Incoming Heat Wave Reminds Us to Take Safety Measures on the Rails

As extreme heat and sweltering temperatures blanket a large portion of the country this week, it’s impossible not to be mindful of the impact that this has on railroad workers and the extreme danger that it poses to our safety and well-being.

That’s why it’s a good time to recap some of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) tips and reminders for staying safe during periods of unavoidable heat exposure.

2025 Hearing Underscored Importance of Heat Safety for Railroaders 

In June of 2025 (and ironically in the midst of another heat wave), OSHA held a hearing on its proposed new rule aimed at preventing heat-related injuries and illnesses.

Testifying at the hearing was SMART-TD’s National Safety & Legislative Director Jared Cassity, who emphasized the importance of increased protections for railroaders.

When speaking about the impact that heat has on workers, Cassity made it clear: railroaders can sometimes fall through the cracks.

“The risk and the effects of heat are just as real for [railroaders] as they are for anyone else,” he pointed out. “The exposures are long, the tests are difficult, and the need for proper planning, assessing, monitoring, communicating and training could not be greater.”

Cassity went on to explain how unexpected breakdowns in remote locations can cause the crew to quickly feel the effects of heat exposure.

“[Conductors] can be forced to walk more than three miles on this difficult terrain just to get to the end of their train,” Cassity emphasized. “This takes energy and time, both of which are extremely problematic when exposed to extreme heat. That means without any repairs, just walking, a worker will be in the heat for more than two hours and limited to the water that he or she can carry.”

These aren’t just assumptions; these are lived experiences that SMART-TD members face every day, putting their health and safety at risk.

The bottom line: the railroad industry needs established guidelines that outline when an employee must take a break or what to do when rest, shade, or hydration isn’t immediately available.

How You Can Stay Safe Working in Extreme Heat

Water, rest, and shade are three of the biggest ways to prevent or limit heat-related illness, but all of these are hard to come by when your work takes you off the locomotive for hours at a time. If you happen to be in a locomotive that doesn’t have working air conditioning, you don’t even get the necessary relief when you do get to the cab.

However, there are some simple things you can do to keep yourself and other rail workers safe… 

• Drink water on a regular basis to stay hydrated…don’t wait until you feel thirsty! 
• Know the signs of common heat-related illnesses in the event you or someone you know starts showing symptoms that progress quickly. 
• Be mindful of your own personal risk factors for working in the heat. Not all workers tolerate high temperatures the same way, especially those with certain medical conditions.  
• If possible, wear light colored clothing to keep your body cool 
• Encourage new hires to take it easy if their first few days fall in the middle of a heat wave. Your body needs time to adjust to high temperatures. 

If your carrier is NOT taking steps to reduce heat-related illnesses or ignoring any concerns that you might have, reach out to your Local Chairperson, Local Legislative Representative, or State Safety & Legislative Director. Everyone deserves the right to always work in a safe environment, regardless of the temperature.

Stay safe during these extreme temperatures and please keep an eye on your brothers and sisters!