On 3 November 2026, from 14:00 to 16:00 CET, experts from across the international railway community gathered for a webinar dedicated to trespass and suicide prevention. The event focused on three key questions: What role can railways play? What approaches have proven effective? And what changes still need to be implemented to further improve safety outcomes?
The webinar was opened and moderated by Dr Ann Mills, Deputy Director System Safety & Health at the Rail Safety & Standards Board (RSSB) of Great Britain, Chair of the UIC Trespass and Suicide Prevention Network (TreSP-Network), Vice Chair of the UIC Safety Platform. Simultaneous interpretation was also provided in English, French, and Spanish.
The webinar aimed to address the role railways can play in suicide prevention, highlight effective interventions, and discuss future needs, with experts sharing research, practical solutions, and discussing emerging technologies, with a focus on cross-sector cooperation and continuous innovation in railway suicide prevention.
Global and rail-specific suicide-related issues
- Wendy Orchard, CEO, International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)discussed global suicide data, the importance of reducing stigma, and emphasised that restricting access to means, such as railways, is a key prevention method.
- Dr. Gergö Hadlaczky Associate Professor, Psychology, National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention (NASP), Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, covered why means restriction works, highlighting that suicidal crises are often brief and that preventing access to common suicide locations (like train tracks) saves lives, especially alongside care and support.
Effective interventions in practice
- Bart Hoogcarspel Scientist, retired from ProRail, Netherlands, explained the factors influencing railway suicides in the Netherlands and reviewed evidence-based physical and organisational work undertaken.
- Danielle Eon, Engineering Psychologist, Transportation Human Factors Division, U.S. Department of Transportation, Volpe Center, discussed community-based approaches, emphasising the importance of stakeholder cooperation, improved data and information sharing, as well as better support and training courses for railway staff and first responders.
- Johan Fredin Knutzén, National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention (NASP), Karolinska Institutet, presented the Swedish pilot research on measures such as fencing and blue-light interventions, assessing their impact and relevance for suicide prevention in the context of rail.
- Nils La Cour, Senior advisor Safety, Danish State Railways (DSB), Denmark and Vice-Chair of the UIC TreSP-Network, introduced a real-time alert system developed in Denmark that warns train drivers instantly when people are detected on the tracks, which has already prevented incidents.
Why railways must be part of the answer
The key takeaway is that railways have a critical role to play in suicide prevention:
- First, because railways are one of the environments where these tragedies occur. Many incidents take place on railway infrastructure that is designed, built, operated, and maintained by the railway sector. This gives railways a direct opportunity to influence outcomes and reduce risks.
- Second, because prevention works. Restricting access to the means of suicide is one of the most effective measures recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Measures such as fencing, platform screen doors, improved lighting, CCTV, and the targeted management of common suicide locations can reduce opportunities for harm. As suicidal crises are often short-lived, delaying or interrupting an attempt can create a vital opportunity for intervention and save lives.
- Third, because railway people are affected. Train drivers, station staff, emergency responders and others who witness these events can experience significant and lasting psychological trauma. Providing protection, support, and appropriate aftercare is an important responsibility for railway organisations.
- Fourth, because the consequences extend beyond the immediate tragedy. Such incidents can lead to major service disruption, delays for thousands of passengers, and substantial operational and financial impacts across the railway system.
- Finally, because railways are uniquely positioned to intervene. Railway staff and passengers are often present at the right time to recognise signs of distress and respond. With appropriate awareness and training, staff can identify people who may be at risk, interact with them safely, and help connect them with support. Experience from railway suicide prevention programmes around the world has shown that timely interventions can and do save lives.
Railways cannot solve this complex societal issue alone, but neither can they idly stand by. Effective prevention requires cooperation across the sector and beyond, bringing together railway undertakings, infrastructure managers, public health authorities, police, charities, researchers, and other stakeholders to create safer environments and reduce loss of life.
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