FRA proposal would mandate support plans for rail workers who witness traumatic events

Washington – The Federal Railroad Administration on June 28 published a notice of proposed rulemaking that would require certain railroads to develop plans to help employees who witness a traumatic event.

The proposed rule includes minimum standards for employee training, leave, counseling and other support services to help workers cope with post-traumatic stress. The requirements would apply to Class I railroads, intercity passenger railroads and commuter railroads.

FRA defines traumatic events as when a worker is involved in, a witness to or a responder to a “critical incident” such as a severe injury, fatality or other incident that would impair someone’s ability to perform future work safely.

Comments on the NPRM are due Aug. 27.