CN rolls out 2016 plan for safety innovation

CN has launched the third year of its Safety Innovation Program as part of the railroad's broader efforts to improve the safety of operations, the Class I announced yesterday.

For the third consecutive year, CN will step up efforts to use technology to bolster the its Safety Management System, which is designed to minimize risk and reduce accidents and injuries, CN officials said in a press release.

"Our 2016 program, which supplements our ongoing investments in track infrastructure maintenance and safety culture, brings the total applied to the Safety Innovation Program to $67 million [in Canadian dollars] since 2014," said Jim Vena, executive vice president and chief operating officer.

In 2016, CN will spend $28 million (in Canadian dollars) on safety improvements, including:
• installation of new wayside inspection systems at additional locations identified in the railroad's corridor risk assessment program;
• acquiring additional hi-rail trucks that measure rail gauge, cross level and other track geometric parameters; and
• using predictive analytics and data management to assess mechanical trends and identify preemptive maintenance work.

Last year, CN completed a new track evaluation system that uses the latest technology to assess track geometry, identify missing and broken track components through optical imaging, and evaluate tie condition.

"The application of new technologies to detect and prevent mechanical and engineering flaws is a key part of our safety mindset," said Vena.

To learn more about CN's application of predictive analytics and data management, read Progressive Railroading's article on how freight railroads are applying Internet of Things concepts.