WMATA s Revised Roadway Worker Protection Program

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1 Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority WMATA s Revised Roadway Worker Protection Program APTA Annual Conference Presentation October 2012

2 Purpose Review the initiative for WMATA s decision to redesign its Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) program Examine the process: research, development, implementation Examine RWP program effectiveness Share lessons learned from WMATA s experience

3 WMATA Rail System 2 nd largest transit rail system in U.S. 86 stations Elevated, subsurface, and at-grade tracks and stations Two track system Exclusive track Some shared corridors

Background WMATA experienced significant safety issues affecting both its employees and its customers 2005-2006: 4 employees struck and killed by Metro trains in 13 months 2009: Red line incident

4 Background WMATA experienced significant safety issues affecting both its employees and its customers : 4 employees struck and killed by Metro trains in 13 months 2009: Red line incident 2009: Near miss to safety inspectors : Five Metro worker deaths within 7 months Tipping point - WMATA needed to reevaluate it s approach to safety People and Organizational Climate Policies and Procedures Operational / Technical

Track Safety becomes a Top Priority WMATA takes

5 Track Safety becomes a Top Priority WMATA takes an emergency response approach to safety Oversight agencies conduct audits December 2009 Roadway Worker Protection Workshop: January 11 13, 2010 RWP Work Group formed with representatives from all divisions with a vested interest in track safety

6 RWP Work Group Assigned to identify best practices for track safety and Roadway Worker Protection procedures training equipment accountability culture Work Group Practices/Research: Weekly meetings, intense debates, and a strict measures of progress Sight visits to peer agencies Experiences Lessons learned Programs implemented Incorporate applicable elements from the FRA RWP program

7 RWP Manual An RWP Manual (RWPM) was developed to ensure adequate safety measures are in place for all persons participating in any activity taking place on the roadway Modeled after the APTA RWP Standards which were modeled after the FRA 214.c Standard Incorporates a Good Faith Challenge Procedure. Local 689 members are actively involved with the RWP Manual development Metro s RWP Manual encompass: Five new types of protection Multi-level protection Change in work zone control Understanding of accountability Increased training

8 Background SAFEST SCALE Flagmen Inaccessible Track Exclusive Track Occupancy Authority Local Signal Control Stop Movements (Working Limits) Foul Time SAFE Train Approach Warning (Watchman/Lookout) Individual Train Detection (Providing Own Protection) Depart Track on Approach

9 Right of Way Access Guide RIGHT OF WAY ACCESS GUIDE LINE Ch, Mkr # start ch, Mkr# end STATION START STATION END TRACK NUMBER NOTES Minimum "RWP" REQUIREMENTS A A11 A12 2 CLEAR VIEW Any* A A11 A12 2 PORTAL: RESTRICTED HEARING & SIGHT Watchman/Loookout** A A12 A11 1 PORTAL: RESTRICTED HEARING & SIGHT Watchman/Loookout** A A12 A11 1 CLEAR VIEW Any* A A12 A13 2 PORTAL: RESTRICTED HEARING & SIGHT Watchman/Loookout** A A12 A13 2 CLEAR VIEW Any* A A12 A13 2 PORTAL: RESTRICTED HEARING & SIGHT Watchman/Loookout** A A12 A13 2 CLEAR VIEW Any* A A CLEAR VIEW Any* A A13 A12 1 BLIND SPOT Watchman/Loookout** A A13 A12 1 CLEAR VIEW Any* A A13 A12 1 BLIND SPOT Watchman/Loookout** A A13 A12 1 PORTAL: RESTRICTED HEARING & SIGHT Watchman/Loookout** A A13 A12 1 CLEAR VIEW Any* A A13 A12 1 PORTAL: RESTRICTED HEARING & SIGHT Watchman/Loookout** *In common corridor areas, Lone Workers MUST clear to a place of safety during the passage of Trains on Adjacent Railroad Property. necessary. **In some areas more than one watchman lookout may be

10 RWP Training Fully reexamined WMATA s track safety training curriculums for both employees and contractors Established a tiered roadway training program in concert with the new RWP Manual FTA Enhanced Track Worker Safety Program - All employees and contractors held to a high standard of track safety, required to pass a test at the end of the course and take refresher training periodically RWP I: All employees, ROW Contractors and ROW Visitors RWP II: Open to a certain work classifications requiring roadway access RWP IV: Open to all employees required to manage roadway worker safety and mandatory for all Track Walkers, all ATC (Signal) Technicians.

11 RWP 1: Proficiency Level Training shall include, but not be limited to: Understanding the Right of Way Functions of all positions providing protection Familiarization of RWP Manual Understanding Signals, warnings, and safety instructions Track Hazards (On Track Site Visit) Train Detection Principles Ways to Detect Approaching Trains/Equipment (On Track Site Visit) Proficiency Examination

12 RWP II: ROW Flagmen, Watchmen/Lookouts In addition to RWP I, training shall include, but not be limited to: Determining Adequate Clearing Times Foul Time Usage Work Zone Limits (Fixed and Moving) Proper Warning Techniques Flagman duties and responsibilities Watchman/Lookout duties and responsibilities Practical Examination (3 practical demonstrations) Written Proficiency exam

13 RWP IV: Roadway Worker In Charge In addition to RWP I and RWP II training shall include; but not limited to: Work Zone Set-up Watchman/Lookout Placement Protected & Non- Protected Work Zones ROW & Vehicle Physical Characteristics Risk Assessment Effective On-Track Safety Briefings Written Comprehensive Exam 3 Practical exams - (Various Work Zone Set-up, Protections, Conducting Job Briefings).

14 Right-of-Way Training Levels Type Worker RWP I (All employees, contractors, visitors) RWP II (Those select classifications needing immediate Roadway Access) Understand Track Function of Others Compliance Signals by Watchmen Hazards Train Detection Detection Distances ITD/Working Limits OTS of Territory Proficiency Exam Warning of Workers Flagging Rules Working Limits Rules TAW Rules TAW Application Recorded Exam Physical Characteristics Risk Assessment RWP IV (RWIC Qualified) 14

15 RWP Accountability Audits QAAW Tri State Oversight Safety RWP Worker Managers Policy for Self Policing Revisions of manual

16 RWP Technology for Safety High visibility clothing Flashlights Minimum Intensity: 65 Lumens Xenon, LED or Halogen Work Limit Lights Magnetized Strobes ROW Maintenance Machine (RMM) Xenon Lights LED Lighting Rotary Beacons

17 Track Equipment Vehicle Safety Change of Direction Alarm Back-up Alarms Cameras Proximity Sensors DOT Reflective Tape Extra Work Lights

18 Then and Now Previous WMATA ROW Program Ambiguous work zone control One layer of worker protection No clear rules governing who can lead work crews and escort contractors Training inconsistent & ineffective Non-Uniform progressive training New RWPM Program (Meets or Exceeds APTA /Industry Standards) Roadway Worker In Charge (RWIC) controls work zone Multi-layer worker protection Only a qualified RWIC can lead work crews and escort contractors New RWP exceeds present training Uniform Progressive Training will accompany multiple levels of qualification No system-wide across the board retraining/requalification required for all personnel who set up work zones or enter the ROW. Retraining/requalification required every 12 months for RWIC, Watchman/Lookouts & ROW Flagman

19 Conclusion 1 Process Key Players: Executive support Participants must be engaged and span all divisions with impacts to track safety The facilitator must keep everyone on point and accountable for assignments Unions should be represented Meetings and Discussion: Meet regularly Establish a timeline and goals Expect a lot of engaged and intense discussions

20 Conclusion 2 Lessons Learned ALL groups within the agency which either control or enter the Roadway must be engaged in the process from development to execution. This MUST include Operations Control Centers, Safety and the Maintenance groups. The RWP Manual is a living document which must be revised as necessary. Near misses MUST be tracked and investigated thoroughly. Employees MUST be encouraged to report.

21 Conclusion 2 Lessons Learned Good faith Challenges MUST be part of the process to place worker responsibility in their own hands. WMATA has experienced very few challenges since the inception of the program Audit and compliance checks are key elements to any successful program and must be routinely carried out and documented. Initial audits and compliance checks should be non punitive and opportunities for teaching and coaching.

22 In Closing - Overall safety culture on tracks is improving. One serious injury since inception. Culture change is slow and must be constantly reinforced. Good faith challenges and failure trending must be used to modify training and be used for employee development. Not for Discipline.

Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) 49 CFR Part 214 Subpart C and Railroad Communications

Federal Railroad Administration Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) 49 CFR Part 214 Subpart C and Railroad Communications 220.11 RWP 2010 Federal Railroad Administration 1 Presentation Notes This presentation