Blog Post #1141 – Railway Engineer’s Death is 10th in Last Two Years

Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine

The union representing Canadian railway workers is renewing calls for safer work conditions after a locomotive engineer died December 3, 2019.

Teamsters Canada Rail Conference says the Canadian Pacific Railway employee was 56 years old and had 32 years of experience. He is the 10th member of the union to die in the job and two years.

“Our hearts go out to the locomotive engineer’s family and everyone who worked with them,” Teamsters Canadian president Lyndon Isaak said in a statement.

“The rail industry is in crisis. We have lost 10 of our sisters and brothers over the past 24 months. It’s 10 too many.”

Six of those who died worked at Canadian Pacific, the union said.

Safety was a central issue during a recent strike and Canadian National Railway. Teamsters Canada said the latest incident underscores the need for governments in the industry to work toward preventing railway tragedies.

The man who died was from Mission, B.C., the BC Coroners Service says.

Canadian Pacific spokesman Andy Cummings said the company is offering counselling to the family and other employees.

My opinion

I totally agree with the statement that was made earlier in the report. I know it’s a no-brainer but 10, five and even one is way too many to die of the job. Safety has to be the “Overriding Priority” and the work culture has to be a “Safe Work Culture”. It does not have to be a costly change. Everyone, starting from the top of management, from the President on down, has to be committed to the change or it will never happen.

I wonder if Canadian Pacific received the memo!

Ensure your workplace is a safe place.

Remember – In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Due Diligence’ and ‘Standard Operating Procedures’. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.

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‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.

Daniel L. Beal

CHSEP – Advanced Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.