NTSB Launches National Campaign for Railworker Safety in Chicago

Authorities from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced the start of a national railroad safety campaign at Chicago Union Station. The campaign aims to enhance the safety and lives of railworkers. NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy emphasized Chicago’s significance as the nation’s rail capital, making it an ideal launch point.

Homendy expressed the NTSB’s need for collaboration with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to implement their safety guidelines. She revealed that 95 recommendations from her organization are still pending implementation by the FRA. Forty percent of these recommendations have been marked as having unacceptable actions by the board. While recognizing the progress made in rail transportation safety since the NTSB’s establishment in 1967, Homendy stressed the urgent need for additional measures to save lives.

A representative from the FRA stated that out of the 95 recommendations, 44 have been returned to the NTSB with comments and await a response. The FRA aims to address the remaining ones promptly.

Homendy highlighted the concerning statistics: since 2020, 54 rail workers have lost their lives, and nearly 19,000 others have been injured. She noted recurring patterns across NTSB investigations. These findings act as warnings, and she stressed the importance of responding to them to prevent further incidents.

Chicago’s strategic position as a major rail hub underscores its importance for the campaign. It connects the East and West in the U.S., serving as a critical point where safety measures must be robust for both workers and passengers.

Currently, the NTSB is investigating 27 rail accidents, with two incidents occurring in Illinois. The first incident in Browns in July 2025 involved 24 train cars derailing, injuring crew members and releasing hazardous materials. The second incident in Elgin in October 2025 involved a Union Pacific Railroad train striking a landscaping vehicle, resulting in a fatality and injuries.

Particularly, the NTSB focused on enhancing worker protection during train shoving movements, where locomotives push rail cars while workers ensure the tracks are clear. Recommendations include prohibiting workers from riding the lead rail car during these movements due to the risks of falling or being crushed.

According to NTSB board member Tom Chapman, since October 2020, the NTSB has investigated 18 accidents related to shoving movements, resulting in 14 fatalities and four serious injuries. Chapman stressed that these conditions are unacceptable in any transportation sector.

Homendy indicated plans to meet with Amtrak officials and observe operations at The Belt Railway Company of Chicago. Over the following weeks and months, the NTSB intends to visit various American communities, sharing rail safety lessons learned from investigations.

The launch in Chicago marks the beginning of this critical safety campaign.