WALBRIDGE, OHIO: Fred Anderson, 56, a carman who had worked for CSX for 19 years, was killed on Sunday, September 17, after he was crushed between two railcars by a remote-controlled train in a CSX railyard in Ohio.
Anderson’s death has raised concerns among unions about the safety of remote-controlled locomotives which are reportedly used by every major railroad in the country.
How many deaths have occurred due to remote-controlled trains?
Anderson is the third carman killed in an incident involving a remote-controlled locomotive since June.
“Our understanding is that this fatality [involved] a remote-control locomotive," Transportation Transportation Communications Union & Brotherhood of Railway Carmen National President Artie Maratea said in a news release.
He added, "If so, this would mark the third Carman fatality involving remote-control locomotives."
What measures are being taken to avoid such mishaps in the future?
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident, which happened shortly before 4 am Sunday in Walbridge, Ohio.
They have further called for a full-scale review of the use and practices of such technology.
“Enough is enough. A full-scale review of the use and practices around remote-control locomotives is long overdue," Maratea said.
He said CSX and every railroad "must evaluate their use of these supposed technological advancements to ensure they are making our members safer, and not merely replacing people to continue lining the pockets of Wall Street."
When were remote-controlled locomotives approved?
Since 2005, the Federal Railroad Administration has allowed railroads to use remote-controlled locomotives, as per Fox News.
These are mainly used to build trains in railyards, but there is no clear guidance on their operation. A railroad worker with a remote device can control the train from the ground or from inside the train, it noted.
CSX CEO Joe Hinrichs expressed his condolences to Anderson’s family. “This heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the importance of always prioritizing safety in all we do. Each one of us plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of our ONE CSX family," Hinrichs said.
He added, "Let’s honor Fred’s memory by continuing to strengthen our efforts to create a safe and supporting work environment.”
Fred Anderson is survived by his wife and an adult son, Hinrichs wrote in a message to employees.
