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            In This Section
        Partnerships & Programs
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                Switching Operations Fatalities Analysis (SOFA)
                Fatality Analysis of Maintenance-of-way Employees and Signalmen (FAMES)
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                Switching Operations Fatalities Analysis (SOFA)
    

    
    
    
      SOFA icon.

The Switching Operations Fatality Analysis (SOFA) Working Group is an established, voluntary, non-regulatory, workplace-safety partnership. It was formed to look for commonalities among the fatalities that occur during switching operations and to develop findings and recommendations that will aid in preventing railroad employee deaths. The group includes representatives from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen, the United Transportation Union, the Association of American Railroads, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, and FRA.

The Five Life Savers

Secure equipment before action is taken
	Protect employees against moving equipment
	Discuss safety at the beginning of a job or when a project changes
	Communicate before action is taken
	Mentor less experienced employees to perform services safely

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        **Reports and Findings**
        2011 SOFA Report Volume I
	2011 SOFA Report Volume II
	2004 SOFA Report (Update)
	2001 Severe Injury report
	2000 SOFA Report Volume II - Appendix
	1999 SOFA Report
  


      **Advisories and Alerts**
        SOFA Advisories
	Safety Advisories
	SOFA Alert - March 3, 2021
	SOFA Alert - May 24, 2021
	SOFA Alert - July 1, 2023
	SOFA Alert – August 11, 2023
  


      **SOFA Briefs**
        SOFA Brief- Jobs
	SOFA Brief - Industry Hazards
	SOFA Brief - Close Clearance
	SOFA Brief - Shove Moves
  


      **Additional Information**
        Presentations

    
          Last updated: Friday, August 11, 2023 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

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