Risk of work on the train: Human life on the route

Risk of work on the train: Human life on the route

Deutsche Bahn is the focus of a worrying topic: Tagic and fatal work accidents are repeatedly done on the track, which not only shake the families concerned, but also raise questions about security and management within the company. A recently published documentary from ZDF shows the frightening circumstances that lead to these accidents, and reveals a worrying truth: there is often a lack of adequate securing of jobs on the tracks.

The report "Death on the track. Accidents of work on the railway" by Tonja Pölitz addresses two fatal incidents from September 2023, in which those responsible for Deutsche Bahn still do not comment. On September 8, 19-year-old Simon Hedemann, a trainee, was recorded in Hanover by a freight train. His parents, who have their say in the film, complain that the railway has not made an explanation for the incident. Another fatal accident occurred only three days later when the 33-year-old turnout Ali Ceyhan was hit by a train at Cologne's S-Bahnhof, which led to his early death.

always fatal incidents

The security situation on the tracks of Deutsche Bahn is alarming. Between January 2023 and January 2024 there were at least twelve fatal work accidents, but it is believed that the actual number is much higher, since many incidents are not documented or considered unimportant. A train employee expresses this in the film and emphasizes that systematically accidents are dismissed as human failure instead of questioning the underlying system.

The film shows not only the tragedies, but also the experience of rail staff who work under pressure, while security standards are often ignored. The overhang of responsibility and inadequacies of the security precautions push the workers offside. In one case, the track closure during work was not carried out, which is described as everyday by a train driver.

The number of accidents could be greatly reduced by corresponding measures, but it seems as if the Deutsche Bahn stays idle in its efforts. Reports from anonymous employees find that there are too many work practices that are too security. An employee reports on several risky situations a day, which reveals the worrying conditions under which the workers have to carry out their tasks.

lack of responsibility and transparency

The reaction of the authorities to these accidents is also frightening. The Federal Railway Authority and other institutions seem to show a worrying indifference to the incidents, which leaves the relatives and those affected in their grief and search for justice. One example is the reaction to Simon Hedemann's fatal accident. Almost a year later there are no further investigations, and the families of the deceased ask what kind of society this is that ignores such incidents.

The demands for a comprehensive examination and fundamental changes in the security culture of Deutsche Bahn are louder. There is a growing movement within the train employees who organized itself through the Action Committee Bahn to denounce abuses and to offer support to the colleagues concerned. This initiative illustrates that many employees are willing to fight for their security and that of their colleagues.

Responsibility for security often seems to be passed on to the employees, while decisions are made by higher places without taking into account the actual events on the tracks. A worker describes that safety regulations are almost never followed and that one is often forced to work under dangerous conditions.

The serious problems and incidents at Deutsche Bahn throw a shadow on the entire industry, and many are now demanding faster and more effective measures to protect the life of the workers. It is clear that the current strategies in rail operations have to be reconsidered to ensure security and prevent tragic accidents in the future.