Medical Standards for Railroads Workers;Final rept. October 2003-September 2004

摘要

This report provides information for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to use in assessing the need for a medical standards program for railroad workers performing safety-sensitive functions and in determining an appropriate course of action. The study examined existing programs of three U.S. DOT modal administrations, five foreign programs and 12 railroads representing Class 1, regional/short line and commuter operators. Review of five different sources of accident and casualty data found several accidents and injuries where the medical condition of the employee was the probable or contributing cause. Over half of employee-on-duty fatalities in 2003 were due to medical conditions. The available medical literature on operator impairment consistently links performance impairment to fatigue, certain medications and hypoglycemia. Compatibility of a medical standards program with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Railway Labor Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act regulations and existing labor agreements does not appear to be a problem. Based on the programs of the DOT modal administrations, foreign countries and existing railroad programs, options for the various components of a medical standards program are outlined. Three alternative models for FRA involvement in such a program are presented along with resource estimates. The study concludes that the FRA should proceed with development of a medical standards program and points out key issues that must be resolved.