RAILWAY workers could be subjected to new rules on the use of lookouts following a near miss in Lancashire.

Nine workers had a brush with death after a passenger train sped past them at almost 100mph as they were repairing a section of the West Coast Main Line.

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An investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) found the incident was caused largely by human error.

As a result of its investigation, the RAIB has made two recommendations to Network Rail, covering the management of working time for tasks which depend on vigilance and the circumstances in which a lookout-operated warning system (Lows) should be used in East Lancashire.

The group was working on a bend with a restricted view and relied on warnings of any approaching trains over a radio from lookout colleagues who had a clearer view of the track.

But all nine had to jump clear of the approaching Edinburgh to Manchester Airport train as it hurtled past them at 98mph.

Some staff were unable to reach a safe position and had to press themselves against a bridge parapet.

The RAIB said: “The incident was caused because a lookout did not give a warning. It is probable that the lookout’s vigilance had degraded as he had been working continuously for almost two hours.”

The incident happened on September 22 when staff were packing ballast under sleepers on the main line on a bridge.