FRA Proposes Safety Training Rule

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has proposed a rule that would require railroads to train and qualify employees in safety-related positions on U.S. railroad safety laws, regulations and orders. Under the proposed rule, railroads or contractors that employ safety-related railroad workers would be required to develop a training program and submit it for FRA approval, and to designate the qualification of each such employee. The rule would require most employers to conduct periodic oversight of employees to determine compliance with railroad safety regulations, and to conduct annual written reviews of their training programs to close performance gaps. Comments must be submitted by April 9.