Here's something to think about when switching.

[JCitron]

Here's something to think about when switching cars. For us in the simulator we don't have to worry about being struck by loose cars, squished by couplers, or run over by mainline trains.

Sadly these accidents happen even to the seasoned vetran conductors and roadhogs. These accidents are fatal or cause severe injuries and loss of limb. Many of them are attributed to carelessness, and in my opinion getting too comfortable with the job. In other words, stay on guard at all times.

http://www.utu.org/worksite/safety/sofa.htm

Click on the individual links (PDF reader required). Read the statistics and then read the descriptions of the accidents.

John

 

[cascaderailroad]

I had to stop reading, as there were so many sad cases. Railroads in the 1800's-1900's had many, many fatalities, especially before modern equipment and air brakes were incorporated. I was wondering if there is an abreviated site, that lists just the total of RR fatalities, (omitting all the specific accident details involved), year by year.

 

[JCitron]

I had to stop reading, as there were so many sad cases. Railroads in the 1800's-1900's had many, many fatalities, especially before modern equipment and air brakes were incorporated. I was wondering if there is an abreviated site, that lists just the total of RR fatalities, (omitting all the specific accident details involved), year by year.

There is a site, but I can't remember where it is. It listed the statistics of rail fatalities and accidents. The profession has gotten safer, but still we're pretty small and weak compared to the size and weight of the equipment we're handling. Some of these accidents happened at as little as 1mph!

John