Shouldn’t railroad workers expect certain risks just by the nature of their job? What gives them the right to sue the railroad?

There is no doubt that historically the railroad industry has been a relatively dangerous industry. However, when an employee takes a job on the railroad, the law requires the railroad to provide a reasonably safe place to work. If the railroad breaks this promise and an employee is injured, the railroad is held responsible. The law does not allow them to defend themselves by asserting that the employee knew it was dangerous when he took the job.