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BNSF Employee Fatality Stockton, CA
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[quote user="edblysard"]<p>One of my biggest gripes with the FRA and most carriers safety rules is the rule forbidding getting on and off moving equipment...done correctly, it is as easy as stepping off or onto an escalator. </p><p>But it is drummed into all new hires that getting off moving equipment is a major rules violation, one that often carries up to a 90 day firing, and they are never taught how to get off, even in an emergency.</p><p>So they end up riding out yard accidents, trying to stop the movement by radio, or freezing in place, because it never occurs to them to get off the car before they hit.</p>[/quote]<p> </p><p>I found this thread today while searching for more information about what happened to Walter. My husband works for BNSF and he knew Walter. He remembers Walter as being one of the nicest guys you'll meet. </p><p>Anyway, everything I've heard suggests that the above quote is likely why Walter didn't jump off at the last minute, however it's not why he died (IMO).</p>As I understand it, the bottom line is that the trainmaster screwed up. A train had just come in and was in the foul. That train's crew notified the TM who didn't bother to tell the RCO crew (Walter's crew). It was the last movement of the shift. (That alone makes me want to cry, my husband usually gives me a call before the last movement to let me know he'll be coming home soon...) <p>It offends me to no end that the idiots in charge are putting this all on Walter's shoulders. Had he been warned the train was in the foul, this entire incident could have been avoided and Walter would still be with us today.</p><p>I am angry. How dare they accuse the crews of not caring about safety and not understanding how dangerous the job is? Trust me, the guys on the ground get it. </p><p>I now get physically ill as my husband drives to work. I trust him to be safe and smart and do his job well. But, I do not trust the guys in the tower, especially not now after they've abdicated all responsibility for their role in Walter's death. </p><p>I guess this was mostly a vent, so thanks for listening. My husband and I don't know Walter's family, but we keep them in our thoughts and prayers. </p>
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