2 minute read
From Depths of Pandemic, Safety Checklists Emerge
by OneWatco
A sales manager in Michigan who was new to Watco wanted to make a meaningful connection with her railroad customers. But the COVID-19 pandemic was preventing the type of face-to-face meetings she would’ve pursued under normal circumstances.
Peggy Emeis arrived at Watco in August of 2020. Emeis sought the advice of the trainmasters and roadmasters at the Grand Elk (GDLK) and Ann Arbor (AA) railroads for connecting with customers on the two short lines during the pandemic. She wanted something beyond a superficial phone call and “something that was common ground for everybody.”
And that something was safety.
“I got with our operations and MOW teams and said, ‘What are important safety things we should talk to our customers about?’” She brainstormed with AA Roadmaster Steve Ayala and GDLK Roadmaster Joe Grupczynski.
Over time, two checklists evolved – one for spring-summer and one for fall-winter – that railroad customers could follow to prepare for seasonal safety challenges brought on by weather.
As for delivering the lists, Emeis set up in-person, outdoor, socially distanced meetings during COVID to meet her customers and share the checklists with them.
Today, the meetings to discuss and distribute the lists are still occurring outside, twice a year. Ayala, Grupczynski, trainmasters, or the railroad general managers typically attend with Emeis, and customers often involve their safety or maintenance personnel. “The goal,” Emeis says, “is to build relationships with our customers and keep everyone safe.”
Emeis says customers have found the lists to be very informative. Both lists have guidance on inspecting and cleaning gutters, drains, switches and more, and they address things like trackside debris and vegetation removal. Each list has season-specific tips for what customers can do to make property safe after a storm.
The lists recently have been formalized, and other railroad customers can use them. Watco railroad teams interested in seasonal safety checklists for their customers can message marketing@watco.com.
