WASHINGTON – The House
has passed an amendment sponsored by Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D, NY-17)
to help prevent future rail accidents caused by medical conditions of
critical safety employees.
“While Congress has worked to require passenger railroads to implement
technology that will prevent rail accidents and save lives, there is still
more to be done to address human factors that can contribute to fatal
derailments,” she said. “My amendment would make a necessary
investment in rail safety, helping ensure that critical safety personnel
are capable of carrying out their responsibilities.”
Lowey’s amendment would set aside $1 million for the Federal Railroad
Administration to establish medical fitness standards for critical safety
personnel on interstate railways. By establishing criteria for medical
fitness, the FRA can help interstate railways ensure that train operators
and other employees who are critical to operational safety are fit to
serve in those roles.
