Risk mitigation at train stations: underlying causes of slips, trips, and falls for passengers with reduced mobility

Abstract

Slips, trips, and falls (STFs) occur frequently at train stations and on trains, and result in passengers injuries. STFs underlying causes focussing on passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) were investigated. Mixed methods combining observation and retrospective interviews were used. Thirty-seven participants between 24 and 87 years of age completed the protocol. They navigated between three selected stations while wearing the Tobii eye tracker. In retrospective interviews, they were asked to explain their actions in selected video segments. The research identified the dominant risky locations and risk-taking behaviour in risky locations. For example: (i) risky locations were the vicinity of obstacles, (ii) risky behaviour was not looking at the gap between the platform and train. The dominant risky locations and behaviours could be considered as underlying causes of slips, trips, and falls for PRMs. They can be applied during planning and design of rail infrastructure to predict and mitigate STFs. Practitioner summary: A significant number of slips, trips, and falls (STFs) occurs at railway stations, and often result in personal injury. This research identified the dominant risky locations and behaviour as underlying causes of STFs for people with reduced mobility (PRMs). The recommendations presented could be implemented to mitigate such risk.