Railroad Safety Concerns Highlighted In Recent House Hearing

• Railroads conducting inspections in less than two minutes per railcar.

• Lean precision scheduled railroading leads to reduced workforce and hurried inspections.

• Norfolk Southern derailment in Ohio due to undetected bearing issue underscores inspection importance.

U.S. House holds public hearing on Jan. 6, 2021, assault on Capitol

Reuters

Recent revelations have shed light on major freight railroads rushing railcar inspections, raising concerns about safety protocols. At a House hearing, it was disclosed that inspections are being conducted in less than two minutes per railcar, prompting worries about missed safety issues.

Unions have long voiced apprehensions about the impact of job cuts and streamlined operating models on inspection quality. The adoption of lean precision scheduled railroading by major railroads has led to a reduction of approximately one-third of the workforce, resulting in hurried inspections and reliance on train crews for limited checks.

The Norfolk Southern derailment in Ohio last year, caused by an undetected overheating bearing, highlighted the consequences of inadequate inspections. Despite passing through multiple railyards, the faulty bearing went unnoticed, underscoring the need for thorough examinations.

Inspections, which ideally involve checking at least 90 points on each side of a railcar, are now being completed in less than two minutes on average. The Federal Railroad Administration's findings revealed that inspections are even quicker when not monitored by federal inspectors.

While the FRA has refrained from deeming the current operating model unsafe, concerns have been raised about the stagnation and potential deterioration of railroads' safety performance over the past decade. Derailment rates have not significantly improved, indicating persistent safety challenges.

Despite efforts to enhance safety post the East Palestine derailment, including the installation of additional trackside detectors and technological advancements, concerns remain about the adequacy of inspections and response mechanisms.

Proposed rail safety bills have faced obstacles in Congress, with differing opinions on the necessary scope and provisions. The debate over inspection standards, trackside detectors, and regulatory actions continues, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for comprehensive safety measures.

As discussions on rail safety legislation unfold, the NTSB has highlighted the importance of addressing longstanding recommendations and potential safety blind spots. The reclassification of marijuana by the DEA and its implications for transportation workers' testing have also raised concerns about public safety.

Amidst these challenges, the rail industry faces calls for improved safety practices and regulatory frameworks to mitigate risks and ensure the well-being of workers and the public.