WINNERS The Watco safety team has selected the third group of Winter Freeze safety award winners. Thanks to all ten of these team members for recognizing these hazards and taking preventative action before they became incidents.
Name: Michael Remedies, Inbound Inspector
Name: Carlos Arciga, Railcar Repairman
Location: Zwolle, Louisiana, Railcar and Mechanical Repair Shop
Location: Omaha, Nebraska, Railcar and Mechanical Repair Shop
Safety Suggestion/Near Miss: While performing an inspection, Remedies discovered that a rung had broken loose from the running board, making the handhold insecure. Solution: A new process was created to flag/tag equipment with issues found during the initial inbound inspection so others aren’t caught by surprise.
Safety Suggestion/Near Miss: Arciga noticed a boxcar’s door pins had been removed/partially removed. The doors are heavy, and this unsafe condition could have resulted in a major incident. Solution: After securing the doors, the team investigated the tampering, reviewed site security, and now start the day with an equipment assessment, even if a team member worked on the equipment the day prior.
Name: Aaron Day, Railcar Repairman Location: Coffeyville Kansas, Railcar and Mechanical Repair Shop Safety Suggestion/Near Miss: While returning equipment to a storage area, Day realized that ice and snow accumulation had created a potential slip/trip hazard, especially dangerous if moving a heavy object. Solution: Day cleared the snow and applied salt to the area, making it safer for his teammates. 4 The Dispatch | April 2021
Name: Dale Pape, Conductor/Engineer Location: Ann Arbor Railroad Safety Suggestion/Near Miss: Pape found a guard missing from the fireman’s side cab heater. Solution: He protected it until it was repaired. Unguarded fans cause injuries, so his keen eye possibly prevented an incident.
