As a result of the legislature's action, the Commission now has one of the largest state rail safety programs in the nation. Federal standards which have been adopted by the Commission include those concerned with railroad track, equipment, operating practices, signals and train control and hazardous materials. Commission inspectors are assigned headquarters across the state in areas of dense railroad activity to achieve comprehensive inspection coverage, quicker accident and complaint response time and for greater operating efficiency. Specific territorial boundaries have been clearly outlined so inspectors will not be conducting overlapping inspections.
Territorial assignments pertain only to regular inspection activities.
Railroad safety inspectors will investigate accidents and complaints on a statewide basis. The job of a safety inspector is to ascertain compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, rules and standards and to conduct and report on accident and complaint investigations. The inspector writes reports of findings and seeks correction of unsafe conditions. The demands of these jobs require skill in evaluation, fact finding, report writing, and comprehension and application of technical regulatory standards. An inspector must have the ability to gain the cooperation of individuals and organizations.