Special Investigation Report on Railroad and Rail Transit Roadway Worker Protection
(source: ntsb.gov)
Summary
Abstract
During 2013, 11 railroad roadway workers died while doing their jobs, representing the largest number of railroad roadway workers killed while on duty in 1 year since 1995, when 12 died. Also in 2013, four rail transit roadway workers died. This special investigation report describes the results of a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation of these 15 deaths. The report identifies and discusses the circumstances of these deaths, which included falls from bridges, incidents involving bucket lifts, strikes by moving equipment, and natural hazards, including a mudslide. The report also identifies the following recurring safety issues: job briefings, regulation and safety oversight, the Fatality Analysis of Maintenance-of-Way Employees and Signalmen Committee, and safety culture and safety management systems. Safety recommendations to the Federal Railroad Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Fatality Analysis of Maintenance-of-Way Employees and Signalmen Committee are included.