Amtrak 2009 Annual Report Download - page 24

Download and view the complete annual report

Please find page 24 of the 2009 Amtrak annual report below. You can navigate through the pages in the report by either clicking on the pages listed below, or by using the keyword search tool below to find specific information within the annual report.

Page out of 43

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
  • 32
  • 33
  • 34
  • 35
  • 36
  • 37
  • 38
  • 39
  • 40
  • 41
  • 42
  • 43

2009 Environmental Health & Safety Report
22
Safety
Also to avoid climbing, the team constructed a 480-volt “connection box” so that traction
motor leads and the cable tester could be connected while the truck remained on the shop
floor. To protect employees working nearby from flying debris that might become
dislodged from spinning rotors, the team installed eight-foot high clear polycarbonate
fencing with an electrical interlock around the work area. To help implement the new
procedures, the team developed a certification program and posted step-by-step
instructions.
Los Angeles Mechanical Facility
A CFT representing the Los Angeles Mechanical Facility addressed potential risks
associated with jacking cars and changing wheels, the second project the group has
undertaken. The team obtained ergonomically designed impact air guns to minimize
hand/arm vibration, and applied a new style of banding to air lines to ensure integrity.
Lighter and stronger moveable platforms were acquired to facilitate crossing over the pits.
Job safety analyses were performed to identify hazards stemming from specific tasks and
best practices were explored to ensure that all work options were considered. Additional
action items included erecting new safety signage; revising training for employees required
to perform jacking; mandatory use of a daily equipment checklist; and expanded job
briefings. Overall, a 40 percent risk reduction was achieved through the measures
developed by the team.
Seattle Labor-Management Team
A labor-management team in Seattle identified 32 individual action items to reduce risk to
employees working in pits beneath equipment, eliminating overall risk by 75 percent.
Work site improvements included new mounting brackets for pit lighting fixtures;
repositioned water connections; removal (grinding) of sharp points on tracks; installation of
hangers to secure 480-volt cables; and utilization of strategically placed storage containers
for tools and equipment used near the pits.
The team constructed a unique portable ladder to facilitate entry/exit in the pits, and
obtained lightweight crosswalks to place over the pits. To foster desired behavior, the team
developed safety alerts, a behavioral observation form, a positive reinforcement decal for
hard hats and additional safety signage in the pit area.
Engineering Production Team
The Engineering Production team made several modifications to the Track Laying
Machines (TLM) during 2009, the second year of concrete replacement for the TLM.