![]() ![]() Unions say the new lean operating model that Norfolk Southern and the other major freight railroads are using - known as “precision-scheduled railroading” - has made the industry more dangerous because deep workforce cuts make it hard to keep up with jobs and preventative maintenance. “Hiring outside consultants may sound good to investors, but the experts are working every day in the cab of the engine,” said Eddie Hall, president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. “And I wanted that DNA because Norfolk Southern is going to be the gold standard of safety in the rail industry.”īut some unions bristle - particularly because Atkins is unfamiliar with railroads. “You know, the Navy nuclear program is the gold standard in safety of all of industry,” said Shaw, who was impressed by the safety focus during his first professional job helping to install nuclear reactors in Navy ships. ![]() Norfolk Southern has hired a nuclear power expert, Atkins Nuclear Secured, to advise on its safety culture. And Shaw knows “you judge me by the results,” but he’s convinced the railroad is “making a lot of progress.”Įven low-level managers now get bonuses for improving safety and service - not just for keeping the trains moving. Shaw said he has met with that union and is glad officials feel comfortable raising concerns. One significant change his locomotive mechanics have seen is the resumption of safety meetings at the start of shifts, Orwan said, but the railroad is so understaffed that it can’t do some things managers talk about. Shaw comes across to me as kind of as that used car salesman trying really hard to sell Norfolk Southern and saying all this great stuff,” said James Orwan, a Machinist Union general chairman on Norfolk Southern. It doesn’t think Shaw’s pronouncements have translated into meaningful changes and worries new employees and those returning from furloughs might not have enough safety training. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union was the only of Norfolk Southern’s 13 unions that didn’t sign a letter last month promising to cooperate to improve safety. But some other Federal Railroad Association measures have worsened, like the rates of total accidents and railyard accidents.Īn FRA report on Norfolk Southern’s safety culture is expected soon, and the National Transportation Safety Board continues to examine its safety practices as it investigates what caused the Ohio derailment. Shaw believes “we’re a safe railroad” because Norfolk Southern had its fewest derailments and injuries last year in more than a decade. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |