Long-Term Conditions Caused by Railroad Work
Getting On and Off Railroad Equipment
Getting on and off of railroad equipment, moving or stationary can be dangerous. Especially when you consider the multitude of slip and trip hazards like oil, mud etc… that are usually present during railroad work. Most class 1 railroads no longer allow getting on or off moving equipment (GOOME) because it is an inherently unsafe practice that historically led to numerous injuries every year.
The two exceptions that currently allow Getting on and Off Moving Equipment are the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad (CPKC) (formerly Kansas City Southern (KCS)) and Union Pacific. For many years starting in the late 1990’s, UP followed the industry best practices of not allowing railroad workers to get on and off moving equipment. Starting in 2019, they reversed their position, in several locations and it is now required for conductors and brakeman to mount and dismount moving railcars system wide.
In the event, that you are injured while getting on and off equipment, consult an FELA ijury attorney experienced in handling such cases. Contact us today for references from satisfied clients injured while getting on or off railroad equipment.