Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: STRUCK BY

Labor and Employment Article, Section 5-104(a): 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: (a)Date of Violation:01/26/10 Location:Redline Track A2, at Chain Marker A2 852+28, One Mile North of the Rockville Metro Station Condition:The employer did not provide or implement an effective means of communication between the Operations Control Center (OCC), a maintenance crew, and an Automatic Train Control (ATC) crew, working on the track and exposed to being struck by a hi-rail vehicle. A clear and effective means of communication had not been established between the OCC, the ATC crew, and the maintenance crew. The two work crews occupied the same section of tracks between the Rockville and Shady Grove stations and were not fully cognizant of each other's work locations. The OCC did not ensure that all work crews, prior to accessing the tracks, had radio communication and fully understood and acknowledged radio transmissions. The ATC crew, working on the tracks, did not have effective radio contact with the OCC or the maintenance crew. The operational status of the ATC crew was not known to OCC; they did not know if a constant lookout was maintained while the crew was on the tracks, the physical location of crew members at all times whether on or off the track, nor work progress or tasks being performed. The helper with the ATC crew did not have a radio, but performed other duties and was not continuously with the ATC crew. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to ensure that established communication procedures are used. Abatement documentation (photographs, receipts, copies of programs, training certification, etc.) is required for this item.