Risk Assessment of Critical Communication Infrastructure in Railways in Norway

Abstract

This paper discusses the significant findings of a risk assessment of infrastructure used in emergency communication by railways in Norway. The initial risk assessment was performed in 2008 and we have reviewed the results in 2010, documenting mitigating actions and their effect. The development of safety and security culture has also been evaluated. The risk assessment was based on a socio-technical approach, which considers technical, organizational and human factors. Action research was used as a method to improve the risk assessment. Resilience is included, to improve safety, security and quality of service. It is suggested that collaboration supported by the action research approach, has aided in prioritizing key mitigating actions in the face of opposition. One of the identified unwanted incidents occurred in 2010, and this gave credibility to the risk assessment. The risk assessment seems to have sustained the safety and security culture and improved knowledge of emergency response. The resilience of the total system seems to have been improved. It is suggested that exploration of resilience and action research improves the quality and effect of the risk assessment.