Pre-departure inspections are an important part of ensuring the safety of railway transportation workers. During a pre-departure inspection, railway workers make sure that trains and other equipment are in good condition and in proper working order before they pull out of the yard or station, which helps to prevent serious accidents and injuries while the train is in motion. What […]
Recent Deaths Underscore the Importance of Pre-Departure Railroad Inspections
The Link Between Hexavalent Chromium and Cancer in Railroad Workers
Railway workers are routinely required to weld locomotives, box cars, and other various other equipment. Welding is the method used to join two or more objects, typically metals, together. In order to accomplish this, the welder will use a blowtorch to bring the materials to their melting point and then fuse them together. Welding also releases fumes that contain dangerous […]
Asbestos Exposure, Mesothelioma, and Railroad Workers
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a natural mineral fiber that was widely used in wide range of products until the 1970s when it was discovered to be extremely hazardous to human health. Long-term exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer that affects the protective lining of the […]
Commuter Train Derailments: Common Causes and Injuries
In metropolitan areas like Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC, public transportation provides an invaluable service. Although convenient, commuter trains can present multiple hazards that most passengers probably don’t even think about. Operators and owners of commuter trains have a duty of care to provide safe passage for those who use them. If injuries or deaths occur in a train derailment […]