The tragic death of a CSX worker run over by remote-control locomotives has sparked calls for reform in railway safety protocols. The worker’s colleague advocates for the implementation of two-person crews to enhance safety measures in railyards.
This proposal faces resistance from railroads, which have increasingly turned to single-person remote-control operations to manage trains in railyards. This practice, initiated in 2005 with two-person crews for safety oversight, has shifted towards a reliance on solo operators to minimize costs by utilizing less experienced labor.
Unions, including the Brotherhood of Locomotive Trainmen and Engineers, are voicing their concerns about the growing usage of remote-control operations not only in railyards but also on local tracks, where they pose significant safety risks.
The Federal Railroad Administration is currently investigating these practices in light of recent fatalities, with particular focus on the incident that led to the death of Fred Anderson in Walbridge, Ohio, on September 17, 2023. Anderson was struck by locomotives while the remote-control operator was positioned in a way that limited visibility.
This incident has reignited discussions about railroad safety, coinciding with heightened scrutiny following a major derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, that raised public health concerns due to hazardous chemical releases.
Prior to his death, Anderson and his colleague had sought permission to enter the area but were unfortunately unaware of the advancing locomotives. Eyewitness accounts suggest that had there been a traditional crew present, a warning could have been issued in time to avert the tragedy. George Oliger, Anderson’s coworker, expressed his belief that the presence of an engineer could have made a significant difference in preventing the accident.
The union representing engineers has echoed these concerns, emphasizing that a properly staffed crew paves the way for enhanced safety protocols. Furthermore, they argue against the use of remote-control trains beyond secured environments, where potential interactions with pedestrians and vehicles could occur.
In the wake of this tragedy, both the Federal Railroad Administration and CSX have reiterated the importance of safety awareness among rail workers. They stressed the necessity of vigilance when crossing tracks, underscoring that trains can move unexpectedly.
Despite the incident, CSX has indicated no imminent changes to its remote control operations, citing adherence to existing federal and railroad regulations. However, the discussion surrounding the safety of remote-control trains remains a pressing issue, with federal safety reports lacking clarity on the comparative safety of these operations versus traditional methods.
Since 2015, three members of the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen have tragically lost their lives in incidents connected to remote-control trains, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures within the industry.
