NTSB calls for better worker protection during shoving movements

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) yesterday issued a report with new safety recommendations to better protect rail workers during shoving movements.

During a shoving movement, a locomotive pushes rail cars while a worker ensures the track ahead is clear. Some railroads allow workers to perform this task while riding on the lead railcar, exposing them to numerous hazards, including falls from moving equipment, being struck by vehicles at grade crossings and being pinned or crushed during collisions or derailments, NTSB officials said in a press release.

Since October 2020, the NTSB has investigated 16 accidents involving workers riding rail equipment during shoving movements; 14 workers were killed and 2 were seriously injured. Since August 2026, NTSB has opened 2 additional investigations.

“This report shows that the same safety issues continue to cause rail worker deaths and injuries,” said NTSB Board Member John DeLeeuw. “Moving rail equipment safely should not expose employees to unacceptable risk.”

The NTSB found federal regulations do not consistently require crews to identify hazards, including limited visibility, close clearances, track and walkway conditions, grade crossings, switches and derails, before work begins. 

"Railroad workers deserve a safe workplace and should never have to risk their lives to do their jobs," said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy. "Our investigations have repeatedly shown that riding moving rail equipment can have deadly consequences. Railroads have safer alternatives, and they should use them."

Safer alternatives include providing point protection from the ground, using vehicles, cameras and other technologies.

As a result of its investigations, the NTSB recommends that the Federal Railroad Administration and Class I railroads:

• Prohibit workers from riding rail equipment to provide point protection during shoving movements and require safer alternatives;
• Conduct, document, and regularly update site-specific hazard assessments before work begins; and
• Identify environmental and operational hazards and share hazard assessment findings with employees performing the work in pre-job safety briefings.

The NTSB also recommends that the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association inform its members about the risks associated with riding rail equipment during shoving movements.

The full report is available here.