ASLRRA: Record number of short lines to receive Jake Safety Awards

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) yesterday announced 385 railroads — a record — qualified this year for a Jake Safety Award.

Based on Federal Railroad Administration-reported performance in 2023, the short lines achieved better-than-industry-average injury-frequency rate per 200,000 person-hours worked.

Among this year's honorees, 88% received their awards "with distinction" for zero reportable injuries in 2023. Nineteen members will receive the ASLRRA President's Safety Award for the lowest injury-frequency rate in a variety of per person-hour categories, according to an ASLRRA press release.

The Jake Safety Award is one way the ASLRRA recognizes short lines that achieve exemplary safety records, said ASLRRA President Chuck Baker.

"These numbers are impressive measurements of the industry's safety improvement, reflecting short lines that live the 'safety first' value each day and the industry's commitment to investing in infrastructure to improve safety," Baker said.

The President's Awards will be presented at the 2024 ASLRRA regional meetings in fall.

To receive a Jake Award, an ASLRRA member must perform better than the industry average reportable injury-frequency rate for railroads other than Class Is, commuter railroads and Amtrak as evidenced by the railroad injury and illness summary forms submitted to the FRA for each month in 2023.

The Jake Awards are named for the late Lowell "Jake" Jacobson, the former president and general manager of the Copper Basin Railway who championed short-line safety for many years. To view the list of this year's award winners, click here.