Track & Walkway Standards
On a daily basis, railroad workers are required to walk and work in areas with steep, uneven and poorly ballasted walkways. Oftentimes, workers are required to go into areas where there are no walkways at all. Legislatures, courts, state agencies and juries have determined that the railroads are obligated to provide regular, even and safe walkways under the state walkway regulations of the various western states. Moreover, the railroads have a general obligation to provide a safe workplace under the FELA. Failure to provide such walkways cause cumulative and acute injuries. See our Cumulative Trauma section.
Some additional links:
- California Public Utilities Commission
- General Order No. 26-D
- General order No. 118-A
- Arizona Corporation Commission
- Oregon Department of Transportation also http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/RAIL/Pages/Employee_Safety_Program.aspx
- Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission also http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Rules/Chapter/860/WAC296-860.pdf
If you are injured as a result of bad walkways, either in an acute accident, or cumulatively over the course of your career, you should immediately contact Designated Legal Counsel. You can call us toll-free at 800-447-7500 or send us an email.