Railroad

Safety for
Track
Installation
Employees
This presentation focuses on essential safety
practices for employees involved in railroad
track installation, ensuring their well-being
and the integrity of the railroad infrastructure.
Introduction to Railroad Safety

• Worker Safety • Risk Mitigation

Ensure the well-being of track installation Identify and address potential risks associated
employees through comprehensive safety with track installation, such as environmental
protocols and training programs. hazards, equipment malfunctions, and human
errors.
• Accident Prevention
Implement robust safety measures to minimize
• Continuous Improvement
the risk of accidents, derailments, and other Regularly review and update safety protocols to
incidents on the railway tracks. incorporate new best practices and
technologies, ensuring the highest level of
• Regulatory Compliance safety for track installation employees.

Adhere to all relevant industry regulations and

standards to maintain a safe working
environment and avoid legal consequences.
Common Safety Hazards in Track Installation

• Tripping and Falling Hazards • Hazardous Materials and Chemicals

Uneven terrain, loose materials, and obstructions on Employees may be exposed to hazardous materials
the work site can lead to employees tripping and and chemicals, such as fuels, lubricants, and ballast
falling, potentially causing serious injuries. materials, which can pose health and environmental
risks if not handled and stored properly.
• Heavy Machinery and Equipment
The use of heavy machinery, such as cranes,
• Struck-by Hazards
excavators, and tamping machines, can pose Employees can be struck by moving vehicles, falling
significant risks if not operated safely or if proper objects, or swinging equipment, leading to serious
precautions are not taken. injuries or fatalities if proper safety protocols are not
in place.
• Exposure to Extreme Temperatures
Working outdoors in extreme heat or cold can lead to
heat exhaustion, hypothermia, and other
temperature-related illnesses, especially during long
work shifts.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Hard Hat Safety Glasses Steel-Toed Boots

Protects the head from falling Shields the eyes from flying Provides protection for the
objects, overhead hazards, debris, dust, and other eye- feet from heavy objects and
and impacts. related hazards. crushing injuries.

High-Visibility Vest Gloves Hearing Protection

Ensures workers are easily Safeguards the hands from Reduces exposure to loud
seen by others, improving cuts, abrasions, and contact noises, preventing hearing
overall site visibility and with sharp or hot surfaces. damage.
safety.
Safe Work Practices

Personal Communicatio
Proper Lifting Awareness of Emergency
Protective n and
Techniques Surroundings Procedures
Equipment (PPE) Coordination

Emphasize the Demonstrate the Encourage workers Stress the Outline the
importance of correct way to lift to be constantly importance of clear emergency
wearing appropriate heavy objects, such aware of their communication and procedures to be
PPE, such as hard as using proper surroundings, coordination among followed in case of
hats, safety glasses, posture, bending at including the team members to an incident,
high-visibility vests, the knees, and movement of ensure everyone is including the
steel-toed boots, and keeping the back machinery, the aware of the work location of first aid
gloves, to protect straight, to prevent presence of other being performed and kits, emergency
workers from back injuries. workers, and any potential hazards. contact information,
potential hazards potential tripping or and the proper steps
during track falling hazards. for reporting and
installation. responding to
accidents.
Emergency Procedures

• 1. Immediately stop work and • 4. Provide first aid and • 7. Initiate the incident
assess the situation. medical assistance as reporting and investigation
Recognize the emergency and ensure the needed. process.
safety of all employees. Administer immediate care to any injured Document the details, gather evidence,
individuals until emergency responders and participate in the investigation to
• 2. Activate the emergency arrive. determine the cause and prevent future
occurrences.
plan and notify the
appropriate authorities. • 5. Secure the incident site
and prevent further damage • 8. Provide support and
Call emergency services, inform
supervisors, and follow the established or escalation. resources for affected
protocols. Isolate the affected area, control any employees.
hazardous conditions, and protect Offer counseling, assistance, and any
• 3. Evacuate the area and property. necessary accommodations to those
impacted by the incident.
guide employees to the
designated safe zones. • 6. Cooperate with emergency
Ensure everyone moves to the pre- responders and follow their
identified safe locations promptly and in instructions.
an orderly manner. Provide information, facilitate access, and
assist the authorities in their response
efforts.
Training and Certification

Training Requirement Certification Requirement

Complete a 40-hour track installation Pass a written exam and practical skills
training program approved by the Federal assessment to obtain FRA Track Installer
Railroad Administration (FRA) Certification
Undergo annual refresher training on Renew FRA Track Installer Certification
proper track installation techniques and every 2 years by passing a recertification
safety procedures exam

*Based on guidelines from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for track installation employees.
Regulatory Compliance

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Regulations Guidelines
Compliance with FRA regulations for track Ensuring compliance with EPA guidelines for
construction and maintenance, including environmental protection, including soil
standards for track geometry, track structure, erosion control, water management, and waste
and worker safety. disposal during track installation.

Occupational Safety and Health State and Local Regulations

Administration (OSHA) Standards Awareness and compliance with any state or
Adherence to OSHA standards for personal local regulations governing railroad track
protective equipment, work environment, and construction and safety within the project's
safe work practices during track installation. jurisdiction.

Comprehensive understanding and adherence to all relevant regulatory requirements

is crucial for ensuring the safety and integrity of railroad track installation projects.
Incident Reporting and Investigation

Incident Reporting and

Incident Reporting Corrective Actions
Investigation Documentation

Outline the process for Describe the steps to Explain the process for Outline the requirements
employees to report safety investigate reported safety implementing corrective for reporting safety
incidents, including what incidents, such as actions to prevent similar incidents to management,
information to gather, who gathering evidence, incidents from occurring in regulatory agencies, and
to notify, and any required interviewing witnesses, and the future, including other stakeholders, as well
documentation. determining root causes. assigning responsibilities as the documentation that
and verifying effectiveness. must be maintained.
Railroad Safety for Track Installation Employees

Importance of Blue Flags Importance of Red Flags

Blue flags indicate that work is being Red flags indicate a temporary speed
performed on the track and that the track restriction or other hazardous condition on the
is not safe for train movement. They must track. Employees must reduce speed and
be displayed at both ends of the work area. proceed with caution when encountering red
flags.

Properly understanding and adhering to the meaning and placement of

blue and red flags is crucial for the safety of track installation employees.
These visual cues help prevent accidents and protect workers on the job.
Railroad Safety for Track Installation Employees

Maintain a Safe Distance from Tracks Avoid Distraction

Stay at least 25 feet (7.6 meters) from the Stay focused on your surroundings and avoid
nearest rail to avoid being struck by a train or using cell phones, headphones, or other
other railroad equipment. devices that could distract you from your work.

Identify Blind Spots Wear Proper Protective Equipment

Be aware of areas where visibility is limited, Wear high-visibility safety vests, hard hats,
such as around curves or obstructions, and steel-toed boots, and other personal protective
take extra precautions when working in these equipment (PPE) to enhance your visibility and
locations. protect yourself.

Remember, working around railroads requires constant vigilance and adherence to

safety protocols. By maintaining a safe distance, being aware of your surroundings, and
using the proper PPE, you can help ensure your own safety and the safety of your
colleagues.
 Railroad Safety for
Track Installation
Employees
Derailers are safety devices used on railroad tracks to prevent
unauthorized access and movement of trains. They work by physically
obstructing the rail, causing the train's wheels to leave the track and
come to a stop. This mechanism helps ensure the safety of track
installation employees and the surrounding area.
Railroad Safety Overview

Proper Personal Protective Equipment Track Inspection

(PPE) Thoroughly inspect the track for any defects,
Wear a high-visibility safety vest, hard hat, obstructions, or potential hazards before
steel-toed boots, and other necessary PPE to beginning work.
ensure visibility and protection on the job.

Communication
Situational Awareness
Establish clear communication protocols with
Stay alert and attentive to your surroundings, your team and notify the appropriate
listen for approaching trains, and be prepared authorities before and during any work on the
to move to a safe distance quickly. railroad tracks.

Prioritizing safety on the railroad tracks is essential for the well-

being of all track installation employees. By following these best
practices, you can help ensure a safe and successful work
environment.
 Overview CONT.

Safety Equipment Track Awareness Communication Protocols

Ensure proper use of personal protective . Always maintain a safe distance from Establish clear communication protocols
equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, active tracks and avoid fouling the track, among employees, supervisors, and train
safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and which can lead to serious injury or death. operators to coordinate work activities
high-visibility clothing to minimize the and prevent accidents.
risk of injuries.

By adhering to these safety practices, track installation employees can

maintain a safe working environment and reduce the risk of accidents on the
railroad.