In the last Life Solved episode of season 9, Dr Mike Esbester explains how a growing historical database of railway accidents, going back over 150 years, could create safer journeys and be a useful resource for those exploring their family’s past.
External Audio
Railway Safety Back On Track ft. Dr Mike Esbester
The railways are part of our country’s heritage – and for many of us, a regular part of our lives. What can we learn from the past to ensure train travel is safer than ever in the 21st century?
In the last episode in the current series of Life Solved, Dr Mike Esbester explains how a growing historical database of railway accidents, going back over 150 years, could create safer journeys and be a useful resource for those exploring their family’s past.
With 21,000 cases documented so far, the Railway Work, Life And Death Project reveal how staffing levels have changed over the years and how passenger and employee safety is addressed today, compared to the approaches of old.
The project is particularly timely as current-day rail union members have held industrial action in 2022, citing – amongst other things - concerns over staffing levels. And whilst advanced technology is increasingly available, can decades-old records of accidents inform today’s safety procedures?
You can find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-projects
More episodes from season 9...
Exploring Shipwrecks in UK Waters ft. Dr Ann Coats
In the latest episode of Life Solved, Dr Ann Coats takes us through a cutting-edge project to investigate shipwrecks around the UK coastline and reveal more about our maritime past.
Using Extreme Environments To Tackle The Obesity Crisis ft. Dr Ant Shepherd
In the latest episode of Life Solved, Dr Ant Shepherd takes us through a unique project to investigate how altitude and temperature could be of benefit to millions of people in the UK.
