Back2Basics
FRA’s Back2Basics is an educational information initiative directed to railroad professionals and focuses on the personal aspects and responsibilities of staying safe in the workplace. Every week we will post a Rule of the Week message here and on our social media platforms. The previous week’s awareness message will remain on this page for a week below the latest one, just in case you missed it. We encourage you to visit this page again, tell your colleagues, and share the messages to help remind us all of the importance of fostering a continuous culture of safety in the railroad industry.
Railroad Safety Specialist John Brahaney created this initiative's artwork and messaging. If there is a topic you would like to see addressed, or if you want to request a copy of a past Rule of the Week message, please contact John at john.brahaney@dot.gov
EZ SWITCHES
Railroaders, switches throw so much better when they are maintained right. Watch your back!
WATCHMAN/LOOKOUT
Railroaders, especially in frigid weather, BE EVER VIGILANT, you’re protecting workers.
CLEAR WAYS
FRA wishes out railroaders a Happy & prosperous New Year! Cold weather presents a slew of challenges for railroaders. Clean steps to a cab are clean steps to safety!
EZ SWITCHES
Railroaders, take care when throwing switches & use proper body mechanics.
ARE YOU PROTECTED?
Railroaders work with protection…period. What is yours?
BODY MECHANICS
Here’s to railroaders having a long and healthy railroad career!
USE YOUR HEAD
Railroaders, don’t stop digging until you find the root!
LEAN ON 'EM
Soon, the leaves of autumn will fall and the buzzers will sound. Warm brakes are effective brakes. And effective brakes make for a smooth ride…and a positive stop.
SHIFT CARS SAFELY
Railroaders, you are only as good as your last run. Shift cars safely.
TIGHT CLEARANCE
Make yourself aware of Close Clearances. One moment of carelessness can lead to a lifetime of sorrow. Please perform your job as safely as possible.
CELL PHONES
It’s not about the device, it’s about situational awareness. Every time handheld electronic devices distract #railroaders from their work, it’s like pulling a pin on a hand grenade. Don’t take risks! People’s lives are at stake.
SHOVING
Railroaders ALWAYS shove prepared to STOP in half the distance given…ALWAYS!
CARS MAY MOVE
Railroaders: Being covered from head to toe in high-visibility gear doesn’t mean a freight car just kicked into a track has eyes to see you. ALWAYS watch out for moving cars before crossing tracks. The life you save will be your own.
TIGHT CLEARANCE
Don’t take chances. Railroaders should know that being alert today means being alive tomorrow.
LOOKING OUT
Railroaders: Can you STOP in HALF THE DISTANCE that you’re able to see? If you can’t, you’re going too fast.
TOO CLOSE
Operators AND Roadway Workers must know and follow the safety procedures in their On-Track Safety Manual before working near a RMM's. 2 of the last 3 roadway worker fatalities involved being struck by RMMs. Don't become a statistic.
RESTRICTING
Your train still belongs to you, not the box. Railroaders, take the extra effort today to be on the lookout for trouble. 
BOTTLING THE AIR
It only takes a couple of pounds of increased brake pipe pressure to cause #railroaders to have a bad day.
USE YOUR HEAD
Railroaders, way too often we don’t get a second chance. Don’t take shortcuts…not in training, not in switching, not in manpower, not in life. The cost is too high, and only repays with permanent heartache. 
DOUBLE-CHECK
Check it, line it & check it again. Railroad like the professionals you are. 
REPEATS
Taking authority and copying orders is one of the most important things a #railroader does. GET IT RIGHT! 
C3RS
You can be proactive, or you can be reactive. It’s the unknown or unreported that can cause trouble. Here’s one way we’re working together to move our industry forward safely. Take advantage of C3RS.
RED ZONE
The holidays are coming…Make Sure You’ll Be Around to Enjoy Them with Your Family!
BIG SHOULDERS
Be proud of who you are. We are all in this together.
BLUE SIGNAL
Railroaders know that Blue Signal is an important & successful regulation. Keeping Railroad Workers who are on, under, or between railroad rolling equipment safe is a high priority.
PROPER BODY MECHANICS
One moment of carelessness can lead to a lifetime of sorrow. Shift cars safely.
CULTURE CHANGE
Railroaders work in a very dangerous environment. Keep your head on a swivel and come home safely … today, and every day.
CLEAR WALKWAYS
Cold weather presents a shovel-full of challenges for #railroaders. Your safety should always be the priority when it comes to preventable accidents. Clean steps to a cab are clean steps to safety!
SHIFT CARS SAFELY
One moment of carelessness can lead to a lifetime of sorrow. Shift cars safely
HALF THE DISTANCE
Always prepared to stop in the given half distance. You could save lives. It’s all hands-on deck concerning shoves.
USE YOUR HEAD
Railroaders, only ride at locations designed for that purpose. Be careful … for your sake and the sake of your family.
LOOKING OUT
3 out of 4 human-factor-related accidents involve the tenets of Restricted Speed. #Railroaders, take the extra effort today to be on the lookout for trouble.
BOTTLING THE AIR
It only takes a couple of pounds of increased brake pipe pressure to cause railroaders to have a bad day.
ROOT CAUSE
Railroaders, don’t stop digging until you find the root!
CELL PHONE
It’s not about the device, it’s about DISTRACTION. Every time handheld electronic devices distract #railroaders from their work, it’s like pulling a pin on a hand grenade … Don’t take risks! People’s lives are at stake.
TIGHT CLEARANCE
Don’t take chances. #Railroaders should know that being alert today means being alive tomorrow.
LEAN ON ME
Warm brakes are effective brakes. And effective brakes make for a smooth ride … and a positive stop.
SOFA
SOFA is one of the most effective rail safety partnership programs in recent history.
CLEAR WALKWAY
Cold weather presents a slew of challenges for #railroaders. Your safety should always be the priority when it comes to preventable accidents. Clean steps to a cab are clean steps to safety!
DEAD IN JANUARY
One moment of carelessness can cause a lifetime of sorrow.
BIG SHOULDERS
Be proud of who you are. We are all in this together.
CHOCKED
Railroaders must take the time to inspect what they pull. Attention to detail protects the customer, the carrier & YOU.
RED ZONE
The holidays are coming…Make Sure You’ll Be Around to Enjoy Them with Your Family
CARS MAY MOVE
Being covered from head to toe in high-visibility gear doesn’t mean a freight car just kicked into a track has eyes to see you. ALWAYS watch out for moving cars before crossing tracks. The life you save will be your own.
DOUBLE CHECK
Check it, line it & check it again. Railroad like the professionals you are.
SOFA NOW
Railroaders should embrace the safety recommendations from the Switching Operations Fatality Analysis (SOFA) Working Group.
RESTRICTING PTC
Railroaders: Can you STOP in HALF THE DISTANCE that you’re able to see? If you can’t, you’re going too fast.
BLUE SIGNAL
Railroaders know that Blue Signal is an important & successful regulation. Keeping Railroad Workers who are on, under, or between railroad rolling equipment safe is a high priority.
REPEATS
Taking authority is one of the most important things railroaders do. Get it RIGHT!
INTRODUCTION
Railroaders are the backbone of America’s rail network. Keeping them safe is crucial. Next week, we introduce Back2Basics, an initiative created by our very own Railroad Safety Specialist John Brahaney to change unsafe #WorkplaceCulture. Stay tuned.
Last updated: Monday, May 23, 2022