BNSF freight railroad faces challenges in effectively communicating safety enhancements to front-line workers, who hesitate to report concerns due to fear of discipline.

Freight railroad BNSF is committed to enhancing safety, but a recent report found that it faces challenges in effectively communicating this to front-line workers, who often hesitate to report safety concerns out of fear of discipline. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recommends that BNSF and other major freight railroads sign up for the confidential federal safety reporting hotline, allowing workers to report concerns without the fear of retribution. The industry has a history of retaliating against workers who report too many safety concerns, as these issues can slow trains while repairs are made.

August 28, 2024
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