Requirements for railway safety inspection program head to House Floor

In song, “Workin’ on the Railroad” can seem romantic, but in real life it’s a very dangerous profession.

To improve the safety of railroad workers, Rep. Mike Sundin (DFL-Esko) sponsors HF2986, which would establish requirements for the state rail safety inspection program administered by the Department of Transportation to monitor railroad safety and perform rail inspections.

“The more I’ve heard about working conditions on railroad lines here in Minnesota, it’s clear that this legislation is necessary,” Sundin told the House Labor Committee Wednesday.

Approved by the committee, the bill was sent to the House Floor. Sen. Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan) sponsors the companion, SF3154, which awaits action by the Senate Transportation Finance and Policy Committee.

Bill provisions outline “much needed improvements” the state needs to make in its rail safety inspection program, said David Brown, state legislative chair of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.

One of the improvements is more state rail safety inspectors at MnDOT, said Brown. He noted the department has just four inspectors to examine the more than 4,500 miles of railroad tracks in the state.

Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL-Mpls) pointed out Minnesota has more rail miles per capita than most other states but fewer inspectors.

Rep. Bob Vogel (R-Elko New Market) said he was disappointed there was no fiscal note attached to the bill because he thought it would require MnDOT to spend money to hire more inspectors.

“Excuse my skepticism,” said Vogel. “Either the department isn’t doing their job with the resources they have or it’s going to take more resources.”

Jennifer Witt, legislative coordinator for MnDOT, assured the committee that although MnDOT’s four rail safety inspectors are under a lot of strain they are sufficiently doing their jobs.

Specifically, the bill would:

• direct MnDOT to set standard procedures to investigate complaints of rail safety noncompliance under existing investigation and enforcement powers;
• direct state rail inspectors to enforce state statutes on rail and rail worker safety, following an investigation;
• provide for notification to affected rail carriers regarding reports and investigations of noncompliance with state rail safety regulations; and
• mandate that state rail safety inspectors are equipped with necessary measurement tools.