OERM Safety Rules

Refer to the GCOR and other Railroad Safety and Rules Documents for complete and detailed information. The following are general guidelines and a brief summary.

SAFETY PRINCIPLES: All injuries and accidents are preventable. Safety is a way of life and part of everything we do. Every individual is responsible and accountable for their own safety and the safety of others. Teamwork across departments and involvement by everyone is critical to safety success. To eliminate injuries and accidents we must recognize professionalism and address unsafe work habits. No job is so important and no service so urgent that we cannot take the time to perform all work correctly and safely. Personnel must not allow themselves to become distracted from their duties in a manner which might create a safety hazard.

WORK RULES: All personnel must wear proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) as required which may include a hard hat, approved eye protection (such as safety glasses or goggles), sturdy work boots, and a reflective safety vest. Fall protection will be worn if work is being performed on a elevated platform more then 10 feet off of the ground. Hearing protection must be worn if the noise level exceeds 85 decibels. Except as directed, do not touch power switches, trolley poles, or objects in contact with the overhead 600 volt line without appropriate safety precautions. Do not come within 10 feet of any charged overhead wire. Contact with the overhead line can be fatal. Lock-Out-Tag-Out will be applied to all electrical power sources when equipment is under repair or modification. Never energize any electric circuit which has been tagged as out of service. Never remove a "blue flag" or warning tag which you did not place, as you may put other personnel in great danger. Except as duties require, stay off equipment steps, ladders, and platforms. If you observe a potentially dangerous condition on a train or one that is likely to affect its operation, immediately advise the operating personnel (flagging them to a stop if necessary) and the Dispatcher on duty. All tools and equipment must be inspected prior to use. Horse play will not be allowed.

TRACK SIDE SAFETY RULES: All work in the FRA Red Zone (within 4 feet from outside rail on each side of the track) will be done only with the knowledge of the OERM dispatcher and only with a qualified flagman at the work site. All personnel working within 25 feet of the track shall wear orange shirts or orange safety vests. Always stop, look, and listen before crossing a track - trains may move in either direction at any time on any track. Cross tracks in a perpendicular direction. Never walk or step on rails as there might be grease, oil, or water that could cause a fall. Be aware that ballast is uneven, prone to shifting, and can hide sharp objects/nails/metal/glass/debris. Keep watch for and remove any debris or tripping hazards along the tracks and in other public areas. Be aware that track components may be stored or discarded along the right-of-way. Do not carry objects that block your view of the tracks or travel route.

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