CSX Transportation's Operations Department is calling for a number of measures to promote train accident prevention because of this year's disappointing performance in that area.

Senior Operations leaders are calling for a 30-minute stand-down in all operating locations this week to ensure that employees are aware of CSXT's status and the measures intended to turn the record around. Meanwhile, a campaign to promote best practices for run-through switches is nearly complete. Jeff Miller, assistant superintendent for operations in the Jacksonville Division, is credited with developing the program to reduce the occurrences of these human-factor incidents.

A new train accident prevention program has been implemented in New Orleans, where employees piloted a simple solution to a persistent problem. "We wanted to give crews visual cues that would prevent them from yard movements that would foul the tracks, so we clearly marked the last tie protecting the move with bright yellow paint," said Tom May, New Orleans Terminal manager. The "yellow tie" program cut derailments significantly at the yard, and it will be rolled out to all locations on April 1.

"Labor and management employees at the New Orleans Terminal came together and agreed to change their practices," said
Jim Fallon, senior vice president transportation. "The painted ties are both a safety tool and a symbol of their mutual efforts to improve their performance."