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

WMATA’s Revised Roadway Worker Protection Program APTA Annual Conference Presentation October 2012

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

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

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 it’s 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

• Metro’s 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 700+00 692+00 A13 12 1 CLEAR VIEW Any*

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


A 679+00 675+00 A13 A12 1 BLIND SPOT 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 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.

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

14 14

Type Worker

Un

de

rsta

nd

Tra

ck

Fu

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n o

f Oth

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Co

mp

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ce

Sig

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atc

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en

Ha

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rds

Tra

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n

De

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n D

ista

nce

s

ITD

/Wo

rkin

g L

imits

OT

S o

f Te

rritory

Pro

ficie

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xa

m

Wa

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f Wo

rke

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Fla

gg

ing

Ru

les

Wo

rkin

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imits

Ru

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TA

W R

ule

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W A

pplic

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n

Ph

ysic

al

Ch

ara

cte

ristic

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Re

co

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xa

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Ris

k A

sse

ssm

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t

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.

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

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