Short line railroad workers often face serious workplace injury risks, despite operating on a smaller rail system than major transporters and carriers. Smaller crews, old equipment, physically demanding labor, and deteriorating conditions can contribute to an increased risk of injury. As such, short line railroad employees may experience injuries, equipment failures, and coupling accidents. With that being said, please read on to discover why injuries are more common among short line railroad workers than you would expect, and how one of the seasoned FELA lawyers at Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP can help you understand whether this financial coverage act extends to you and your line of work.
Why are Injuries More Common Among Short Line Railroad Workers Than People Realize?
To reiterate, short line railroad workers tend to face greater exposure to work-related hazards, usually due to one of two reasons. For one, given the smaller crew size, one worker may be expected to handle several varying job functions in a single shift. Namely, they may be in charge of switching operations, coupling cars, inspecting track conditions, and other random railyard operations.
In many cases, this culmination of arguably dangerous tasks may spike the likelihood of physical strains, or otherwise errors or accidents that result in serious physical injuries.
Secondly, short line railroads tend to operate older locomotives, given extenuating factors like lower budgets, lighter traffic, shorter routes, etc. What happens next, though, is that brake systems begin to age, ballasts begin to deteriorate, and segments start to decline in durability.
And again, with a smaller crew size, there is a greater chance that such hazards go unnoticed. With these unsafe working conditions, injuries from slips and falls, train derailments, and other relevant accidents are all the more common among short line railroad workers.
Why Short Line Railroad Workers Face Higher Injury Risks
- Smaller crews may require workers to perform multiple, physically demanding duties in a single shift
- Railroad employers may multitask, handling matters like switching, inspections, coupling, and yard operations
- Deteriorating ballast and track conditions can increase the risk of slips, falls, and derailments
- Some shoreline railroad workers work in more remote locations, where emergency response may be delayed
- Physically repetitive work can increase the likelihood of strains and sprains
Common Short Line Workplace Hazards
- Defective railroad equipment
- Unsafe walkways and uneven ballast
- Intense manual labor
- Inadequate railroad lighting
- Unsafe switching procedure
- Weather-related hazards
- Inadequate staffing
- Unsafe walkways and uneven ballast
What Types of Injuries are Common Among Short Line Railroad Workers
As a result of the physical nature of railroad injury and the operational hazards associated with short line rail systems, workers can suffer injuries, including acute traumatic injuries and long-term occupational injuries.
Common Short Line Railroad Injuries
- Back and spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Hand and finger injuries
- Crush injuries during coupling
- Hearing loss from prolonged noise
- Repetitive stress injuries
Does FELA Cover Short Line and Regional Railroad Workers in the Event of an Injury?
If you are a short line railroad worker, you may assume that you do not receive the same benefits as someone who works for Union Pacific or another major freight railroad. Meaning, in the event of a work-related injury, you may believe that you do not have the legal right to pursue financial compensation through the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Well, you may be happy to learn that you are sorely mistaken here.
That is, even if the line you work for only operates locally, freight often moves as part of a greater interstate system. This connection to the interstate may just place you under the protection of the FELA program.
Your coverage may get complicated with corporate ownerships, leasing arrangements, or contracting parameters, so you should also consult with an experienced lawyer on their take.
What FELA May Allow Injured Railroad Workers to Recover
Under FELA, qualified circumstances allow injured workers to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Permanent disability
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Emotional distress
Facts That Can Impact FELA Coverage
- Whether the railroad participated in interstate commerce
- Contractor or subcontractor relationships
- Ownership structures
- The classification and federal regulation status of the railroad
Contact an Experienced FELA Attorney Today
If you wish to explore your legal options moving forward, please allow one of the competent FELA lawyers from Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP to be your guiding force. Please contact us to schedule your initial consultation with our firm at the first chance you get.
