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· On track outside the limits of an interlocking or a con- hazards associated with a task or work location and the asso-
trolled point; ciated level of protection. Given the similarities in most of
· Where the lone worker is able to visually detect the the processes, this section of the report will provide a sample
approach of a train moving at the maximum authorized of the practices from three of the five systems: NYCT, MBTA,
speed on that section of track and clear the tracks 15 s and the River LINE.
before the train reaches the work area;
· Where no power-operated tools or railroad maintenance
machines are in use within earshot of the lone worker; New York City Transit--Safety Rule Dispute
Resolution Process
and
· Where the ability of the lone worker to hear and see
NYCT supervisors are directed to utilize the Safety
approaching trains and other on-track equipment is not
Rule Dispute Resolution Form when a TWU-represented
impaired by background noise, lights, precipitation,
employee or group of employees asserts that the work
fog, passing trains, or any other physical conditions.
requested violates a safety rule or procedure. These forms
must be made available from the supervisor at the work
When using ITD, the worker must fill out the Statement of location to any TWU-represented employee who wishes
On-Track Safety for a Lone Worker and request permission
to raise such an allegation. In such cases, only work rel-
to enter the mainline using ITD by calling the LRC using
ating to the allegation stops until the dispute resolution
radio or cell phone and providing a description of the work to
process is completed. All work not related to the allegation
be performed, the location by chain marker or station, and his
continues.
or her radio call number.
Section 1 of the form is completed by the employee who
A worker cannot enter the mainline until LRC gives him
is making the allegation. If a group of employees is asserting
or her instructions to do so. The worker must repeat back any
the violation, one employee completes the form on behalf of
instructions received from LRC before entering the yard or
mainline tracks. When the work is complete, the worker must the group. The information must be as specific as possible.
not foul the track, and LRC must be notified that the worker After completing this section, the employee gives it to the
is clear of all mainline tracks. supervisor identified on the form.
Upon the approach of a train on any mainline track or The supervisor and the employee discuss the issue and the
adjacent track, the worker must clear all tracks. A lone worker applicable rules, and the supervisor must complete Section 2,
retains the absolute right to use on-track safety protection noting his or her explanation and actions, and if the employee
other than ITD if he or she deems it necessary, and to occupy agreed or disagreed. If agreement is reached, work may resume.
a place of safety until another form of on-track safety can If the employee disagrees, the supervisor must note the
be established. A lone worker using ITD for on-track safety disagreement. The concern is then raised immediately to a
while fouling a track may not occupy a position or engage manager. Each employee must sign the form, noting the time
in any activity that would interfere with his or her ability to and date.
maintain a vigilant lookout for approaching trains moving in
either direction. A lone worker who uses ITD to establish In Section 3, the manager notifies the TWU and MOW
on-track safety must first complete a written Statement of Operations immediately, interviews the supervisor and the
On-Track Safety. The lone worker must produce the Statement employee, and renders a decision. The interview may be
of On-Track Safety when requested by a FRA representative conducted by telephone. If the issue is resolved, the manager
or supervisor (7). must complete this section of the form by the end of the shift.
If the issue cannot be resolved by telephone, the manager must
report to the location and complete this section immediately
River LINE after rendering a decision. The decision of the manager is
final and binding on both parties. The manager will direct the
Although there are some differences in terminology and
employee(s) back to work.
practices that reflect the size and structure of the River LINE,
its track worker safety program is essentially identical to that
of MTA. The complete form, regardless of the type of resolution,
is distributed to the appropriate division head, the Office
of System Safety, the TWU, and the employee. A Division
SAFETY CHALLENGES Review Panel convenes periodically to review the forms.
Reports are then provided to the Senior Vice President of
Every system included in the study has some form of Subways and the Vice President of System Safety. Figure 25
"Challenge" or "Dispute Resolution" whereby members of provides a copy of the NYCT Safety Rule Dispute Resolu-
ROW work crews can document concerns regarding the tion Form.
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FIGURE 25 NYCT Safety Rule Dispute Resolution Form (Courtesy: NYCT).
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority-- complaint of an unsafe condition. An evaluation must be made
Good Faith Challenge on how the unsafe condition can be resolved to allow the safe
continuance of work. Figure 26 provides a copy of the MBTA
If an employee does not have the appropriate PPE or feels ROW Good Faith Safety Challenge form.
that the work he or she is performing or being asked to per-
form puts him or her and others in danger, that employee is
empowered and obligated to rectify this safety concern by River LINE Good Faith Challenge
initiating a "Good Faith Safety Challenge" to the employee
in charge or to the Control Center dispatcher. River LINE roadway workers have the absolute right to
challenge, in good faith, any directive that would violate any
The supervisor in charge of the work must respond regulation governing on-track safety. The roadway worker
immediately to the "Good Faith Safety Challenge" or to any remains clear of the track until a challenge is resolved.
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FIGURE 26 MBTA ROW Good Faith Safety Challenge form (Courtesy: MBTA).
When a roadway worker has concerns about any directive c. Remain clear of the track.
that would violate the regulations governing on-track safety d. Explain the reason(s) for their concern on a
the following procedures apply: "Roadway Worker Challenge Form" (see Figure 27).
e. Give the form to the employee in charge.
1. The roadway worker will discuss the on-track safety 4. The employee in charge will review the challenge form
procedures at the work location with the employee in and determine whether:
charge. The worker and the employee in charge try to a. The worker's statement of on-track safety procedures
clarify any misunderstandings and resolve any differ- at the work location is accurate and the on-track
ences of opinion about the on-track safety procedures. safety procedures comply with regulations.
2. If the worker and the employee in charge are unable to b. If the employee in charge determines that the
resolve the conflict, the employee may challenge the worker's concerns are valid, the employee in charge
on-track safety procedures. To issue a challenge, the changes the procedures so that they comply with
worker must: the regulations. If the worker considers the challenge
a. Do so in good faith. The worker must have an honest resolved, the employee in charge forwards the chal-
concern that the procedures in place do not comply lenge form to the Superintendent of Maintenance's
with these on-track safety regulations. (or designee's) office, and the worker returns to
b. Be able to explain the concern about the proposed work.
on-track safety procedures being applied. c. If the employee in charge determines that the
3. If the worker decides to challenge the on-track safety worker's concerns are not valid, he or she notifies
procedures, he or she must: the worker and documents the determination on the
a. Notify the employee in charge. form. If the worker considers the challenge to be
b. Notify any other roadway workers of the concern. resolved, the employee in charge forwards the
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FIGURE 27 River LINE Roadway Worker Protection Challenge Resolution Form (Courtesy: River LINE).
challenge form to the line engineer's (or designee's) The challenge is considered resolved, and the workers
office, and the worker returns to work. return to work.
d. If the worker still does not consider the challenge 6. A copy of the completed challenge form is forwarded
resolved, the employee in charge contacts the super- to the superintendent of maintenance's (or designee's)
visor for a resolution. office.
e. The supervisor reviews the challenge form and
determines whether the proposed on-track safety
procedures at the work location comply with the Toronto Transit Commission
regulations. The supervisor contacts the employees
named on the form to make this determination. The Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act gives all
5. If the supervisor determines that the challenge was workers the right to refuse unsafe work. The TTC implementa-
valid, the supervisor arranges for the procedures to tion of the employee process to refuse unsafe work is as follows:
comply with the regulations. Once the procedures
are in compliance, the workers return to work. If the · Employee reports concerns to supervisor.
supervisor determines that the challenge was not valid, · If unresolved, the matter is referred to the joint Labor/
the supervisor explains the decision to the worker. Management Health and Safety Committee.
