Track maintenance is one of the most dangerous jobs in the railroad industry. Trackmen or “roadway workers” have to perform their duties around and in conjunction with the various types of heavy machinery needed to install, repair, and replace railroad tracks. Not only does working in close proximity to dangerous track machinery present grave risks, but doing so in areas with live train traffic passing through increases the likelihood of someone getting seriously injured or killed exponentially.
Fortunately, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), a government agency that oversees the safety and regulation of the nation’s railroads, has established certain safety regulations to protect trackmen from accidents and injuries while working on or near railroad tracks. These requirements are laid out in 49 CFR Part 214, also referred to as the Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) program.
Implemented in 1997, the Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) program attempts to minimize the occupational hazards that exist for trackmen working on or about railroad tracks. The environment can change rapidly in these situations. Accordingly, the FRA mandates that railroad employers implement a basic safety framework to protect track workers performing their duties.
Key Track Worker Safety Requirements
Here are the key FRA roadway worker safety requirements:
1. Job Briefing
A job briefing must be conducted before any work is started to ensure that all workers understand the hazards involved, the work to be performed, and the necessary safety measures.
The job briefing must include specific details, such as:
- The nature of the work
- The location of the work
- The identity of the employees involved
- Safety procedures and equipment to be used
2. Protective Measures
Workers must be protected from approaching trains, engines, or other moving rail vehicles by one or more of the following methods:
- Train approach warning: This may include flagging, track occupancy devices, or direct communication.
- Blue Signals: A blue signal must be displayed when workers are on or near the track to warn any approaching train or vehicle to stop and not move.
- Occupancy Control: This involves controlling access to track sections, ensuring that workers are not exposed to moving trains.
- On-Track Safety Procedures: These procedures must be followed to ensure that workers have proper warnings and protection when on track.
3. On-Track Safety Training
All roadway workers must receive training in safety procedures, including how to protect themselves from trains and other hazards.
The training must cover:
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Communication protocols (e.g., radios, hand signals)
- Emergency response procedures
- Safety zones and safe distances from tracks
4. Flagging
Flagging is a key component for worker protection. Flaggers must have proper training and equipment, including signal flags, to safely direct train movements around the work zone.
5. Worker-Activated Warning Systems
In some cases, roadway workers may be required to activate warning systems (e.g., warning lights, horns) to alert train operators of their presence on the track.
6. Exclusion Zones
Specific zones are established where roadway workers must not be present unless the proper safety precautions (e.g., protection by a track vehicle, warning signals) are in place. These zones may be designated as restricted or controlled.
7. Limits of Occupancy
Roadway workers must be aware of the limits of track occupancy, which define the specific portions of track that are occupied or blocked by workers. This ensures that trains will not enter occupied areas without warning.
8. Work Zone Protection
Roadway workers must be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE), including high-visibility clothing, hearing protection, and hard hats, as necessary for their work environment.
There are specific rules about marking and securing work zones to ensure that workers are not exposed to unnecessary risks.
9. Communication and Monitoring
Roadway workers must be able to communicate with train crews and dispatchers, especially in situations where there is a risk of a train approaching the work site.
Radio communication is often used, and in some cases, visual signaling is required.
10. Worker Protection During Temporary Track Work
For temporary work zones (e.g., maintenance, repair), special procedures must be followed to ensure that work is carried out safely, including setting up protective zones and ensuring that no trains can enter the work area without prior notification.
11. Defective Equipment or Conditions
If defective track equipment or hazardous conditions are detected, workers must be trained in how to properly report the issue, and safety measures must be taken to mitigate any risks.
12. Mobile Track Work
For mobile track maintenance operations (e.g., maintenance-of-way work), additional safety measures are needed, such as the use of specialized vehicles equipped with safety features (e.g., warning lights, horns).
These are just the minimum safeguards required by the FRA. Unfortunately, railroad employers do not always follow these guidelines, resulting in avoidable injuries to trackmen. Even with these minimum safety requirements mandated by the FRA, trackmen still get hurt at higher rates than employees in most other railroad crafts. At Doran & Murphy, we have successfully represented trackmen and their families, obtaining compensation for the injuries they suffer during dangerous track maintenance activities. If you are a track worker who has been injured on the job, contact us today for a free consultation.
