(The following appeared on The Register-Mail website on March 3, 2010.)
GALESBURG, Ill. — Work teams, including those in Galesburg, with the best safety performance for 2009 were recently recognized with BNSF Safety Bell trophies.
Safety Bells are awarded to work groups for the Best Frequency Ratio and Best Severity Ratio. Additionally, a Best Derailment Performance Bell will go to a division based on derailment statistics.
Galesburg’s diesel shop was recognized for Best Frequency Ratio and Best Severity Ratio. Other shops recognized included Chicago, Minneapolis and Lincoln, Neb.
“BNSF’s overall 2009 safety performance fell well short of our stated improvement goals, but I want to commend these work groups,” said Mark Schulze, vice president, Safety, Training and Operations Support. “These teams have shown that large work groups can operate in a safe and productive manner. I’m encouraged by their performance and believe other groups can attain a similar level of safety in 2010.”
The bells on the trophies came from locomotives that were once in service on BNSF or a predecessor railroad. Members of BNSF’s operations leadership team traveled here to congratulate winning teams. Employees on these work teams also received Safety Bell lapel pins in recognition of their safety achievements.