Razor blade found on brake wheel

The FRA recently sent notice of a razor blade intentionally stuck to the handbrake wheel of a tank car. We don’t know who did it or why, but we do know someone could have been seriously hurt. Thankfully, whoever tried to set us up with this razor blade on the brake wheel doesn’t know what part of the wheel we actually grab. Next time, we might not be that lucky. 

It’s Hard Enough Already

There are countless ways to get hurt on the job. The last thing we need to worry about is boobytrapped equipment. 

Working Safe in a Dangerous Environment 

Yes, the rulebooks and federal regulations matter. But working safely in a dangerous environment is not easy. Remember, no freight is worth your blood. If you’re rushed, distracted, or just assuming things are “like they always are,” that’s when accidents happen. Stay alert. Situational awareness is how we make it home with all of our parts intact. 

Take care of yourself.  

• Inspect first. 
• Protect yourself at all times. 
• Speak up if something’s not right. 
• Remind your brothers and sisters to keep their heads on a swivel. 

We all know that the railroads are making conductors do more and more freight car inspections, it’s important to take the time to inspect all equipment carefully, especially around safety appliances.  

Slow down, take a breath, and check your surroundings, especially when it comes to brake wheels, cut levers, ladder rungs, or anything else you come into personal contact with on the rail. Look before you grab. 

Report Suspicious Items to Your Local’s Safety and Legislative Rep. 

We appreciate the FRA for getting this warning to us quickly so we can do what the railroads won’t: look out for each other. Our equipment sits unattended all over the country. We can’t control what trespassers, or bad actors do out there. But we can stay alert. We can watch each other’s backs. And we can make sure everyone goes home whole. 

If you see anything suspicious like razor blades, wires, sharp edges, or tools placed where they shouldn’t be, please report it to your supervisor, your crew and the Safety and Legislative Representative for your local. As a reminder, your LR is also your safety officer. They will know how to handle the situation and how to escalate it to the State or National Safety and Legislative offices if needed. 

Stay safe and stay vigilant.