In today’s hybrid workforce, many employees manage multiple tasks daily, enhancing operations through increased versatility, productivity and reduced downtime. While multitasking boosts overall output, it is crucial to remember that each task carries inherent risks, and less familiarity with a task heightens the danger. While some administrative tasks can be mastered through trial and error, others are far less forgiving.

Rail transport remains the most efficient method for shipping and receiving goods nationwide, especially in bulk. Many ethanol and other hazardous material facilities have rail spurs, track systems or loadout tracks used daily by employees. Some even possess equipment to move railcars, complete with train horns for safety. Rail has been integral to the United States’ development, though it has evolved significantly since the days of folk tunes celebrating the railroad.

Major railroads train their crew members rigorously, with training periods ranging from three months to over a year per craft. This training includes qualifications for operating various equipment and understanding different track layouts and characteristics. Crew members undergo extensive classroom and direct training to develop safe practices and adhere to governing rules. These rules exist because someone has been injured or worse.

Introducing railroad cars and equipment into industrial operations does not reduce the associated risks; it may even increase them. Employees tasked with working on or around rails deserve thorough training. At RailPros, we have received numerous inquiries following incidents, highlighting the importance of proactive safety measures. Most incidents are preventable, and an initiative-taking approach is essential when dealing with rail equipment and other high-risk tasks.

Training is often sidelined in favor of productivity, but even a single training event can significantly boost an employee’s confidence. This leads to happier, more productive employees alongside greater accountability. Employees gain confidence in performing tasks correctly, rather than just getting the job done.

The benefits found when moving forward with a training initiative for employees on and around the rail include significant risk reductions and cost savings. Risk reduction comes in the form of better equipped staff, component and equipment familiarity, and infrastructure protection. Cost savings are found in reduction or complete elimination in downtime on rail operations, efficient loading/unloading techniques resulting in higher volume, and shipment fines from regulatory agencies and service partners can be avoided via simple inspections performed by knowledgeable, well-trained staff.

What does this training look like in an industrial environment? After all, we already covered the multiple tasks plants must manage daily. We cannot realistically mimic the robust rail training we see utilized by railroads. So, where does that leave us? In need of assessment.

In the fuel and ethanol industry there are no two plants that move or utilize rail in the exact same way. Step one to an effective rail training initiative is to take a look at what currently exists to determine what is operating and effective versus where there are clear areas of improvement in the operations safety and efficiency. There is no need to reinvent the wheel in most operations. Take the good and supplement with in-depth training designed to pinpoint the areas of improvement. A couple of things to look for in this assessment: Are rail cars being inspected prior to use and do we know how to inspect? Look at crew communication. Is everything being done well communicated, leaving no areas for misunderstanding? What is the track condition? If crews do everything in their power to move safely, can the infrastructure support the operation’s needs? And the all-important track rule—can we see the leading end of each piece of equipment when moving, and verify that no hazards exist throughout that move?

These are just a few things commonly examined in a facility assessment that then allows for the implementation of new or supplementing procedures introduced via plant specific training programs. There is no one-size-fits-all program, but industry best practices have been improved for the past 200 years of railroad history. Those that fit your operation could save in more ways than one!

Safety should always be the top priority, regardless of industry, occupation or organization. Embrace a proactive approach and use training to enhance workforce knowledge and confidence. Whether it is rail work or other job hazards, prepare your employees to prevent minor issues from becoming major concerns.

Author: Jordan Davis,
Director - Training Sales and Delivery,
RailPros

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