The Transport Accident Investigation Commission's recommending change for Kiwirail, after a near miss with rail workers and a freight train in Christchurch

Fulton Hogan workers only just got off Hornby's main south line in time on March 7 last year, after level crossing bells began ringing.

The commission found the on-site trainee rail protection officer was carrying out difficult tasks unsupervised, and became distracted.

Investigation manager Louise Cook says it highlights Kiwirail's plan largely relies on people taking action.

She says they need to put engineering controls put in place, as it puts actual physical mechanisms to reduce the hazard.