Railroad unions enraged as third worker dies from remote-controlled train: ‘No more!’
Railroad Unions Furious After Third Worker Is Killed by Remote-Controlled Train: ‘Enough Is Enough’
A tragic incident occurred over the weekend in a CSX railyard in Ohio, where a railroad worker was crushed to death between two railcars by a remote-controlled train. This devastating event has raised concerns among unions about the use of such technology.
The Transportation Communications Union and Brotherhood of Railway Carmen emphasized the urgent need for a thorough review of remote-controlled locomotives in a news release on Sunday.
For years, major railroads have been utilizing these locomotives both inside and outside railyards across the country.
The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the incident, which took place in Walbridge, Ohio, shortly before 4 a.m. on Sunday.
NTSB is investigating a rail accident in Walbridge, Ohio involving a railroad worker who was fatally injured in a rail yard.
— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) September 17, 2023
Fred Anderson, sadly, became the third carman to lose his life in an incident involving a remote-controlled locomotive, according to the unions.
“Enough is enough,” declared Transportation Communications Union National President Artie Maratea in the news release.
“A full-scale review of the use and practices around remote-control locomotives is long overdue. CSX — and every railroad — must evaluate their use of these supposed technological advancements to ensure they are actually making our members safer, and not merely replacing people to continue lining the pockets of Wall Street.”
CSX officials at the railroad’s headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida, have not yet responded to inquiries regarding Anderson’s death.
The Federal Railroad Administration has granted approval for the use of remote-controlled locomotives since 2005. These locomotives are primarily employed in railyards to assist in train assembly. While guidelines were issued to railroads at that time, stipulating precautions such as a maximum speed of 15 mph, there are no detailed regulations on their specific usage.
Typically, a railroad worker stationed on the ground near a train controls its movements using a remote, although sometimes the worker may ride aboard the moving train.
Railroad safety has been a major concern nationwide since a Norfolk Southern train derailed and caught fire in eastern Ohio in February. This incident led to evacuations, ongoing health concerns, a massive cleanup, and calls for reforms.
CSX, one of the largest railroads in the country, operates trains in 23 Eastern states and two Canadian provinces.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post Railroad Unions Furious After Third Worker Is Killed by Remote-Controlled Train: ‘Enough Is Enough’ appeared first on The Western Journal.
What are the potential dangers and risks associated with the use of remote-controlled trains in the rail industry?
Maratea highlighted the need to reevaluate the use of remote-controlled trains in the rail industry, emphasizing the potential dangers and risks associated with this technology. He expressed his frustration and anger at the loss of another worker’s life and called for immediate action to ensure the safety of railroad employees.
These sentiments were echoed by Ron Robertshaw, President of the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, who condemned the incident and demanded stricter regulations and safety measures. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the well-being of workers and stressed that their lives should never be put at risk for the sake of convenience or cost-cutting measures.
Remote-controlled locomotives have become increasingly common in the rail industry, with major companies utilizing them both inside and outside railyards across the country. While this technology offers certain benefits, such as increased efficiency and productivity, it also presents significant risks.
The incident in Ohio has once again brought these risks to the forefront, prompting railroad unions to push for a comprehensive review of remote-controlled locomotives. The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the incident, and their findings will likely play a crucial role in shaping future regulations and safety guidelines.
Railroad workers, who are on the front lines of this industry, face numerous hazards and dangers in their day-to-day work. It is vital that their safety remains a top priority for the companies they work for and the relevant regulatory bodies. By thoroughly examining the use of remote-controlled trains and implementing stricter safety protocols, we can strive to prevent future tragedies and ensure the well-being of all railroad employees.
In light of this devastating incident, it is clear that more needs to be done to protect the men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping our railways operational. The railroad unions are united in demanding a safer working environment and holding companies accountable for any negligence or lapses in safety protocols.
The loss of another worker’s life is a stark reminder that there is no room for complacency when it comes to the safety of railroad employees. As we mourn the loss of Fred Anderson and extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, let us not forget the valuable lessons that can be learned from this tragic event. It is imperative that we heed the unions’ call for action and ensure that no more lives are lost in preventable accidents involving remote-controlled trains. The time for change is now.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...