 – we’ll help make your railway construction site safer and fully compliant.