Reducing Suicide at railway stations

A booklet produced in conjunction with the Rail Safety and Standards Board, designed for Train Operating Companies who want to reduce suicides at stations. The measures suggested are also applicable to any suicide 'hotspot'.

Reducing suicides at railway stations

Each railway suicide is an individual tragedy, but it can also be a cause of trauma amongst employees who witness the event or deal with the aftermath of the incident. Train drivers may be particularly prone to trauma, which can be exacerbated if they have to wait alone before help arrives, or are later made to re-live their experience at an inquest.

The Rail Safety and Standards Board estimates the total cost of suicides (trackside and at stations) to the industry in 2003 was more than £11 million - £61,000 per suicide. This includes delay to trains, lost working time as a result of trauma suffered by staff and the equivalent value of trauma as a minor injury.