Health and safety

Occupational health compliance and good practice

1 March 2017
As part of ORR's strategy to raise awareness on occupational health under our health programme, we will publicise recent cases where formal enforcement action has been taken to secure legal compliance.

Approach to authorisations under the Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2011

5 January 2017
Consultation outcome Following this consultation we have published our policy statement relating to a progressive approach to infrastructure authorisation. Approach to authorisations under the Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2011 22 September 2017 This revised approach will, in some cases, enable applicants to propose grouping together what would currently be separate authorisation

Driver Controlled Operation (DCO)

4 January 2017
The issue of safety relating to the interface between the platform and train and the safe dispatch of trains is an area of focus for the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and the industry.

ORR’s statement on driver only operation

Content archived on 12 May 2025

14 December 2016
An ORR spokesperson said: "Trains with doors operated by drivers (known in the industry as ‘Driver Only Operation’) have been in operation in Great Britain for more than 30 years. ORR has scrutinised this approach, and our inspectors are satisfied that with suitable equipment, proper procedures and competent staff in place, it is a safe method of working."

Rail staff competence

2 November 2016
We have produced detailed guidance on developing and maintaining staff competence.
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