Union Urges Action as Trainee Deaths Expose Training Crisis in Maryland
In the midst of a tragic series of incidents, the union representing railroad workers in Maryland is calling for immediate action to address a training crisis within the industry. Two trainees from CSX, one of the major freight railroads in the United States, have lost their lives in separate accidents over the past two months, shedding light on the pressing need for better training protocols. The union’s plea for regulatory intervention comes after a safety advisory was issued by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) following the most recent death. However, the union insists that more concrete action must be taken.
The urgency being expressed by the union is not unfounded. Just earlier this year, a veteran conductor with 18 years of experience at Norfolk Southern met a tragic end in an accident at an Ohio steel plant. These incidents underscore the significance of the problem at hand and the potential risks associated with inadequate training.
While the FRA has yet to respond to the union’s statement, Administrator Amit Bose recently addressed the chief executive officers of major freight railroads in a letter, expressing similar concerns and urging them to enhance their training programs. However, the agency has stopped short of enforcing mandatory changes through formal regulations.
Bose’s letter emphasized the critical role played by training, qualification, and operational testing programs in mitigating risks associated with specific tasks. The FRA believes that addressing the shortcomings in these areas is essential for ensuring the safety of railroad operations.
The most recent incident occurred on August 6 when Travis Bradley lost his life while he was crushed between a train he was riding on and several parked locomotives. Tragically, this was preceded by the death of Derek Scott D.S. Little in late June. Little fell off a railcar and was struck by a passing train. Both accidents took place within railyards.
It is clear that urgent action is needed to prevent further tragic incidents and improve training standards in the industry. The union’s call for better regulation has garnered support from FRA Administrator Amit Bose. Although the exact nature of the necessary interventions remains undefined, it is imperative that concrete steps are taken to address the training crisis. The safety and well-being of trainees and experienced workers alike depend on the implementation of robust training programs across all major freight railroads.
The series of fatalities has brought the issue into the spotlight, demanding attention from regulators, railroads, and industry stakeholders. The time for action is now, and it is crucial that all parties collaborate to prioritize training and safety in order to prevent further loss of life within the railroad industry.
