The railroad was one of the foundations of America, allowing quick transportation across a massive continent. Things certainly have changed over the years, with the invention of planes and the interstate highway system, but the railroad remains a fixture of the American infrastructure. Thousands of people work on trains, in railyards, at stations and in related industries. While some passenger trains still run, many are for the movement of goods and products all over the country.
In the early 1900s and even before, the railroad was known as one of the most dangerous places to work. It was compared to a war zone. Amputation injuries were common. Some railroads had their own surgeons on call so that workers wouldn’t have to go to the hospital. That’s how risky it was to enter this occupation.
Things have improved dramatically. Worker safety is valued far more than it used to be. Laws regarding safety exist now that all companies take for granted, but they didn’t exist before. It’s clear that workers don’t have to consider railway work akin to working in a warzone.
That said, there are inherent dangers that you cannot avoid with a railroad job. Working around heavy machinery always carries risks. One incident of miscommunication could put someone in harm’s way. Amputation injuries are still very possible and they do happen — along with all sorts of other catastrophic injuries. In much the way that construction workers still face risks, you can never fully move beyond them.
For that reason, it is crucial for injured railway workers to understand exactly what rights they have and what steps they can take after an incident. Let an experienced advocate assist you.
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