Authors: U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

Date of Publication:  June 1988

Sponsoring Agency:  U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

Performing Organization:  U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Bureau of Safety Programs

Report No: NTSB/SS-88/04

Abstract:

In 1987, the National Transportation Safety Board undertook a safety study to review the first full year of implementation of the current Federal Railroad Administration's alcohol and drug rule.  Also, the Safety Board wanted to examine what actions beyond those required by the rule could be undertaken by the railroads and the Federal government to reduce high losses from accidents involving railroad employees in safety-sensitive positions who continue to use alcohol and/or drugs on the job.

In 1987 and 1988, attention has been focused on accidents/incidents in which the use of alcohol and/or drugs by railroad employees has led to fatalities and serious injuries.  The Safety Board's study reviewed the results of its accident investigation activities over the past 16 years (1972-87), all safety recommendations related to those accidents, and the responses of the organizations (public and private) to the Board's recommendations.  Additionally, the Safety Board visited 10 railroads and interviewed more than 120 people directly involved in the railroad industry.
 

No. of Pages:  165