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9/2/2021
The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) has issued an audit of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metrorail’s fitness-for-duty programs.
Each aspect of an effective fitness-for-duty programs helps manage and mitigate the risks posed by impairment from fatigue, lack of alertness, medical or physical issues, licit and illicit drugs, and alcohol, according to a WMSC news release.
The WMSC identified several positive practices and a number of areas that require improvement for Metrorail to establish an effective program. As a result, the WMSC is issuing 11 findings requiring Metrorail to develop corrective action plans (CAPs) and four recommendations that Metrorail is required to address.
The findings identify safety deficiencies in Metrorail’s fitness-for-duty programs, including issues identified in previous audits and reviews that Metrorail has not yet addressed, which pose safety risks to riders and others who rely on or work in the Metrorail system. For example, Metrorail cannot reasonably ensure that its employees and contractors who are conducting safety sensitive duties are free from impairment that could cause incapacitation, the release said.
The full report is available on the WMSC website.