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,” Lowey 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.
