Illinois AG leads coalition supporting minimum staffing for train operations

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Unsafe railroad conditions have cost train workers their lives, and the Illinois Attorney General is part of a movement pressing to put an end to the problem.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul led a coalition of attorneys general in favor of a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rule that requires freight and passenger trains be staffed with at least two crew members to ensure safer conditions for workers., according to a release on Wednesday.

In their brief , the coalition explains that recent events have shown that the consequences of unsafe train operations are devastating to communities across the nation. These train accidents kill citizens, put a strain on local resources and leave behind environmental damage that requires great amounts of time and money to restore.

“Research shows that crew members operate trains more safely when working as part of a team because they can coordinate with one another, provide backup in emergency situations, solve problems together and protect against fatigue,” Raoul said. “That’s why I am leading my fellow attorneys general in support of the Federal Railroad Administration’s minimum staffing requirement.”

The attorneys general said the requirements under the new rule will help to promote a safer work environment for crew members. These workers have long and often irregular hours while performing physically and mentally draining tasks.

By promoting safer work environments, they said it also lessens the risk of train accidents in general.

The attorneys general explain that FRA’s rule is on par with previous research on the topic and necessary for public safety.

They explain that it finds a balance between guaranteeing safe train operations and authorizing the use of technological breakthroughs that allow trains to be operated by one-person crews, only when railroads complete a risk assessment and demonstrate the train can be operated safely.

“I will continue to advocate for safe working conditions and safe railways in Illinois and across the country,” Raoul said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.