Safety and Security

Safety and security is a prime area of mutual concern for communities and the railway industry. Safety is crucial in all facets of daily rail operations and railways work according to stringent standards and rules to ensure the safety of the public at all times. The federal regulatory body Transport Canada oversees the safety of railways under federal jurisdiction. The railways themselves have self-imposed mechanisms for integrating regulatory aspects of safety into their day-to-day operations. Other federal agencies also play a role, such as the Transportation Safety Board which is responsible for investigating railway accidents, collecting related data and reporting upon their findings. Provincially regulated railways have similar regimes in place. Most railway safety issues involving the public revolve around highway-railway crossings, trespassing on railway property, train accidents, dangerous goods and security measures.