RAC recognizes Canadian railways for safety efforts

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) yesterday announced CN, Metrolinx and Genesee & Wyoming Canada Inc. are the winners of the association's 2019 Safety Awards.

Issued annually, the awards recognize members for "outstanding contributions to rail safety," RAC officials said in a press release.

"Canada's railways are among the safest in North America and these awards reflect their ongoing commitment to employee safety and that of all Canadians," said Marc Brazeau, RAC president and chief executive officer.

CN was recognized in the Class I category for its automated inspection portals, which aim to modernize rail-car inspection by pairing high resolution imaging hardware with artificial intelligence. The system complements current manual inspections and helps CN's carmen maintain the fleet with more efficiency, which leads to a safer and more reliable railway, RAC officials said.

Metrolinx was honored in the passenger, intercity, tourist and commuter category. The transit system was recognized for its safety charter, which outlines three promises that each employee makes to foster a stronger safety culture, RAC officials said.

G&W Canada, the non-Class I award winner, was recognized for its efforts to increase employee vigilance and reduce the potential for injury from the movement of rolling stock. This is the second consecutive year that the company has been honored with the award, said Louis Gravel, president of G&W Canada.