In a time pocked by a seeming uptick in airline disasters and near-misses, it is a good time to examine just how safe the nation’s railroads are.
Last year, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) released data confirming that the past 10 years have been the safest decade for the railroad industry. Their approach has been focused on safety and making the improvements that will keep passengers and workers safer — until they aren’t.
Accidents are down, but safety failures still are present
The CEO and president of the Association of American Railroads (AAR) stated, “Our highly skilled workforce, uncompromising safety culture and sustained investments delivered strong safety results across the industry in 2023,” adding that their “commitment to enhancing safety never ends.”
Despite the industry’s efforts that have decreased the frequency of train accidents by 27% over the last quarter-century, the fact remains that trains and rail yards are inherently quite dangerous if safety protocols aren’t followed to the letter.
You’re only as safe as the worker beside you
Despite doing all your duties on the railroad, if a co-worker slacks off and neglects to properly inspect the track or the train components, the safety of thousands (or more) lives could be at risk in a derailment or collision.
What approach to take?
Remember the saying, “If you see something, say something?” That can certainly still apply to a slacker working the rail line with you, but if you are aware of more systemic safety problems, this approach might backfire.
Whistleblowing in the railroad industry, which tends to be insular, can land you in hot water. Learn more about the whistleblowing protections offered to you under the law before you act.
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