Safety Days 2026: Preventing collisions between machinery and pedestrians – a top priority on railway construction sites
To mark Safety Days 2026, the ETF is taking action to highlight a major rail safety issue: the risk of collisions between machinery and pedestrians on construction sites. In a confined environment, often at night and whilst the line is partially in operation, the coexistence of staff and machinery represents one of the most critical hazards in railway works.
Every year, accidents involving the movement of machinery rank among the most serious incidents in the construction industry. Across VINCI Construction, accidents involving machinery, vehicles and pedestrians have caused 16 deaths over a three-year period, serving as a stark reminder that no one is immune and that vigilance must be collective and constant.
Railway works: an environment with a high risk of collision
On a railway construction site, visibility and distances are often limited, and production pressures are high. A rail-road excavator travelling at just 5 km/h can cover nearly 3 metres in 2 seconds, whilst the driver’s blind spots mean that much of their surroundings are invisible. Even at low speeds, the danger is very real.
Contrary to popular belief, relying on a driver’s reflexes is not enough: at 15 km/h, an average reaction time of one second already equates to a distance of more than 4 metres. Under these circumstances, a simple, poorly anticipated overtaking manoeuvre can have tragic consequences.
Lorry drivers, safe routes and travel arrangements: vital safeguards
At ETF, the prevention of collisions between machinery and pedestrians relies on the rigorous organisation of movements and strict traffic management. The presence of lorry marshals or traffic marshals – the site’s watchful eyes – is essential for monitoring the movements of machinery, guiding drivers and securing work areas.
Safety briefings before work begins, restricted areas around machinery, appropriate signage and strict adherence to instructions are all measures that save lives.
Essential advance preparation to minimise risks
Prevention begins well before arrival on site. Analysis of high-risk phases, a machinery movement plan, a clear allocation of roles, and a systematic safety briefing: every step is designed to minimise dangerous situations where multiple activities are taking place simultaneously.
During critical phases – such as lifting, heavy handling and the movement of machinery in confined spaces – ETF’s teams adapt and reinforce their personnel and equipment to ensure complete control of the working environment.
We’re all affected, we’re all taking action
Safety Days 2026 provide an opportunity to reiterate a fundamental principle: safety can never be taken for granted. The risk of collisions between machinery and pedestrians affects all roles, regardless of experience or position. Anticipating risks, following instructions, looking around you and raising the alarm are simple but vital reflexes.
Through this week dedicated to prevention, ETF reaffirms its ambition: zero serious accidents is an achievable goal, provided that everyone takes responsibility for their own safety and that of others.