Safety
Safety
Railroads, big and small, have a fundamental appreciation of the value of safety for both employees and assets. As an industry, we are safer than any other time in our history. A century ago, railroad work was dangerous resulting in injuries and death. But we are not content to be complacent. Our industry intends to reach our goal of zero accidents and injuries.
Railroad
management and labor in conjunction with the Federal Railroad Administration are
pursuing a number of initiatives in the quest for continuous improvement.
Crew
Resource Management – improving train crew communications.
Work and
Rest Issues – achieving the correct balance to avoid fatigue.
Locomotive
Crash Tests – goal to provide the safest equipment.
Equipment
Design – designing equipment that reduces the risk of injury.
Railroads have various components of policies, practices, training and monitoring to improve upon their prior safety results. It is a cooperative effort between management and labor. This linkage and partnership will be what distinguishes the absolute best and achieves the vision.
Railroads handle a plethora of chemicals, some of which can be extremely hazardous to the health of people and the environment. Each railroad in our Association has programs to ensure the highest standards of safety and environmental compliance.
Another significant area is highway-rail grade crossing safety. As a result of Operation Lifesaver, a national organization devoted to reducing death and injury, grade crossing safety has improved significantly. Additional initiatives include more physical barriers, digital cameras at crossings and more warning devices. The motto is Look, Listen, Live. Trains are equipped with, and are required to use, lights, whistles and bells. In addition we now have gates and flashing lights at some crossings as warning devices. Yet people continue to try and beat the train - don’t let it be you, who takes the risk and loses!
The large railroads compete for the Harriman Award for Safety and the small railroads compete for the Jake Jacobson Award. These awards are presented annually. Last year two of the Association’s nine railroads were recognized for safety results that were outstanding.