Whether you have been working on a Connecticut railroad for years or have just recently started a new job, you may find your work both rewarding and challenging. If you’re someone who has always loved to travel by train, then earning an income while doing so may, in fact, be your dream job. Railroad work can indeed be an enjoyable way to earn a living; however, it is definitely not without risk.
There are certain issues that are ever-present on the railroad that can place you at risk for injury at any time. Your employer is obligated to provide proper training and safety equipment to help you reduce such risks as much as possible. If your employer fails in that duty, it can be disastrous.
What can go wrong on the railroad?
You might be an engineer, a conductor or a lineman. During your normal course of duty on the railroad, any of the following problems can result in your injury:
- Collisions are one of the most common accident risks on Connecticut railroads and other rail systems throughout the nation. If the train you are on collides with another locomotive, catastrophic injuries may occur.
- Derailments are of top concern for railroad officials. There have been several tragedies in recent years that have resulted in many fatalities, as well as serious injuries for workers and passengers alike.
- Level crossings are high risk areas. Such locations are often the scenes of accidents involving other motorists or even pedestrians who get hit by trains while trespassing on the tracks. Train workers often suffer injuries in such incidents as well.
- If you work on the tracks as opposed to on a train, you are at great risk. Electrical hazards, moving trains and other pieces of heavy equipment increase your risk for suffering injury on the job.
Many trains nowadays travel at high speeds. While some rail systems have automated braking systems, others continue to rely on manual operations. There are regulatory requirements pertaining to operation and maintenance of trains, as well as tracks. There is also strict protocol to which engineers and conductors must adhere.
When negligence results in injury
As a Connecticut railroad employee, you are protected under the Federal Employers Liability Act and may claim benefits if you suffer injury on the job. You must be able to prove that your employer was negligent and that such negligence directly caused your injury. An attorney who is experienced in FELA litigation would be a great source of support if you were to file such a claim.