Mon Sep 18, 2023, 09:54 PM

A railroad worker died after being struck by a remote-controlled train. Unions have concerns

Source: AP

By JOSH FUNK
Updated 2:41 PM CDT, September 18, 2023

A railroad worker died over the weekend after he was struck by a remote-controlled train in a CSX railyard in Ohio, raising concerns among unions about such technology.

The death highlights the need for an in-depth review of the use of remote-controlled locomotives, the Transportation Communications Union and Brotherhood of Railway Carmen said in a news release Sunday. Every major railroad has used such locomotives inside, and increasingly outside of, railyards across the country for years.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the death, which happened shortly before 4 a.m. Sunday in Walbridge, Ohio. Spokesperson Keith Holloway said the worker was struck and fatally injured when he walked into the path of a moving locomotive that was being operated by remote control.

Fred Anderson is the third carman killed in an incident involving a remote-controlled locomotive, the unions said.

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7 replies	Author	Time	Post
A railroad worker died after being struck by a remote-controlled train. Unions have concerns (Original post)	Omaha Steve	Sep 18	OP
One was an accident, twio meant there might be a problem	Warpy	Sep 18	#1
+1000	sybylla	Sep 19	#6
This message was self-deleted by its author	LudwigPastorius	Sep 18	#2
I have experience with these remotes	Puppyjive	Sep 19	#3
I'd be worried sick too. Especially since they don't appear to care about safety.	flying_wahini	Sep 19	#7
Which was the robot?	Bernardo de La Paz	Sep 19	#4
Back in the 80's I use to sit up in the engine and talk to the engineer	Emile	Sep 19	#5

Response to Omaha Steve (Original post)

Mon Sep 18, 2023, 11:19 PM

Warpy (108,990 posts)

1. One was an accident, twio meant there might be a problem

but three deaths mean that system needs to be taken offline until safety protocols and/or alarms can be established. Obviously, the system needs work, a lot of it.

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Response to Warpy (Reply #1)

Tue Sep 19, 2023, 12:29 PM

sybylla (8,224 posts)

6. +1000

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Response to Omaha Steve (Original post)

LudwigPastorius This message was self-deleted by its author.

Response to Omaha Steve (Original post)

Tue Sep 19, 2023, 12:59 AM

Puppyjive (404 posts)

3. I have experience with these remotes

I never liked them. I felt like one person could not possibly protect the movement. I quit my railroad job after having my son. They made it impossible to stay. Now my son is working for the railroad. My stress level is at an all time high. He just got certified for these remotes. I know how dangerous this job is and I don't think the railroads are training these new guys adequately. The started running longer trains and got rid of people. Those long trains are now starting to show their wear and tear on the infrastructure and the equipment, including locomotives and cars. They got rid of the people who maintained them. They got rid of trainmen. Now they reap what they sow. They have new hires who need guidance. They got newbies training newbies in all departments. I will always be watching out for my son. I am not afraid to call the feds.

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Response to Puppyjive (Reply #3)

Tue Sep 19, 2023, 02:09 PM

flying_wahini (5,807 posts)

7. I'd be worried sick too. Especially since they don't appear to care about safety.

Pay a fine or drop some cash on survivors family and move one.

NO big PENALTY so no deterrent.

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Response to Omaha Steve (Original post)

Tue Sep 19, 2023, 06:54 AM

Bernardo de La Paz (46,732 posts)

4. Which was the robot?

The train that can't stop on a dime or the poor benighted worker who "walked into the path of a moving locomotive"?

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Response to Omaha Steve (Original post)

Tue Sep 19, 2023, 07:18 AM

Emile (16,489 posts)

5. Back in the 80's I use to sit up in the engine and talk to the engineer

when the train would come into our plant and make switches. A few years after the company shut down my factory I was backed up into a dock (driving an 18 wheeler) at another factory. I was parked next to the railroad tracks. RR cars were moving back and forth on the tracks and I knew the RR were making switches at the factory I was at. When the engine came up along side of my truck I noticed no one was driving. A few minutes later the switchman (who I knew) was walking along side of the train with a remote control box in his hands. I rolled down my window and hollered at him. He came over and jumped up on my running board and was happy to see me. I asked where is Larry (the engineer) ?. He pointed at his remote control, he said it's just me now. I said how in the hell can this be safe? He replied it's Conrail trying to save money.

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