Union Pacific Bolsters Safety Training with Hands-On Approach

Union Pacific recently held its annual safety workshop with the railroad's Engineering team, employing real-world scenarios to practice identifying and mitigating potential risks.

More than 120 managers over six weeks engaged in exercises emphasizing the importance of making safe choices related to critical Operating Rules like lockout/tagout procedures, which ensure machinery is safely turned off during maintenance.

"We care about one another and are committed to safety," said James Rose, senior instructor-track. "We want our culture to promote vigilance, encourage asking questions and support open communication."

The workshop builds upon the existing training foundation of the Engineering managers who lead the teams that build and maintain the railroad's infrastructure. New Engineering employees begin their careers with two weeks of classroom instruction paired with hands-on field training and proficiency testing, followed by up to two years of mentored fieldwork before they are fully qualified.

"We want to make sure there's a comprehensive understanding of safety protocols across all experience levels," Rose said. "We use sophisticated machinery for track maintenance, so there's extensive training necessary to operate safely."

Workshop participants observed mannequins positioned around railroad equipment to identify potential hazards such as pinch points, consider safer alternatives and learn best practices for coaching teams on correct procedures.

The training also covered welding inspections, gas leak tests and methods to prevent equipment collisions. Additionally, participants practiced emergency stop procedures on wet and dry surfaces with specialized vehicles designed to travel on rails.

The workshop is part of Union Pacific's ongoing efforts to proactively foster a culture of safety through extensive training and education. This year, more than 9,500 Transportation craft professionals have participated in The Journey to World-Class Safety course, focusing on critical Operating Rules and safety-conscious decision-making known as Go Home Safe choices.