Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: UNAPOPPROC

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to unexpected movement of locomotive and trailing railroad cars without radio communication with the locomotive operator: (a) Plant, Screening Station #2, Track #246: On or about July 7, 2004, an employee was operating an in-plant locomotive without visual and/or radio communications with his crew which did not conform to the U. S. Steel In-Plant Railroad Safe Railroading Work Practices policy as outlined in Section 3.11; Section 6.1.7 and Section 6.1.9. In addition, a preventive maintenance policy, as outlined in Section 7.1 of the U. S. Steel In-Plant Railroad Safe Railroading Work Practices was not being followed. Among other methods one feasible and acceptable means to abate this hazard is ensure that no locomotive and trailing railroad cars are moved unless the operator is in visual and/or radio communication with employees. In addition, follow the company's developed preventive maintenance program as outlined in the U. S. Steel In-Plant Railroad Safe Railroading Work Practices manual.