近江鉄道株式会社

Between September 12 and 14, 2022, the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism conducted a safety audit of Omi Railway Co., Ltd. (法人番号1160001008109, headquartered in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture). The audit found issues requiring corrective action, including that in July 2021, a mental function test (Crepin) for technical staff was misjudged by the deputy of the track maintenance section, despite not meeting the qualification standards specified in Article 8 of the Railway Department's suitability test implementation guidelines. As a result, personnel who failed the test continued to perform safety-related duties without re-examination as prescribed by Article 7. Additionally, management did not properly oversee the test results, failing to fulfill responsibilities outlined in Article 9, Paragraph 2, Item 5, and Article 32, Paragraph 2, of the safety management regulations. The company was instructed to promptly conduct mental function tests on the deputy, confirm their suitability for duty, and reinforce management responsibilities. Furthermore, the transportation department responsible for conducting and judging the tests was advised to provide education to the examiners and establish a system in coordination with the engineering department to ensure proper implementation of mental function tests. The company must report on the corrective measures by December 6, 2022.

Omi Railway Co., Ltd. was subject to administrative guidance by the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism on April 22, 2022, following a train derailment at Takamiya Station on February 7, 2022. The incident is under investigation by the Transport Safety Committee, but initial reports suggest that track gauge expansion due to poor rail fastening may have contributed. Safety audits on February 21 and 22, 2022, revealed that regular track inspections and emergency sleeper inspections showed inconsistencies in the assessment of rail fastening conditions. The inspection procedures lacked clear criteria and methods, such as visual checks, tapping, and tactile inspections, which were not explicitly defined in the inspection manuals. The company was instructed to revise the inspection manuals to specify inspection points, methods, and judgment criteria, and to ensure proper management and compliance with relevant regulations. Additionally, staff responsible for facility maintenance were found to lack proper training regarding rail fastening inspections, as the manuals did not clearly define inspection points, methods, or judgment criteria. The company was advised to improve staff education and review inspection practices across all related inspections to prevent recurrence and ensure safety.