In-plant / in-mill railroads operate throughout industrialized workplaces, and most employees are at risk. But the danger is greatest for members of the transportation department assigned to rail operations. These rail operations workers are a small percentage of the overall workforce. Thus, in-plant / in-mill railroad workers face a higher risk of accidental death. USW fatality records show there’s a disproportionate number of rail operation fatalities as these employees are working in job classifications with small crew sizes.
OSHA does not have comprehensive rail regulations to make workplaces safer for in-plant / in-mill workers. Therefore, this document seeks to make rail operations safer with a compilation of Recommended Practices and Policies that is intended as a guide for preventing in-plant / in-mill railroad fatalities, and serious injuries.
The in-plant / in-mill railroad Safety Procedures and Policies set forth in this document are intended to supplement each company’s existing rules regarding on-duty conduct and other relevant plant safety rules, procedures and policies, and may be incorporated into a company’s Safe Job Procedures (SJP).
The in-plant / in-mill railroad Safety Procedures and Policies set forth in this document:
Adhere to the safety principles set forth in the hierarchy of controls
Were developed on a consensus basis by a union-management committee consisting of USW members and management personnel who work on in-plant railroads, and USW health, safety and environment staff
Represent a compilation of recommended practices from the general system railroads, and in-plant/in-mill railroads