SAFETY BULLETIN
2024-01(Revised)1
SUBJECT: Employee Fatality – Securement of Rolling Equipment
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is investigating an accident that resulted in fatal injuries to a locomotive engineer during yard switching operations. At the time of the accident, the fatally injured engineer, who had approximately 30 years of experience, was operating a locomotive on the west side of the yard and working with a conductor and brakeman to switch cars. Another crew was switching cars on the east end of the yard. At some point, a cut of 35 cars from the east end of the yard track rolled uncontrolled towards the west, colliding with the locomotive, occupied by the engineer, that was located on the west yard track switching lead. The collision ejected the engineer from the locomotive cab and the engineer succumbed to his injuries.
Although FRA’s investigation into this accident is ongoing, FRA is issuing this bulletin to remind railroads and railroad employees of the importance of ensuring rolling equipment is properly secured at all times, including ensuring:
1. Employees understand the importance of complying with railroad rules for securement of rolling equipment;
2. Railroads provide employees adequate training on railroad operating rules and procedures for proper securement of rolling equipment;
3. Railroads provide employees appropriate periodic oversight of compliance with railroad operating rules and procedures for proper securement of rolling equipment;
4. Railroads empower employees to seek immediate clarification of any safety rule, including rules related to the securement of equipment; and
5. Railroads remind employees of the dangers associated with improperly secured rolling equipment.
The purpose of this Safety Bulletin, which is informal in nature, is to ensure the railroad industry, including railroad employees, are aware of this accident that resulted in a fatality of an employee. As FRA completes its investigation, it may take additional actions regarding this accident.
For further information, please contact John Mayser, Operating Practices Specialist, at john.mayser@dot.gov or (202) 493-8008.
Issued: February 14, 2024
1 This revised version of Safety Bulletin 2024-01 replaces the original version of the Bulletin issued on February 13, 2024. This revised version corrects inadvertent factual errors in the first paragraph. Otherwise, the substance of this Safety Bulletin remains the same as initially issued.
Prepared by: The Federal Railroad Administration, Office of Railroad Safety
