The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued two important safety alerts this week for rail workers.
Both stem from issues discovered during investigations where multiple rail workers were either seriously injured or killed on the job.
Unsecured Equipment isn’t Safe Equipment
In its first safety alert; rail workers face risks when it comes to equipment that is not properly secured (even if it’s not moving) and “fouling” the track.
This happens when someone or something is in the gauge of the track or within four feet of the nearest rail of the track, increasing the likelihood of being hit by a train or moving equipment.
Between July 2024 and July 2025, the agency investigated five accidents where rail workers were seriously hurt or killed because they fouled the track and were unexpectedly hit.
To reduce the likelihood of fouling the track near unsecure equipment, the NTSB urges rail workers to only foul the track when necessary and confirm that it is safe to do so, inspect unattached railcars to verify that they are secure and always stay vigilant by expecting equipment to move at any time.
The Risks of Shoving Movements
The second alert highlights shoving movements, especially through close clearances that can crush conductors against rail equipment, buildings, and other objects.
Out of the 20 conductor deaths reported to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) between January 2020 and July 2025, 70% of them involved riding trains during shoving movements.
Five recent investigations underscore the dangers of riding trains during shoving movements when conductors were killed after colliding with highway motor vehicles at a grade crossing, falling into the path of a train, riding through a close clearance, or being caught between colliding trains.
Among other suggestions, the alert encourages conductors to face the direction of travel and watch for unexpected obstacles such as trains or other equipment on nearby tracks to reduce the risk of serious injury or death.
Railroads are encouraged to prohibit riding equipment through ungated highway-railroad grade crossings and in other high-risk locations.
More detailed information on both safety alerts can be accessed below.
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