Watchlist 2014
The mandate of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is to advance transportation safety, and the Watchlist is one of its key tools. By making public the list of those issues posing the greatest risk to Canada's transportation system, the TSB aims to focus the attention of industry and regulators on the problems that need addressing today.
The eight issues on this list are supported by hundreds of investigation reports, safety concerns, and Board recommendations. In each case, the TSB has determined that action taken to date is insufficient and more needs to be done to eliminate the risks.
There are ongoing challenges facing Canada's transportation system. With compelling arguments supporting the Watchlist issues, the TSB expects the regulator and industry to make significant progress in tackling these challenges. And as advancements are made, and the risks are either eliminated or substantially reduced, future versions of the Watchlist will evolve. Until then, Canadians can be sure that the TSB will continue to push for increased safety along the country's waterways, on its pipelines and railroads, and in the sky
Multi-modal
Safety management and oversight
Some transportation companies are not effectively managing their safety risks, and Transport Canada oversight and intervention has not always proven effective at changing companies’ unsafe operating practices.
Air
Approach-and-landing accidents
Landing accidents continue to occur at Canadian airports.
Risk of collisions on runways
There is an ongoing risk of aircraft colliding with vehicles or other aircraft on the ground at Canadian airports.
Marine
Loss of life on fishing vessels
The number of accidents involving loss of life on fishing vessels remains too high.
Rail
Railway crossing safety
The risk of trains and vehicles colliding at crossings remains too high.
Transportation of flammable liquids by rail
The increase in the transportation of flammable liquids—such as crude oil—by rail across North America has created emerging risks that need to be effectively mitigated.
Following railway signal indications
There is a risk of a serious train collision or derailment if railway signals are not consistently recognized and followed.
On-board video and voice recorders
With no requirement for on-board video and voice recorders on locomotives, key information to advance railway safety may not always be available.