This study focuses on the risk evaluation of head injury resulting from an impact against a grabpole for standing passengers in rail vehicles submitted to a 100ms 5g crash pulse. Through a combined physical and numerical approach using a Free-Motion Headform and a grabpole, the injury risk was evaluated from the HICd and analysed in the perspective of improving the vehicle interior design in public transportation. Head injury risks were generally found to be moderate (HICd<500). However, injuries may be more severe in some situations complicating the evacuation of passengers from the vehicle.