Freight railroad BNSF is making ongoing efforts to enhance safety, yet a recent assessment has revealed that this commitment may not effectively reach front-line workers. These employees often hesitate to report safety concerns due to fears of disciplinary action, highlighting an urgent issue addressed in a new report released by regulators.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) conducted a comprehensive review of BNSF’s safety culture, identifying persistent challenges that reflect longstanding issues within the railroad industry. This assessment follows the recent Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which prompted a broader investigation into railroad safety practices.
While the FRA’s findings about BNSF are more favorable compared to last summer’s report on Norfolk Southern—where company executives were noted for merely meeting minimum safety standards—there remain critical areas for improvement. Although BNSF’s leadership emphasizes safety as a core value, some managers at lower levels appear to prioritize operational efficiency over safety protocols.
The report underscored concerns that inconsistent messaging has created uncertainty among front-line employees regarding the railroad’s true safety priorities. The FRA reiterated its call for BNSF and other major freight railroads to adhere to a confidential federal safety reporting hotline, allowing workers to voice concerns without fear of retaliation.
BNSF received commendation for initiating a pilot program related to this hotline for dispatchers earlier this year; however, the FRA stressed that such resources must be accessible to all employees. The railroad industry has a troubling history of retaliating against workers who report safety issues, as these concerns can lead to delays and operational interruptions.
Following the East Palestine incident, major railroads, including BNSF, expressed intent to participate in this federal reporting system, yet only BNSF and Norfolk Southern have released details about limited pilot programs thus far.
The report concluded that effective reporting mechanisms are essential for improving safety by mitigating risks and facilitating necessary changes to prevent future incidents. As of now, BNSF has not issued a public statement in response to the report’s findings.
BNSF is a key player in the United States rail network, operating extensive track systems across the western region of the country. The company, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a subsidiary of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway.
