CSX making changes to improve safety for workers; six workers killed on CSX property last year

One of Jacksonville’s largest employers said it is making changes to improve safety for workers. Six workers were killed on CSX property last year.

Safety is on the minds of CSX leaders. Executive Vice President Ed Harris sent a letter to employees this month.

He wrote, “There’s no hiding from the fact that four railroaders and two contractors lost their lives on our property in 2018..” He went on to say, “That sobering reality should drive home to all of us that no task is so urgent that safety can be placed on hold even for a second.”

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In his letter, Harris laid out a number of changes CSX is making. These include forming regional safety committees, providing frontline supervisor training, revising accountability policies, and investing $900 million in tracks.

Louis Billingsley, a former CSX worker wasn’t impressed with CSX’s plan of action.

“That’s a joke,” he said.

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He said they need to bring back an old plan they used several years ago.

“They need to bring back plate sticks, and they need to shorten these trains up, that will increase safety,” Billingsley said.

CSX said it doesn’t believe longer trains are a safety risk. Actually, CSX says it improves safety.

Cox Media Group