Module 1: Introduction to Rail Safety Investigations (20 minutes)
– Welcome and Overview
– Course objectives and goals
– Why investigation is vital for rail safety
– Importance of Incident and Accident Investigation in Rail Safety
– Role in identifying safety hazards
– Preventing future occurrences and improving safety measures

Module 2: Understanding National Rail Safety Law (20 minutes)
– Overview of Saudi Arabia’s National Rail Safety Law
– Key provisions of the law
– Responsibilities of railway operators and regulatory bodies
– Key Provisions and Responsibilities
– Legal obligations for conducting investigations after rail incidents and accidents

Module 3: RISSB Code of Practice for Rail Safety Investigations (20 minutes)
– Introduction to the RISSB Code of Practice
– The role of RISSB in rail safety investigations
– Purpose of the Code of Practice
– How the Code Aligns with National Regulations
– Compatibility between RISSB guidelines and national safety regulations

Module 4: Introduction to the Contributing Factors Framework (20 minutes)
– Understanding the Framework and Its Relevance in Investigations
– Importance of the Contributing Factors Framework in understanding the root causes
– Identifying human, technical, organizational, and environmental factors
– Case Study Analysis of Past Rail Incidents
– Applying the framework to analyze historical rail incidents

Module 5: Overview of Rail Safety Occurrences (20 minutes)
– Types of Rail Safety Occurrences
– Definitions and classifications: incidents, accidents, and near misses
– How these classifications affect investigation priorities
– Basic Terminology and Classification
– Terminology used in rail investigations: root cause, contributing factors, causal chain

Module 6: Investigation Process and Methodology (35 minutes)
– The Overall Process of Rail Safety Investigations
– Step-by-step guide to conducting an investigation: from initial notification to final report
– Roles and responsibilities within the investigation team
– Introduction to Standard Methods of Investigation
– Overview of methods like Fishbone Diagram, 5 Whys, and Fault Tree Analysis
– How to apply these tools to identify causes
– Introduction to Tools and Technologies in Rail Investigations
– Tools and technologies for evidence collection and analysis: data logs, black boxes, simulation software.

Module 7: Gathering and Analyzing Evidence (30 minutes)
– Techniques for Collecting Physical and Digital Evidence
– Collecting physical evidence (train components, track conditions)
– Collecting and securing digital evidence (data logs, CCTV footage)
– How to Handle and Preserve Evidence for Analysis
– Chain of custody and legal requirements for evidence preservation
– Case Study Exercise
– Participants investigate a simulated rail incident
– Group discussion on evidence gathering strategies and initial findings

Module 8: Root Cause Analysis and Report Writing (20 minutes)
– Identifying Root Causes of Rail Safety Occurrences
– Methods for root cause analysis using tools like Fishbone Diagram, 5 Whys, and Fault Tree Analysis
– Identifying direct and systemic causes of incidents
– Addressing Absence of Specific Evidence
– Handling situations where key evidence is missing or inaccessible
– How to document and justify the absence of evidence
– Report Writing Essentials
– Structure and components of an investigation report: Executive Summary, Methodology, Findings and Recommendations
– Ensuring clarity and objectivity in reporting

Module 9: Integrating Evidence and Privacy Protection (20 minutes)
– Integrating Different Sources of Evidence
– Combining physical evidence, witness statements, and digital data into a cohesive report
– Techniques for cross-referencing and corroborating evidence
– Case Study Exercise
– Participants integrate different evidence types into a mock investigation report
– Protecting Participant Privacy
– Best practices for redacting sensitive information
– Legal and ethical considerations for privacy in investigations
– Hands-on Redaction Exercise
– Participants practice redacting personal and confidential information from sample reports

Final Session: Finalization and Presentation of Investigation Reports (20 minutes)
– Finalizing the Investigation Report
– Review and editing techniques for a polished report
– Ensuring consistency, clarity, and completeness in the final version
– Peer Review Exercise
– Participants exchange and review investigation reports
– Provide constructive feedback to each other
– Presentation of Investigation Findings
– Participants present their finalized reports to the group
– Group discussion and critique of each report’s clarity, objectivity, and completeness

Course Wrap-Up and Q&A (15 minutes)
– Recap of Key Learning Points
– Summary of the investigation process, methodologies, and report writing skills
– Final Q&A
– Open floor for questions and clarifications
– Closing Remarks
– Emphasizing the importance of thorough and objective rail safety investigations
– Encouraging continuous learning and improvement in investigation practices