Health and safety

The train, from Newcastle to London King’s Cross, derailed into the path of an oncoming freight train. Ten people lost their lives that day, including the drivers of both trains, and 82 were seriously injured.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the rail regulator, has authorised Northumberland Park Station in North Tyneside, the fifth of six stations to open as part of the Northumberland Line project. Northumberland Park is set to open on Sunday 22 February. Bedlington Station, the final station on the line, is expected to be authorised and open in March 2026.

On World Toilet Day, Richard Hines, ORR's chief inspector of railways, explains the need for industry to deliver on its commitment to improve the provision of welfare facilities for rail workers.

Richard Hines, ORR's chief inspector of railways, and Sally Griffiths, RSSB's professional head of occupational health and safety, talk about the work being done to improve welfare facilities for rail workers.