On February 3rd of this year, a 38-car Norfolk Southern freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. Several railcars burned for more than two days, with emergency crews then conducting a controlled burn of several railcars. The fumes caused the release of hydrogen chloride and phosgene into the air, forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents who […]
Far-Reaching Consequences of Train Derailments
Railway Yards and Job Site Injuries
Although worker safety measures within the railway industry have greatly improved over the past twenty years, the process of switching in railyards, an operation that includes breaking apart and putting together trains, and organizing and storing cars, is still a leading cause of injuries to railway workers. What makes railyards so dangerous for workers? In fact, research performed by the […]
Your Spouse was Injured on the Railroad – Overview of What To Do
For both railroad employees and their spouses, it is extremely important to have a general understanding of what is involved if the railroad worker suffers an injury while on the job. If a worker is seriously injured on the railroad, many responsibilities may fall on the spouse. For example, the spouse of the injured worker may suddenly be forced to […]
Recent Deaths Underscore the Importance of Pre-Departure Railroad Inspections
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 […]
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 […]
Leading Causes of Train Vs Vehicle Collisions in Virginia
While far from the most common kind of motor vehicle accident in Virginia, a collision involving a train and an automobile is usually catastrophic. Victims frequently suffer devastating injuries, such as paralysis, traumatic brain injury, internal organ damage, and traumatic amputation when a locomotive crashes into their vehicle. If this happened to you, you could be entitled to financial compensation […]
The Hidden Hazards of Toxic Exposure on Railway Workers
Ever since the 1930s, prominent railway companies throughout the United States have, from time to time, come under scrutiny for toxic hazards commonly encountered around and in storage facilities, rail storage, rail yards, and other buildings that are used by most major railroads. Unfortunately, railroad workers are not always aware of the diseases and toxic dangers they are exposed to […]
Railway Workers and Parkinson’s Disease
Railway workers are at a considerably greater risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The reason for this is that, historically, they have endured frequent exposure to chemicals that are known to cause Parkinson’s disease, such as welding fumes, chlorinated solvents, and herbicides. Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease does not typically happen until several years after workers have been exposed. Railway workers […]