BNSF Railroad Faces Safety Concerns Review

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has released a review indicating that BNSF Railway is making strides in improving its safety culture, although front-line workers remain hesitant to report safety issues due to fears of discipline. The assessment highlights that while BNSF leadership emphasizes safety as a core value, some lower-level managers still prioritize operational efficiency over safety. This report follows the Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and is part of a broader initiative by the FRA to evaluate safety across major railroads. Regulators recommended that BNSF enhance trust between management and labor, improve communication regarding safety practices, and extend confidential safety reporting systems to all employees. Although BNSF has initiated a pilot safety reporting hotline for dispatchers, the FRA stressed the need for broader access. The industry’s historical retaliation against workers who voice safety concerns remains a significant hurdle.