Safety Is Our Number One Concern

I recently had the opportunity to participate in an informative two-day safety program called Grade Crossing Collision Investigation (GCCI), in Greenville, SC. The program was developed by Operation Lifesaver for use by CSX and other railroads as part of our responsive care to the communities we serve as we travel through them. This class offers information and resources on how to be safe when arriving on railroad property when an investigation is required.

Ray Williams, CSX Police, Nelson High, CSX Community Affairs, Dave Thomerson, CSX Police at GCCI training in Greenville, SC.

Classroom training included instruction on crossings, signs and signals, focusing mainly on the four elements of a grade crossing collision: human, motor vehicle, rail equipment and environmental. Other blocks of instruction included key safety points on property, advance preparation and how to identify and deal with hazardous materials. A second day focused on field training with hands on exposure to a locomotive, freight car, grade crossing signal equipment and tank car, all designed to increase knowledge, understanding and familiarity.

The best thing about this particular training program was that it was made possible through the partnership of two different railroads. Norfolk and Southern provided the classroom and media equipment, while CSX furnished all the equipment necessary to conduct the field training.

It's a wonderful experience to be a part of these training events, both as a participant and a teacher, as we all have safety as our number one concern.