Norfolk Southern, BRS union agree to collaborate on safety

Norfolk Southern Railway and the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) have formed a partnership to create the Signal Safety Collaboration.

Developed with input from the Federal Railroad Administration, the one-year pilot program will establish a collaborative process — including joint inspections, information sharing and training — to identify improvements and best practices that enhance signal safety, NS officials said in a news release.

The first phase includes field visits, team-building sessions and working meetings to gather input from front-line supervisors and craft employees. 

To ensure all participants provide candid, critical feedback, the railroad "has underscored its commitment that no one will face adverse impacts from input they provide through the program," NS officials said.

NS and BRS have committed to work together to implement findings that stem from the program. They've also agreed to advocate in favor of regulatory changes that emerge as opportunities to improve safety, the press release states.