Railroad safety agency raises the alarm on roadway maintenance machines

Washington — Concerned by the deaths of two workers struck by roadway maintenance machines in separate instances within the past two years, the Federal Railroad Administration has issued a safety advisory.

On Aug. 4, a roadway maintenance machine fatally struck a contractor who was working on the Housatonic Railroad Co.’s main line in Great Barrington, MA. The victim was part of a four-person crew, which included two roadway workers and two machine operators. The worker who was struck was using a backpack blower and didn’t clear the track as the machine was approaching.

On Dec. 8, 2021, a contractor for Norfolk Southern died after being struck by a roadway maintenance machine while working on the main line in Reed, PA. The contractor was part of a crew that was marking rail for pickup. The machine operator was backing up and didn’t see the contractor walking in the gauge of the track.

FRA says the incidents highlight the need to protect roadway workers from these “worst-case scenario” events.

The agency calls on all railroads and contractors to review and update rules regarding these machines, communicate the changes to workers, and monitor employees for compliance with existing and updated rules and procedures. It also recommends additional safety briefings to raise worker awareness of the hazards associated with operating and working near roadway maintenance machines.