Can the Problem of Railroad Fatigue be Fixed?

Railroad fatigue causes many New Jersey and New York train accidents each year, as well as accidents around the country.  The problem affects not only train engineers but also crew members, conductors, and switch operators, thus putting many railroad employees and passengers at risk of injury.

Different Groups Have Different Roles in Combating Fatigue

In June 2010, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) issued a background paper entitled Fighting Fatigue in the Rail Industry.   As part of that paper, the AAR discusses the scientifically based fatigue countermeasures that railroads and their employees are pursuing*.

Some specific fatigue countermeasures include:

• Attempting to return railroad employees to their homes after their shifts.

• Increasing the number of hours off duty.

• Creating “call windows” so that railroad employees know when they might expect a call to work.

• Allowing fatigued employees to request an additional rest period without fear of retaliation.

• Training employees about the warning signs of fatigue and the dangers of fatigue.

If you have been in a train accident because you or another railroad worker were too tired to do your job safely, then you might be entitled to damages.  Call the experienced New Jersey and New York railroad fatigue injury attorneys of Hofmann & Schweitzer today at 1-800-362-9329 or via our online form for more information.

*Source: Association of American Railroads, Fighting Fatigue in the Rail Industry, June 2010