FRA Issues Safety Bulletin on Shove Moves

An accident that led to the death of a Norfolk Southern conductor in Cleveland has prompted the Federal Railroad Administration to issue a safety bulletin regarding shove moves at highway grade crossings.

FRA officials described the bulletin as informal in nature and did not cite the NS incident, which occurred on March 7. However, the bulletin did reference facts that mirrored what occurred in Cleveland.

The bulletin called for railroads to ensure that crew members have proper training, periodic oversight, and application of appropriate railroad operating rules when determining whether a track is clear.

Crew members are also being urged to conduct job briefings and communicate during pushing and shoving movements.