Signed by Chairman Rovshan Rustamov, this Safety Statement underscores a comprehensive policy developed in line with international standards to ensure safety and compliance with all security obligations.
Safety Statement
Safety is the core value of Azerbaijan Railways. We are committed to ensuring the safe travel of every passenger, the secure transport of every cargo, strict adherence to safety protocols by all employees, and the safe execution of every operation.
To achieve this commitment, the company prioritizes the safety of its employees and passengers by conducting rigorous training programs focused on technical safety and strict adherence to safety protocols in all operations. Comprehensive risk assessments are conducted to identify and mitigate potential hazards, and management procedures are implemented accordingly.
In today’s complex and constantly evolving railway environment, fulfilling safety obligations is paramount. We strengthen our safety management system to meet all legal requirements related to safety, health, and environmental management.
By allocating adequate resources to continually enhance this safety management system, we take appropriate measures to eliminate risks that could lead to injuries, fatalities, property damage, or adverse impacts on our customers and the environment. Every employee involved in safety operations is responsible for sharing their knowledge and experience to help prevent workplace accidents, regardless of their position.
OUR GOALS
- Implement all necessary measures in compliance with relevant legal requirements regarding safety.
- Identify, monitor, and assess significant risks, implementing preventive measures based on the findings.
- Prevent accidents and safety incidents.
- Minimize losses arising from property and equipment damage, fires, and security breaches.
- Operate assets in full alignment with existing legislative requirements.
- Provide training, guidance, and information to maintain a high level of competence within Azerbaijan Railways.
- Ensure the necessary resources are allocated for the continuous improvement of the safety management system.
"Safety Week" Campaign
One of AR's core values is safety, so starting in 2024, a "Safety Week" will be declared every month to emphasize this.
As part of this campaign:
- training will be conducted in schools located near the railway.
- awareness-raising activities will be carried out with farmers near the railway.
- information about safety measures and external interventions in the railways will be disseminated through social media.
The goal is to reduce accidents, external interventions, and other harmful incidents to zero.
Safety of Operations
Azerbaijan Railways consistently implements measures to ensure a safe environment for individuals near railway areas. Road crossings, pedestrian bridges, tunnels, and warning signal systems are installed, while high-risk areas are fenced for added security.
To enhance the safety of train operations along the Absheron circular line, Azerbaijan Railways has constructed 12 underground automobile tunnels and 25 pedestrian crossings (both underground and above-ground). Additionally, the railway, communication, and signaling systems have been upgraded, and 110 kilometers of track are now secured with stone and metal fencing.
Rules for safe behavior around railway transport can be accessed through the following link.
Azerbaijan Railways maintains operational safety through the use of advanced equipment, cutting-edge technology, and innovative programs. This technology enables routine checks of leading lines, which are inspected at least once a month.
External Interventions
External interventions pose a significant risk to the safety of railway operations. In 2023, train drivers had to apply emergency brakes 19 times due to unexpected individuals appearing on the tracks, resulting in 9 fatalities and 7 injuries.
In the first nine months of 2024, 14 such incidents occurred, leading to 9 fatalities and 5 injuries.
In 2023, there were 29 recorded collisions caused by vehicles violating regulations and crossing train paths. These incidents resulted in 5 fatalities and 9 injuries.
In the first nine months of 2024, 20 collision incidents occurred, leading to 1 fatality and 3 injuries.
Continuous Organization of Railway Protection
The Security Department of Azerbaijan Railways is responsible for safeguarding administrative buildings, warehouses, auxiliary areas, property, and railway routes.
Azerbaijan Railways monitors compliance with internal regulations and manages access control for all its facilities.
Fire prevention patrols are conducted in designated areas and along railway tracks, with fire trains deployed to extinguish any fires that arise.
Health and Safety
Azerbaijan Railways implements comprehensive measures to protect the health and safety of its employees, stations, facilities, and assets, ensuring a safe environment for operations and the wellbeing of its workforce.
The Health and Safety Department within Azerbaijan Railways conducts regular training exercises as part of the company’s annual safety action plan. This department ensures a secure work environment by maintaining protection facilities, promoting safety awareness, and coordinating effective evacuation procedures to safeguard employees.
Special trains operated by Azerbaijan Railways are equipped to combat fires both on and near railway lines. Currently, 10 fire protection trains are outfitted with water pumping stations and other modern equipment, with plans to expand their presence across various regions of the country.
Additionally, the Emergency Situations Train Administration is responsible for managing and mitigating the aftermath of train-related accidents. The administration is equipped with 6 emergency response trains, 10 railway cranes, 2 truck cranes, 5 excavators, various types of tractors, dump trucks, and other essential equipment.
