Norfolk Southern Implements Controversial One-Minute Railcar Inspections
- Norfolk Southern told employees to inspect railcars within a minute, igniting safety concerns over rushed inspections.
- Rail unions claim that the one-minute standard is impractical given the extensive number of inspection points.
- The Federal Railroad Administration will monitor the situation, as extensive job cuts have led to a less experienced workforce.
Norfolk Southern recently announced a one-minute inspection standard for railcars, raising concerns about potential safety risks due to insufficient inspection time. Rail unions have criticized this decision, emphasizing that it is nearly impossible to thoroughly check over 90 inspection points on each side of a car within such a tight timeframe, leading to fears that flaws may be overlooked. The Federal Railroad Administration has been monitoring inspection times, highlighting that current average inspections last far longer when closely supervised. However, with job cuts leading to a workforce primarily composed of less experienced employees, there are worries about the adequacy of inspections overall. The railroad agency will be watching Norfolk Southern's approach to ensure safety remains a priority amid these changes.