Trauma Management Framework

TrackSAFE’s Trauma Management Framework provides the basis for a best practice approach to managing trauma in the rail industry.

It is a tragic reality that, in the course of their work, many train drivers and other rail workers will witness or be involved in or attend or clean up after an incident that involves death, injury or near hits on the rail network. 

Beyond the human loss, injury and grief for families and friends connected to the incident, rail and recovery staff may also be severely impacted.  Exposure to a potentially traumatic event of this kind can have a profound and long-term effect on those involved.

Promote best practice

To promote best practice and a uniform approach to trauma management for rail employees, TrackSAFE and Phoenix Australia have developed several resources for use by rail organisations:

• Trauma awareness video
• Trauma Management Framework:
• Coping with trauma training
• Providing support after trauma training
• Mobile resilience app

Rail employees who need assistance managing trauma should contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for their organisation for confidential counselling, their manager or supervisor, their doctor or Lifeline on 13 11 14

Trauma Awareness

Through the experiences of a few rail workers, this video explains the trauma that train drivers and other frontline staff may experience in the course of their work, the support that is available, the critical role of managers and supervisors as well providing some tips for self-care following an incident.

It is ideal for use: as part of an information package explaining one of the risks of the job during the recruitment process, during staff induction, during toolbox talks and supervisor/management training.

Trauma Management Framework

The Trauma Management Framework provides a best practice approach to managing trauma in the rail industry and thereby minimising the risk of adverse mental health outcomes. In consultation with industry, the Framework has been revised, with the latest version released June 2023.

The Framework serves as a platform for developing standards, specifications and associated guidelines and resource materials which rail organisations can embed into their own systems. It can also be used to guide the development of practical trauma policy, procedures and training for managers and supervisors, first responders to incidents and rail employees at highest risk of exposure to potentially traumatic events.

Access the latest Framework, published June, 2023. Print ready version is available here.

Trauma Management Training

From time to time TrackSAFE offers ‘train the trainer’ training against this Framework. Check the Events section of this website for upcoming courses.

Support for members of the public who witness a traumatic event on the rail network

Unfortunately, members of the public sometimes witness an accident that occurs on the rail network. Information about free confidential support and advice is available here.

Rail staff who witness a traumatic incident can receive confidential support from the Employment Assistance Program at your organisation.