For any industry, safety and security should be of the utmost importance. In the railroad industry, preventative measures such as railroad contractor safety training ensures that contractors at railroad properties are knowledgeable in the necessary Rail and industry regulations.
The purpose of railroad contractor safety training is to improve the security of railroad contractors, employees and facilities. When hiring and training contractors, Railroad industry leaders should follow these best practices to ensure safety and security.
Administer Background Checks
Proper screening for a company’s contractors is imperative and enables better hiring decisions. Companies that proactively screen contractors can help protect the company’s image, reduce theft, avoid potential litigation risk and create a safe environment on the railroad properties.
For all contractor candidates, Rail leaders should conduct the following:
- National Criminal Background Check
- Certificate & License Check
- Social Security Number Verification
- Education Verification
- Reference Verification
Perform Routine Drug Testing
Performing random drug testing on contractors and employees, who have access to railroad properties, helps safeguard the property and business.
Employees who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol pose a significant risk to themselves, other employees and the railroad property. Conducting routine employee drug testing eliminates accidents, employee theft and low productivity levels that could stem from employee drug use.
There are several options for companies to utilize when conducting employee drug testing. Companies should opt for at minimum one the following testing options:
- Urine
- Saliva
- Breath alcohol
- Multiple panel options (5, 7 and 10 panel)
Conduct Training & Testing
All railroad personnel should be required to successfully pass safety and security awareness exams. Contractor and vendor personnel are also required to complete mandatory training and testing which include: rail security awareness training and contractor orientation.
Training modules are an integral component of railroad contractor safety training and should be administered by all railroad properties, with specific training customized for individual operations.
Issue Credentialing & Badging
Railroad personnel are required to wear identification badges when accessing the railroad property. These badges contain the contractor’s picture for proper identification. Badges should be issued upon successful completion of the railroad background check and mandatory compliance examinations.
For More Information
Contact our team today about eRailSafe, a service by eVerifile that enables Class 1 and ShortLine Railroads monitor and maintain a history of all contractor employees that have access to a Railroad property. The purpose of the program is to improve the security of railroad employees, operations and facilities. Railroad contractors, vendors and suppliers are required to comply with railroad background checks, safety & awareness, training and badging.