On 3 November 2026, from 14:00 to 16:00 CET, UIC will host a webinar on the topic of suicide prevention, under the slogan “Because Railways Care”.
Suicides on or near railway tracks affect the entire rail sector. Beyond the tragic loss of life, these incidents have a significant impact on safety, operational performance, reputation, costs, and overall efficiency. As they affect society as a whole: railway undertakings, infrastructure managers, employees, passengers, local communities, and families, this issue requires a joint response.
To support knowledge sharing and collaboration on this critical topic, the UIC Trespass and Suicide Prevention Network (TreSP-Network) is organising a dedicated webinar on suicide prevention on and around tracks.
Main topics to be discussed during the webinar:
- What role can railways play?
- What are the approaches that work?
- What changes still need to be implemented?
Suicide remains a major global public health concern. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 727,000 people die by suicide every year worldwide.
In the European Union, suicide on railway premises is categorised separately from railway accidents. Between 2010 and 2024, the annual number of railway suicides remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 2,200 and 2,800 cases per year. The highest number was recorded in 2012, with 2,734 suicides, while 2,357 railway suicides were reported in 2024, representing a slight decrease compared to previous years.
Globally, available studies indicate that suicides involving collisions with trains account for approximately 1% to 12% of all suicides, depending on national circumstances and the extent of rail infrastructure.
These figures are reminders that suicide prevention is both a societal responsibility and a priority for ensuring railway safety. This webinar will be an opportunity for experts and stakeholders to come together to share experiences, discuss effective prevention strategies, and explore opportunities for further cooperation.
Join us to learn, share your experiences, and contribute to increasing safety.
📅 Date: [3 November 2026]
🕒 Time: [14:00–16:00 CET]
📍 Online webinar
The webinar will be interpreted in English, Spanish and French.
Programme in English, Spanish and French available at www.trespad.org.
Register at: https://evenium.events/nt28cwex.
Draft programme
Opening and moderation by Dr Ann Mills, Deputy Director System Safety & Health at Rail Safety & Standards Board (RSSB) Great Britain, Chair of the UIC TreSP-Network and Vice Chair of the UIC Safety Platform.
Introduction
What role can railways play?
- Wendy Orchard, Chief Executive Officer, International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) will introduce the topic
- Gergö Hadlaczky, Associate Professor of Psychology, National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention (NASP), Karolinska Institutet, Sweden. Hadlaczky will present the topic: “Suicide prevention in public spaces: why means-restriction works”
What are the approaches that work?
- Bart Hoogcarspel, Scientist (retired from PRORAIL, Netherlands). Hoogcarspel will present the topic: “Influence factors and interventions in the Netherlands”
- Danielle Eon, Engineering Psychologist, Transportation Human Factors Division, U.S. Department of Transportation, Volpe Center, USA. Eon will present the topic: “Community approach to reduce suicide risk”
- Johan Fredin Knutzén, National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention (NASP), Karolinska Institutet, Sweden. Fredin Knutzén will present the topic: “Designing safer railways to prevent suicide”
- Nils la Cour, Senior Advisor for Safety, Danish State Railways (DSB), Vice Chair of the UIC TRESP-Network. La Cour will present the topic: “Person on the tracks? Real-time alerts to train drivers”
Conclusion: What changes still need to be implemented?
Questions from the chat will be answered both during and after the webinar.
Wrap up.
