Dedication:

The FAMES Committee dedicates its efforts to all roadway workers who have lost their lives in the 

performance of duty and to the families, loved ones, and coworkers they have left behind. 

Mission Statement: 

The Mission of the Fatality Analysis of Maintenance-of-way Employees and Signalmen (FAMES) 

Committee is to analyze all fatalities and selected related incidents in order to make recommendations to 

reduce the risk of future occurrences and eliminate fatalities to roadway workers. 

Fatal Accidents 

Under 

Train Approach Warning 

(Watchman/Lookout)

June 15, 2018
2 

Who was Fatally Injured? RWIC Acting as Watchman

16 Fatalities While Using 

Train Approach Warning

3 Fatalities While RWIC 

Acting as 

Watchman/Lookout

Fatal Accidents Under Train Approach Warning (Watchman/Lookout) 

Following the implementation of the Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) Rule in 1997, the FAMES 

Committee, using available FRA accident data, estimates that there have been a total of 52 fatal 

RWP accidents, in which 55 roadway workers have perished, as of February 1, 2017. 

Since the initial release of these recommendations, the FAMES Committee has determined that at 

least 5 additional “Train Approach Warning” (TAW) fatalities have occurred. These fatalities are 

still under analysis by the FAMES Committee but FAMES felt it was imperative to update and rerelease these recommendations. 

One form of On-Track Safety for Roadway Work Groups is TAW provided by Watchmen/ 

Lookouts. 

• TAW (often referred to as Watchman/Lookout) does not require trains to get authorization 

from the Roadway Worker in Charge (RWIC) to move on any track(s). 

• When using TAW, a warning must be given in sufficient time to enable each Roadway 

Worker to occupy a previously arranged place of safety at least 15 seconds prior to a train 

passing the Roadway Worker’s location. 

• Watchmen/Lookouts must be trained, qualified, and properly equipped to provide warning 

to Roadway Workers of approaching trains or on-track equipment. 

Of the 55 Roadway Worker fatalities analyzed by FAMES, 13 accidents resulting in 16 

fatalities occurred where TAW was being used. 

11

Not 

Watchman/ 

Lookout 

5

Watchman/ 

Lookout 

1

RWIC/Watchman 

Fatally Injured 

2

Non-RWIC 

Watchman/Lookout 

Fatally Injured 
3 

In 4 of the 13 fatal accidents, the Watchmen/Lookouts were not using prescribed warning devices, 

such as a whistle, air horn, white disk, red flag, lantern, or fusee. In one fatal accident under TAW, 

FAMES was unable to determine if the Watchman/Lookout was equipped with such devices. In 

the other 8 fatal accidents, the Watchmen/Lookouts were equipped with the prescribed warning 

devices. 

Findings: 

• In 5 of the 13 fatal accidents, the Watchman/Lookout was the fatally injured employee.

• In 12 of the 13 fatal accidents, the accident occurred in multiple track territory. 

• In 3 of the fatal accidents, the Watchman/Lookout was performing other duties or not 

focused solely on the detection of approaching trains when the fatality occurred. 

• In 1 accident, the fatally injured Roadway Worker was not in a position that allowed him 

to receive the TAW. 

• In 4 of the fatal accidents, trains were running against the anticipated flow of traffic. 

• In 2 of the fatal accidents, two trains passed in close succession and a Roadway Worker 

was struck by the second train.

1

12

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

Single Track Multiple Tracks

Fatal Accidents by Number of Tracks
Recommendations: 

• Watchmen/Lookouts must focus their sole attention to the detection of approaching 

trains and equipment. 

• Watchmen/Lookouts should position themselves outside the foul of any track whenever 

possible. If a Watchman/Lookout must foul a track to provide protection for a work group, 

when the work group is notified to clear, the Watchman/Lookout must also clear. 

• Whenever environmental or working conditions change that could interfere with a 

Watchman/Lookout’s ability to detect the approach of a train or provide appropriate 

warning, the Watchman/Lookout must immediately clear Roadway Workers from the 

tracks until proper protection can be established. 

• Watchmen/Lookouts should take into consideration that passenger trains are generally 

quieter and faster than freight trains. 

• If the work requires oversight or supervision from an RWIC, the RWIC must not 

perform the duties of a Watchman/Lookout. 

• The RWIC must communicate precise instructions and expectations to Watchmen/ 

Lookouts during the on-track safety briefings and ensure that Watchmen/Lookouts have a 

clear understanding of their responsibilities and duties. 

• During the on-track safety briefing, the RWIC must identify the method that the 

Watchman/Lookout will use to indicate when it is safe for Roadway Workers to re-enter 

the foul of the track. 

• The RWIC should consider rotating Watchman/Lookout assignments periodically. 

• Each Roadway Worker must maintain a position so he or she can receive a warning from 

a Watchman/Lookout at all times. 

• Roadway Workers must not be in the foul of the track anytime they believe that TAW 

protection is insufficient or no longer appropriate. Roadway Workers have the right and 

responsibility to initiate a good faith challenge when necessary. 

The FAMES Committee consists of safety representatives from a cross section of rail labor, railroad management, 

and federal regulators. FAMES is a continuous improvement process that relies on the candid sharing of available 

data and the views of its participants. To enable the process, FAMES explicitly refrains from making any findings 

regarding whether any past or present practice or protocol satisfies any legal duty or standard of care. 

The views, opinions, and recommendations contained in this report are those of the FAMES Committee and do not 

necessarily represent the views, opinions, or recommendations of any specific railroad, labor organization, or 

governmental agency.

A predetermined place of safety must not be a live track.

Roadway workers have a responsibility to not only ensure 

their safety but that of their fellow workers.