WMATA’s Revised · Workshop: January 11 – 13, 2010 ... Non-Uniform progressive training Uniform Progressive Training will accompany multiple levels of qualification

WMATAs Revised Roadway Worker Protection Program APTA Annual Conference Presentation October 2012

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Purpose

Review the initiative for WMATAs decision to redesign its Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) program

Examine the process: research, development, implementation

Examine RWP program effectiveness

Share lessons learned from WMATAs experience

WMATA Rail System

2nd 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

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 2009: Near miss to safety inspectors 2009 2010: Five Metro worker

deaths within 7 months

Tipping point - WMATA needed to reevaluate its approach to safety People and Organizational Climate Policies and Procedures Operational / Technical

Background

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

Track Safety becomes a Top Priority

Assigned to identify best practices for track safety and Roadway Worker Protection

procedures

training

equipment

accountability

culture

RWP Work Group

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

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

Metros RWP Manual encompass:

Five new types of protection

Multi-level protection

Change in work zone control

Understanding of accountability

Increased training

RWP Manual

SAFEST

SAFE

SCALE

Individual Train Detection (Providing Own Protection)

Train Approach Warning (Watchman/Lookout)

Inaccessible Track

Exclusive Track Occupancy

Authority Local Signal

Control Flagmen

Stop Movements (Working

Limits)

Depart Track on

Approach

Foul Time

Background

RIGHT OF WAY ACCESS GUIDE LINE Ch, Mkr # start ch, Mkr# end STATION START STATION END TRACK NUMBER NOTES Minimum "RWP" REQUIREMENTS

A 575+00 620+00 A11 A12 2 CLEAR VIEW Any*

A 620+00 640+00 A11 A12 2 PORTAL: RESTRICTED HEARING & SIGHT Watchman/Loookout**

A 640+00 620+00 A12 A11 1 PORTAL: RESTRICTED HEARING & SIGHT Watchman/Loookout**

A 620+00 565+00 A12 A11 1 CLEAR VIEW Any*

A 640+00 645+00 A12 A13 2 PORTAL: RESTRICTED HEARING & SIGHT Watchman/Loookout**

A 645+00 670+00 A12 A13 2 CLEAR VIEW Any*

A 670+00 680+00 A12 A13 2 PORTAL: RESTRICTED HEARING & SIGHT Watchman/Loookout**

A 680+00 700+00 A12 A13 2 CLEAR VIEW Any*

A 700+00 692+00 A13 12 1 CLEAR VIEW Any*

A 692+00 686+00 A13 A12 1 BLIND SPOT Watchman/Loookout**

A 686+00 679+00 A13 A12 1 CLEAR VIEW Any*

A 679+00 675+00 A13 A12 1 BLIND SPOT Watchman/Loookout**

A 675+00 670+00 A13 A12 1 PORTAL: RESTRICTED HEARING & SIGHT Watchman/Loookout**

A 670+00 645+00 A13 A12 1 CLEAR VIEW Any*

A 645+00 640+00 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. **In some areas more than one watchman lookout may be necessary.

Right of Way Access Guide

Fully reexamined WMATAs 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.

RWP Training

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

RWP 1: Proficiency Level

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

RWP II: ROW Flagmen, Watchmen/Lookouts

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).

RWP IV: Roadway Worker In Charge

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RWP I

(All employees,

contractors, visitors)

RWP II

(Those select classifications needing

immediate Roadway

Access)

RWP IV

(RWIC Qualified)

Right-of-Way Training Levels

Audits

QAAW

Tri State Oversight

Safety

RWP Worker Managers

Policy for Self Policing

Revisions of manual

RWP Accountability

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

RWP Technology for Safety

Change of Direction Alarm

Back-up Alarms

Cameras

Proximity Sensors

DOT Reflective Tape

Extra Work Lights

Track Equipment Vehicle Safety

Previous WMATA ROW Program New RWPM Program (Meets or Exceeds APTA /Industry Standards)

Ambiguous work zone control Roadway Worker In Charge (RWIC) controls work zone

One layer of worker protection Multi-layer worker protection

No clear rules governing who can lead work crews and escort contractors

Only a qualified RWIC can lead work crews and escort contractors

Training inconsistent & ineffective New RWP exceeds present training

Non-Uniform progressive 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

Then and Now

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

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.

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.

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.