The FAMES Committee has reviewed the available data from 14 railroad bridge fall accidents, in which 12 fatalities and 2 serious injuries occurred. Given that bridge workers constitute a small percentage of the railroad worker population, this is a significant number.
Unsecured walkways/gratings were the primary cause in one-half of the fatal accidents and serious injuries. Of grave concern is the fact that in several of those accidents, supervisors and employees were aware of the unsecured walkways/gratings but did not take necessary steps to mitigate the risk; in fact, in some instances the killed or injured worker helped unsecure the walkway/gratings.
Click the link below, to view the findings and recommendations of the FAMES Committee which are intended to raise awareness and prevent injuries and fatalities among railroad bridge workers.