Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers
Division 758

Richard E. Etienne
Vancouver, WA
rick@etnsplace.com

 Mr. B.J. Ryan
AVP Locomotive Operations
BNSF Railroad
2600 Lou Menk Dr.
Fort Worth TX 76131

Mr. Ryan Aug 1, 1999

I am appealing to your office for assistance in correcting several serious safety issues regarding locomotives. So far, these issues have either failed to be taken seriously, or have been ignored.

For quite some time, other locomotive engineers, and myself have been reporting a problem with low head clearance with those former ATSF locomotives that have the air conditioning unit mounted in the ceiling. I am 6 ft 3 inches tall, and continually smack my head on those air conditioners. Perhaps the former Santa Fe engineers are used to ducking their heads, but former BN engineers are not. We have always had a high ceiling on our locomotives. I am sure there are quite a few tall engineers in the system who have the same problem.

This problem has been reported to FT Worth Mechanical many times. It has been brought up at SACP meetings. Locally, it was determined in February 1999 that this issue would be taken care of by placing yellow caution tape around the edges to alert employees of the low clearance. This, however, is a small drop in the bucket, when only one division has a plan to do something. I had assumed this would be addressed at the system SACP, but to date has not.

The second issue is concerning bad ordered refrigerators, and the subsequent slip and fall hazard. The carrier is taking the stand that a working refrigerator is not required, that only a bag of ice need be provided for cooling water and lunches. This is great, but when the bag of ice melts, the water drips on the floor, and creates both an FRA defect, and a safety slip/trip/fall issue.

This issue was brought up at the system SACP during the March 1999 meeting.(Item # 8). This issue was subsequently addressed at the system SACP meeting in April 1999, as item # 6, but to date has not been corrected. Individuals are getting hung up on the concept that this is a collective bargaining issue, when the real issue is safety. As an example of the unwillingness to correct the problem, I invite you to check out the locomotive defect log for engine ATSF 582. This engine was reported on 05-08-99, to have a defective refrigerator. As of 07-25-99, that complaint was still an open issue for that locomotive. Almost 3 months and nothing has been done?

This is just one glaring example of the lack of concern for safety by the mechanical department. We need to get beyond the idea of collective bargaining issues, and look at the concerns of safety. We need also to look at the expense side also. We have locomotives that cost over a million dollars each. These units are not lead qualified because of a refrigerator, or low clearance problem. Is this cost effective? Consider this.

The following question should be asked. What would have the higher cost to the company; replacing or repairing the defective water coolers, or putting warning tape around low air conditioning units, or having the many trains delayed in order to switch around power because the locomotive has been tagged as non complying, or the locomotive engineer has empowered him/herself to not use unsafe equipment.

I would like to draw your attention to the Locomotive Inspection Act. This act states that if an employee is injured on a locomotive due to a defect, the carrier is liable for damages. I would also draw your attention to a poster that hangs on Mr. Read Fay's office door regarding safety. It says:

I have always believed that we are supposed to correct problems before they cause injuries. I have been unable to convince anyone beyond the divisional level that a problem exists. Shall we wait until an employee gets hurt? Will we, then, place a dozen rules and regulations in effect to prevent a recurrence? Why not act first and prevent any mishaps? I, myself, am tired of hitting my head on low clearance items on former ATSF units. I am fast getting to the point of empowering myself. I am sure I am not alone in my feelings. I am placing the ball in your court for a remedy.

Respectfully,

Richard Etienne

Local Chairman
BLE Div. 758
Vancouver WA.

Cc: MW Geiger Jr.
RE Stephens