More (un)surprising conclusions

[boatone]

Surprised to see this in the Oxford Mail today - thought the lock house study group wasn't due to report until later this month.

Data compiled as part of the study suggests there are more health and safety incidents at locks which are manned, with an average of 6.75 incidents between April 2013 and March 2014 compared with just 2.75 at locks without a lock-keeper.

Don't suppose it might just be that incidents more likely to get reported if there's a lock-keeper on duty?

http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/11183847.More_incidents_take_place_at_manned_locks/

 

[Actionmat]

The author may as well say that narrowboats have better skippers as they're less likely to run aground in shallow water.

I can think of at least two near incidents in the lock with 'le boats' that would have been actual incidents were it not for the expertise of the friendly Lock Keeper and one at an unmanned lock when I would have been rammed by a le boat had I not been in there already and able to grab their ropes very quickly.

It always impresses me when the Lockies fill a lock on a busy day. They know the boats, can tell which make and model will fit in left or right like a game of Tetris and the need to have them can't be underestimated for hire boats and newbies(or even the most experienced sometimes). If the whole Thames was self service I bet the incident rate would go through the roof.

 

[DWT]

Plus there are probably less boats wanting to use the locks at times when they are unmanned. Damned lies and statistics!

 

[boatone]

Apart from the questionable journalism, I am particularly concerned that this story suggests that the work of a confidential study group set up jointly by the EA and TNUF to consider the future of lock houses is getting into the public domain before the group has actually reported.

 

[Big John]

As boatone says, "Don't suppose it might just be that incidents more likely to get reported if there's a lock-keeper on duty?"


I think it is safe to say that all incidents at Locks if a lock keeper is on duty will be reported. Any other time who is going to report the incident and by what channel.
The statistics quoted are taken straight from the incident book at each lock and if the EA or who ever is using the figures to justify the lock houses being let out are in "never never land".

Drivers of vehicles that jump the lights, using a hand mobile phone whilst driving or ignore pedestrians on a pedestrian crossing are not reported unless there is policeman(woman) on duty watching. I hope??

 

[prof pat pending]

Unfortunately quantity will probably prevail over quality, and the figures no doubt will be manipulated to suit

If Abingdon lock was left unmanned these two events would probably have ended in loss of life
http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/11...loods_as_redundancy_talks_continue/?ref=var_0

The Oxford mail is predominantly a local rag, and the reporting should be treated as such IMHO