(The BLET’s Pennsylvania State Legislative Board issued the following on July 8.)
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Last week, PA Legislators stood up for the good of the public and for the safety of railroad workers by moving H.B. 2681 out of the House Consumer Affairs Committee. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Joe Petrarca (D-55), passed 21-6 in favor.
Rep. Petrarca stated, “This legislation obtained the majority of votes because the bill helps to ensure the health and safety of the train crew members in the event of a railroad incident. Petrarca added, “We elected to address the needs of those working in an industry crucial to our economy, infrastructure and transportation security.”
Ken Kertesz, Chairman of the PA State Legislative Board of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (PSLB BLET) noted, “It is indeed gratifying to see our legislators line up in support of the men and women who work everyday for our rail system. This is an indication of the kind of change we can continue to expect, in my opinion, in our Legislature as it reflects the exertion of the electorate.”
The purpose of the legislation is two fold, to first ensure that engineers are operating a locomotive safely from a clear vantage point and able to react to any on-coming danger. And second, should any fatality occur in the line of operation, appropriate actions will be taken to have affected railroad employees taken off their line and offered any necessary counseling.
The first section of the legislation concerns the direction a train is traveling termed ‘long- nose forward’ — a method whereby the locomotive is attempted to be operated in reverse with over 60 feet of steel obstructing side views. The preferred direction is ‘short-hood forward’ with the train crew operating at the front of the locomotive, permitting the best line of sight. Operating the locomotive backwards restricts the engineer’s line of sight, generates a flow of harmful diesel fumes to personnel and creating a physically challenging ergonomic position for the engineer.
“The long- nose forward position raises health and sight obstruction concerns,” Rep. Petrarca commented. “Inhaling diesel exhaust and particles creates an issue similar to Black Lung disease our workers in the coal mining industry suffered after years on the job. We, as a society, are so focused on the effects of second-hand tobacco smoke, yet this train operation method presents a situation a much more toxic,” he noted.
The second section of the bill offers a remedy for trainmen suffering from critical stress syndrome, the emotional effects usually caused by witnessing the fatal death in accidents on Class I railroads. When not treated in a timely fashion, critical stress can develop over time into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The bill offers counseling and other assistance to train personnel involved in a fatal incident on a Class I rail system.
“Critical stress from witnessing or being part of a distressing event such as a train accident falls in the same mental anxiety category as PTSD in returning war veterans,” said Consumer Affairs Chairman Joseph Preston (D-24). “Rail workers suffering from critical stress should receive access to similar rehabilitative care as our troops returning from war. This bill will help those who experience traumatic incidents live healthier lives. It’s time we care about our citizens by showing concern about the quality of life”
The Pennsylvania Legislative Board of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) represents some 1500 employees of Class I Freight Railroads: Norfolk Southern, Canadian Pacific, Canadian National and CSXT, as well as passenger trains Amtrak and SEPTA. The PA BLET merged with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and is also a member of the PA AFL-CIO. More information on the PA BLET can be found by going to its website at: www.pslb-blet.org.