How Unsafe Equipment Contributes to Railroad Worker Injuries

Alabama’s extensive network of railroads, spanning nearly 4,000 miles, plays a vital role in the state’s economy, transporting essential goods and materials across vast distances. From the ports of Mobile to the industrial hubs of Birmingham and Huntsville, the rail industry is a critical component of Alabama’s infrastructure. However, the very nature of railroad work in Alabama carries inherent dangers. While safety regulations and procedures are paramount, a significant threat to railroad worker safety in the state comes from malfunctioning or poorly maintained equipment. 

Common Types of Unsafe Equipment on Alabama Railroads 

Railroad operations in Alabama rely on a complex network of equipment, each component crucial for safe and efficient functioning. When any part of this system fails, it can have serious consequences. Here are some of the common types of unsafe equipment that can lead to railroad worker injuries in the state: 

• Locomotive Brakes: A train’s ability to stop safely hinges on properly functioning brakes. Faulty brakes can lead to devastating consequences, including runaway trains, collisions at crossings, and derailments on Alabama’s rail lines. In 2013, a train derailment in Pickens County, Alabama, caused potentially by malfunctioning equipment, led to the spill of nearly 750,000 gallons of crude oil. 
• Coupling Systems: The mechanisms that connect locomotives and railcars, known as couplers, need to operate flawlessly. Malfunctioning couplers can lead to unintended separations between cars, causing serious injuries during coupling operations in Alabama rail yards.  
• Track Switches: These intricate mechanisms guide trains onto different tracks. Defective or malfunctioning switches can cause trains to derail, especially at high speeds on Alabama’s rail network.  
• Signal Systems: Railway signals play a critical role in directing train traffic and preventing accidents. Malfunctioning signals can lead to head-on collisions or trains entering occupied tracks in Alabama.  
• Lifting Equipment: Alabama railroad workers often use cranes, hoists, and other lifting equipment to load and unload cargo. Faulty lifting equipment can lead to dropped objects, crushing injuries, and equipment collapse.  
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): While not technically part of the railroad system itself, poorly maintained or inadequate PPE, like hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves, can leave Alabama workers vulnerable to injuries from falling objects and flying debris. A significant portion of railroad worker injuries in Alabama could potentially be prevented or mitigated by the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), as emphasized by safety guidelines and evaluations conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and other safety organizations.  

In addition to equipment failure, a lack of proper maintenance can exacerbate the problem. Worn-out parts, delayed repairs, and inadequate inspections can all increase the risk of equipment malfunction on Alabama’s railroads. 

How Unsafe Equipment Leads to Injuries in Alabama  

Equipment failure on Alabama’s railroads can have a domino effect, leading to accidents and incidents that cause serious injuries. Here’s how: 

• Derailments: Malfunctioning brakes, track switches, or wheel problems can cause trains to jump the tracks, leading to devastating derailments. These can result in multiple injuries and fatalities, along with significant environmental damage from spilled cargo in Alabama.  
• Collisions: Signal malfunctions or faulty communication systems can lead to head-on collisions or trains entering occupied tracks. These high-impact events often result in catastrophic injuries and loss of life on Alabama’s rail lines.  
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Improperly maintained walkways, uneven surfaces, and leaking fluids can create slippery conditions, leading to slips and falls that can cause serious injuries like broken bones and head trauma for Alabama railroad workers. According to OSHA data, slips, trips, and falls account for a significant portion of railroad worker injuries in Alabama each year. 
• Falling Objects: Malfunctioning lifting equipment or improperly secured cargo can lead to objects falling and striking workers. Depending on the weight and size of the object, these incidents can cause crushing injuries, amputations, or even death in Alabama rail yards.  
• Improper Functioning of Safety Features: Defective safety features like guardrails, emergency brakes, or fire suppression systems can leave Alabama workers exposed to additional risks during accidents or emergencies.  

Furthermore, malfunctioning equipment can hinder an Alabama worker’s ability to perform their tasks safely. Inoperable communication systems can create confusion and delay response times in case of emergencies. Limited mobility due to faulty brakes or a malfunctioning coupling system can put workers in precarious positions during maintenance or repair operations on Alabama’s railroads. These factors contribute to an increased risk of injury and illness among the state’s railroad workforce. 

Recognizing and Reporting Unsafe Equipment in Alabama 

Alabama railroad workers play a crucial role in identifying and reporting unsafe equipment. Here’s what you can do: 

• Be Observant: During inspections and routine work tasks, pay close attention to the condition of equipment. Look for visual signs of damage, such as cracks, leaks, or excessive wear on Alabama’s locomotives, railcars, and track systems. If you notice any irregularities or malfunctions, report them immediately to your supervisor and document the issue. 
• Follow Proper Maintenance Procedures: Adhere to all maintenance schedules and protocols set forth by your employer and the FRA. Regular, thorough maintenance is essential to keeping equipment in safe working order. If you are tasked with maintenance duties, perform them diligently and report any issues that cannot be immediately resolved. 
• Attend Safety Training: Participate in all required safety training programs provided by your employer. These pieces of training will help you identify potential equipment hazards and teach you the proper procedures for reporting and addressing them. Stay up to date on any changes to safety regulations or protocols. 
• Report Injuries and Near Misses: If you or a coworker is injured due to unsafe equipment, report the incident immediately to your supervisor and seek necessary medical attention. Even if an equipment malfunction does not result in an injury, report the near miss to help prevent future accidents.  
• Advocate for Safety Improvements: If you notice a pattern of equipment failures or inadequate maintenance practices, bring these concerns to the attention of your union representatives or safety committee. Advocating for improved safety measures can help prevent injuries and save lives on Alabama’s railroads. 

Have You Been Injured by Unsafe Equipment on Alabama’s Railroads? 

If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe equipment on Alabama’s railroads, it’s essential to seek legal guidance from experienced railroad injury attorneys. At Burge & Burge, PC, we are a highly-rated law firm based in Birmingham that has been fighting for the rights of Alabama railroad workers for over 50 years. 

Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by Alabama railroad workers and the complex federal and state regulations governing the industry. We have successfully represented numerous clients in cases involving injuries caused by malfunctioning brakes, faulty coupling systems, defective track switches, and more. 

Contact us today for a free consultation and case assessment.