Track repair workers verify their identity and skills using handsets and blockchain

In Switzerland, rail track repair workers are now verifying their identity and skills using certificates held on mobile devices, according to an article by SecureID News. To help with post accident investigations, the Swiss Federal Railway has implemented a blockchain-based identity system to record who is working on each section of track and if they were certified to do so.

As there are many companies using a variety of certifications working on thousands of construction projects at any given time, the Swiss rail authority concluded that a decentralised blockchain identity system could be an ideal fit. The new system also enables workers to carry their identity and credentials from one company to another.

After downloading the uPort mobile app, a rail worker registers their uPort ID on the Ethereum blockchain. They are then issued a certificate by the railway education group attesting to his or her certifications. When a track worker enters or exits a rail site, they scan a QR code using the uPort app on their mobile device. Each of these entries is hashed and stored on the blockchain for auditing.

For more details, see the article on SecureID News