FRA Reminds Rail Workers of Distractions' Dangers
Peer-to-peer programs like one already established by Union Pacific will build a culture of safety that keeps everyone alert and safe, FRA Administrator Joseph Szabo said.
The Federal Railroad Administration has launched a new effort to remind railroad employees about the dangers of using electronic devices on the job, whether they're working in a rail yard or in the cab of a large locomotive. FRA Administrator Joseph Szabo is encouraging rail carriers to adopt peer-to-peer programs to combat electronic distractions and all railroad employees to make the improper use of such devices while on the job socially unacceptable.
Szabo said peer-to-peer programs like one already established by Union Pacific will enable rail employees to cultivate a culture of safety that keeps everyone alert and safe. "I know firsthand how distractions can lead to danger. That's why I'm calling on all rail industry employees to adopt a zero tolerance position on using electronic devices while working, building a safety culture where workers can confidently depend on one another," he said.
His concept is to having government, labor, and industry working together to create peer-to-peer programs and anything else necessary to eliminate the improper use of electronic devices on the job. The message, in a nutshell: One text or call could wreck it all.