It’s Safety Tip Tuesday time!

The Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI), a non-profit affiliate of ASLRRA (American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association) has launched “Safety Tip Tuesday,” a new program that “provides easy-to-access training materials for small railroads.”

Safety Tip Tuesday provides seasonal tips for Class II and III railroads to post in breakrooms, and discuss during daily safety briefings. Each Tuesday, a new tip is made available on the SLSI website and Facebook page. The tips are downloadable and printable.

“The Safety Tip Tuesday program was created in response to an industry need uncovered during our many Safety Assessments,” said Michele Malski, Safety Program Manager. Discussions with railroad leaders at recent training sessions confirmed that the railroads would like to have more Short Line Safety Institute materials to provide at safety briefings. We hope that our Safety Tip Tuesday program will engage and assist our industry in continuously improving their safety culture.”

This winter’s Safety Tips have included:

• Don’t let your flange catch this ride! Use a locomotive or heavy loaded car to clear crossings and flange ways from any built up ice to help prevent derailments of lighter cars or equipment passing over these areas.

• Step toward safety in the New Year! Always check the walkways, side sills, and steps for snow and ice before entraining and detraining to ensure firm footing is possible. Clear the walkways and steps before use.

• Light the Way! Don’t be in the dark about safety! Winter months offer fewer hours of daylight, contributing to reduced visibility. Check your batteries and functionality of lanterns and ensure you have the proper equipment to see your way when daylight is limited.

• Don’t Ride on Danger! Avoid riding the sides of cars over crossings in winter conditions. Ice buildup may cause a derailment.

• Every Effort Counts! Be sure to have the “sand” conversation with your team. Using sand can be a vital part of your operation in wintry conditions. Tractive effort and braking could be improved with the use of sand during these conditions.

“The Safety Institute will be issuing tips on a seasonal basis throughout 2017,” said Ron Hynes, Executive Director. “The Safety Tip Tuesday program is a terrific example of what the Safety Institute can do to assist and encourage short line railroads to continuously improve their safety culture.”

A ‘Top 10 Safety Tips’ list for Winter 2017 can be found on the SLSI website.

The Short Line Safety Institute is a non-profit entity that conducts safety culture assessments and is the educational, training and research source for short line and regional railroads concerning safety culture. SLSI says it “will heighten the intensity of safety culture focus, and involve short line and regional railroads and their management by combining ongoing assessments, feedback, communication, and recommended improvements and best practices.”