As soon as possible after suffering an injury at work, a railroad employee should fill out an accident report. Most railroads have formal rules requiring that the accident report be filled out promptly after any injury. Failure to complete the report…
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One of the basic elements of the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (“FELA”) may be fundamentally changed this year by the United States Supreme Court. Briefs have been filed and oral argument is scheduled for March in the case of CSX Transportat…
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When a railroad employee is injured, the railroad will usually hold an investigation or disciplinary hearing to detemine whether there was a violation of the railroad’s safety rules. The employee is represented by his local union officer at such a…
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If you suffer an injury on the railroad that requires immediate treatment, demand that your supervisor get you to the nearest hospital. Do not allow the supervisor to delay your treatment so that he or she can discuss the incident with you, fill out…
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Railroads have a long history of trying to intimidate their employees so workplace injuries are not reported and legitimate FELA claims are not pursued. Employees that file claims are quickly the target of threats and discipline for being “accident…
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The first item on our checklist of what to do when you are hurt at work is to report the injury. Immediately tell co-workers on your crew that you were injured, and point out to them conditions in the workplace that contributed to the accident. Your…
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The Federal Rail Safety Act (“FRSA”) was recently amended to give railroad employees a remedy when they are retaliated against for reporting on-the-job injuries. The provisions of this law have the potential to change the entire culture of the ra…
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Every railroad employee should know the proper steps to take when suffering an injury at work. Below is a checklist of some of the basic things to remember. I will discuss each point in more detail in later posts. If you suffer an injury at work, or…
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