Report a rail transportation occurrence

Determine whether the occurrence is reportable

If you wish to report—in complete confidence—an act or condition in the Canadian transportation system that is potentially unsafe but is not a reportable occurrence as defined below, use SECURITAS.

What is a reportable occurrence?

A "railway occurrence" must be reported where

  1. a person is killed or sustains a serious injury as a result of
    1. getting on or off or being on board the rolling stock, or
    2. coming into contact with any part of the rolling stock or its contents;
  2. the rolling stock or its contents
    1. are involved in a collision or derailment,
    2. sustain damage that affects the safe operation of the rolling stock,
    3. cause or sustain a fire or explosion, or
    4. cause damage to the railway that poses a threat to the safe passage of rolling stock or to the safety of any person, property or the environment;
  3. a risk of collision occurs between rolling stock;
  4. an unprotected main track switch or subdivision track switch is left in an abnormal position;
  5. a railway signal displays a less restrictive indication than that requred for the intended movement of rolling stock;
  6. rolling stock occupies a main track or subdivision track, or track work takes place, in contravention of the Rules or any regulations made under the Railway Safety Act;
  7. rolling stock passes a signal indicating stop in contravention of the Rules or any regulations made under the Railway Safety Act;
  8. there is an unplanned and uncontrolled movement of rolling stock;
  9. a crew member whose duties are directly related to the safe operation of the rolling stock is unable to perform their duties as a result of a physical incapacitation which poses a threat to the safety of persons, property or the environment; or
  10. there is an accidental release on board or from a rolling stock consisting of a quantity of dangerous goods or an emission of radiation that is greater than the quantity or emission level specified in Part 8 of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations.

Source: Transportation Safety Board Regulations Section 5(1)

If you wish to report—in complete confidence—another kind of act or condition in the Canadian transportation system that is potentially unsafe, use SECURITAS.

Who needs to report

The operator of the rolling stock, the operator of the track and any crew member that have direct knowledge of the railway occurrence must report railway occurrences.

See Transportation Safety Board Regulations subsection 5(1)

Report the occurrence as soon as possible by the quickest means available

Call direct 819-994-3741 or toll-free 1-800-387-3557 to provide your initial report.

A standby investigator is ready to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Railway occurrence reporting – Contacts

As of 01 February 2016, dial the number for the region where the occurrence took place.

However, if your language of choice is French (regardless of where the occurrence took place), dial the Eastern region number.

Collect calls are accepted.

  • Eastern Region - Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador: +1 819-744-1126 (bilingual service)
  • Central Region - Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan: +1 819-744-1127
  • Western Region - Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories: +1 819-744-1128

Send follow-up reports to

Submit a full report within 30 days of the occurrence

See Transportation Safety Board Regulations subsection 5(1)

Personal information collection statement

All personal information created, held or collected by the TSB is protected under the Privacy Act. This means that you will be informed of the purpose for which it is being collected and how to exercise your right of access to that information. You will be asked for your consent where appropriate.

Public communications

The personal information you include in an inquiry may be used to prepare a reply. The personal information is collected pursuant to the Privacy Act. Such information may be used for statistical, evaluation and reporting purposes. The information is included in the personal information bank PSU 914 - Public communications. The information may be shared with programs and activities of the TSB should your inquiry pertain to a specific program or activity of the agency. In such cases, the information is included in the personal information bank of the program or activity.

The transmission of this information is not secure so sensitive personal information, such as your Social Insurance Number, should not be included in your message.

If after reading this statement, you prefer not to submit your inquiry via the Internet, you may use one of the following methods:

Telephone (toll-free in Canada):
1-800-387-3557
Telephone (outside Canada):
819-994-3741
Mail:
Transportation Safety Board of Canada
200 Promenade du Portage
Place du Centre, 4th floor
Gatineau QC K1A 1K8

Privacy Inquiry

Any questions, comments, concerns or complaints regarding the administration of the Privacy Act and privacy policies may be directed to the departmental Privacy Coordinator by:

Email:
atip.aiprp@bst-tsb.gc.ca
Telephone:
819-994-8003
Mail:
Transportation Safety Board of Canada
200 Promenade du Portage
Place du Centre, 4th floor
Gatineau QC K1A 1K8

If you are not satisfied with our response to your privacy concern, you may wish to contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner by e-mail at info@priv.gc.ca or by telephone at 1-800-282-1376.