Workshop participants developed an eight point action plan focused on the educational and training efforts that constitute the critical first steps toward enhanced fatigue management and fitness for duty programs at our member railroads. All APTA member commuter rail agencies voluntarily established system safety plans in 1997. System safety is an approach in which every employee and supervisor is responsible for the safe operation of the railroad. Every aspect of the railroad's operation is analyzed to determine its likelihood of becoming a safety problem. Follow-up measures are prioritized.
Emphasis is on doing whatever it takes to maximize safety performance.
Under this program, APTA audits the system safety management practices of its members to measure the effectiveness of local safety programs, and how each individual commuter rail system's safety efforts can be improved. APTA is working with FRA to coordinate this program with FRA's Safety Assurance and Compliance Program in order to provide coordinated and effective assistance to commuter railroads in safety matters. Formed in March 1996, RSAC represents a significant advance in FRA's rulemaking process. APTA applauds FRA's move to consensus-based rulemaking, and fully endorses the RSAC process. Experts from throughout the rail industry are working together in technical working groups to establish standards on Emergency Preparedness, Radio Communication, Event Recorders, Roadway Worker Safety, and other areas.