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Title: Railroad Accidents
Their Cause and Prevention
Author: R. C. Richards
Release Date: February 1, 2012 [EBook #38731]
Language: English
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RAILROAD ACCIDENTS
THEIR CAUSE AND PREVENTION
BY
R. C. RICHARDS
Published by
THE ASSOCIATION OF RAILWAY CLAIM AGENTS
1906
COPYRIGHT, 1906
BY R. C. RICHARDS
GIFT OF
O. A. MOORE
Introduction
Railroad Accidents
Their Cause and Prevention
Much has been said and written during recent years about the
increasing number of railroad accidents in this country--their cause
and what action should be taken by the government, the railroads and
the employees to reduce them and the consequent loss of life and limb
resulting therefrom. Believing that if the cause of our many accidents
were properly understood more care would be taken by the corporations,
employees and persons at fault to reduce the number, I shall try to
point out in the following pages what investigation has shown me to be
the cause of many accidents and how their reoccurrence could, I think,
be prevented.
In the transaction of the business of a railroad its first and highest
duty is to the passengers, to carry them safely and speedily; next, to
take care of the property entrusted to it for transportation, and for
which it is practically an insurer against everything but the act of
God or the public enemy, and deliver it with reasonable dispatch to
the consignee in practically the same condition as that in which it is
received.
It is a self-evident proposition that the nearer the railroads come to
performing this duty, the fewer losses and claims for damages they
will have to pay, and, as a matter of course, the more money there
will be left with which to pay wages, interest, dividends, and make
improvements. So it behooves all, who are working for those wages, to
do everything they can to help carry on the business properly and
correctly in order that the interest of the companies hiring them, as
well as their individual interest, will be subserved, and for the more
important reason of causing as little suffering, pain, and sorrow to
those who by accident may be maimed or killed, which always brings
trouble and sorrow to the victim as well as to his family, and
frequently results in untold suffering and privation to the widows and
children.
The report of the Interstate Commerce Commission shows that for the
year ending June 30, 1904, there were
441 passengers killed.
3,632 employees killed.
839 not trespassers killed.
5,105 trespassers killed.
9,111 passengers injured.
67,067 employees injured.
2,499 not trespassers injured.
5,194 trespassers injured.
Making 10,017 killed and 83,871 injured, or a total of killed and
injured of 93,888, many times over the casualties of our last war, and
all the roads seem to have done their share of this havoc.
We should strive to see if in the coming year we cannot reduce the
number, so that the casualties reported, and consequent loss to the
companies, will be reduced, considering the number of employees,
mileage, earnings, number of trains run, persons and property
transported, and the territory traversed, and for the purpose of
bringing this matter before you in a proper light I will call
attention to a few of the many accidents which have recently occurred,
which, with proper care and the use of good judgment, would have been
avoided and fewer persons left to go through life crippled, fewer
homes made desolate and fatherless, and sometimes motherless, and at
the same time the money which has been necessarily paid out to settle
the claims saved to the companies, and, consequently, just so much
more money left in the treasury to pay for wages, interest, dividends,
and betterments.
Taking into consideration the safety appliances installed by the
railroads since 1898, the improvement in track and equipment, and the
increase in wages paid, with even the same degree of care on the part
of employees, the number of accidents should have decreased, but on
the contrary they show an actual percentage of increase higher than
that of earnings, and if the employees are onto their jobs they ought
to and must find a way to reduce the number of such cases and
consequent expense to the companies.
For the purpose of showing that the employees are the persons most
vitally interested in this matter, as upon them falls the major part
of the fatalities and injuries resulting from such accidents and upon
themselves and families the suffering and pain which always comes
after them, while upon the companies falls the immense and increasing
financial drain, following their wakes, as well as loss of prestige
and public criticism which necessarily follow, and which is increasing
every day, I have prepared the following statement.
1. The percentage of employees to the number of passengers transported
during the year ending June 30, 1904, was one for each 552.
2. The percentage of passengers killed (441) to the whole number of
persons reported killed in all classes (10,017) was 4 per cent.
3. The percentage of passengers injured (9,111) to the whole number of
persons reported injured in all classes (83,871) was 11 per cent.
4. The percentage of passengers injured (9,111) to the number
transported (715,419,682) was about one in each 80,000.
5. The percentage of passengers killed (441) to the number transported
was about one in every 1,600,000.
6. The percentage of employees injured (67,067) to the whole number of
employees (1,296,121) was about one in every 19.
7. The percentage of employees killed (3,632) to the whole number
employed (1,296,121) was about one in 360.
8. The percentage of employees killed (3,632) to the whole number
reported killed in all classes (10,017) was about 36 per cent.
9. The percentage of employees injured (67,067) to the whole number
reported injured in all classes (83,871) was 80 per cent.
10. The percentage of employees (300,000) engaged in the hazardous
part of the business such as train, engine and yardmen to the whole
number employed (1,296,121) was 25 per cent.
11. Percentage of those engaged in the hazardous part of the work, who
were killed (2,343), to the whole number of employees reported killed
(3,632), was 64 per cent.
12. The percentage of those engaged in the hazardous part of the work
who were injured (32,345) to the whole number of employees injured
(67,067) was 48 per cent.
An examination of the statistics published by the Commission also
shows that the number of accidents depends not so much on the actual
length of track of a railroad in miles, but upon the density of its
traffic and of the population of the territory through which it runs,
for illustration take one division on a system that runs through a
thickly settled country, that has five per cent of the actual mileage
of the system and fifteen per cent of the train mileage, and another
division in the same system that runs through a sparsely settled
country, that has ten per cent of the actual mileage of the system and
five per cent of the train mileage, and it is a well-known fact that
the percentage of accidents on the former will be many times that on
the latter;
That the heavier the traffic the greater need there is of more care
being taken in employing and educating the right kind of men to
operate the trains; and
That with denser traffic there should come more and better supervision
to insure observance of the rules adopted for the safe operation of
trains and that the increase in quantity and quality of that
supervision should at least equal in ratio the increase in traffic.
Indeed, I believe that when this is done many of the troubles and
difficulties the railroads now labor under will pass away, and that
the additional expense caused by such increase will be saved many
times over by a general reduction in operating expenses, especially in
waste and damage.
Accidents should be divided into four classes:
_First._ Unavoidable accidents, or those caused by the act of God, the
public enemy, or by some miscreant who takes up a rail, misplaces a
switch, or puts an obstruction on the track.
_Second._ Accidents to passengers, outsiders trespassing or not
trespassing, caused by the carelessness or wantonness of the injured
or some other person for whose act the railroad is not liable, or by
the failure on the part of the State or municipality to make and
enforce proper laws and ordinances to prevent stoning trains and
trespassing on the premises and cars of the companies.
_Third._ Those caused by the want of care, foresight, or supervision
on the part of the management of the company.
_Fourth._ Those caused by the carelessness, thoughtlessness, or
neglect of employees.
Neither employees nor company can be held to blame or can prevent
accidents resulting from the first and second causes, and fortunately
for the reputation as well as the treasury of the companies over
one-half of all the fatalities and a large proportion of the seriously
injured come under the second class, and until the life and limb of a
trespasser (10 per cent or 1,000 of the 10,000 killed and injured on
the railroads of this country every year being children under fourteen
years of age) are considered to be of some value to their families and
to the State, they will not only continue to occur, but will increase
each year as our population and traffic grow.
Accidents caused by carelessness, thoughtlessness, or neglect of
employees are the large majority of all that happen, and if we could
eliminate them, or one-half of them, there would be little cause for
complaint on the part of the management of the companies, or criticism
on the part of the public, and the claim agent would have a bed of
roses instead of the busiest and hardest worked office on the road,
and I believe that when the employees really understand the matter
many of them will be eliminated.
We should bear in mind that it is not the great train accidents that
make the large majority of the total deaths and injuries on the
railroads of this country, about which so much is said in the public
press, but it is the little cases that are unheralded in the press, or
in the courts, that make the totals so large; the little things that
are happening every day, on every railroad in the country, which go on
happening every year in the same old way, and they are the cases which
could and should be avoided by the exercise of greater care and
thoughtfulness--more of them come from thoughtlessness than any other
cause. My experience leads me irresistibly to the conclusion that
after all it is the _man_, not the safety appliance, that we must
depend on to prevent accidents, as has been demonstrated by any number
of cases that have occurred at points where the track has been lined
with safety appliances.
The Cause
INJURIES TO PASSENGERS
Injuries to passengers for which employees are at fault, and which
could and should be avoided, result from collisions, derailments,
improper handling and management of trains and stations, and I will,
by way of illustration, cite a few cases which have occurred and tell
you how, in my opinion, they might have been avoided.
We will first take those caused by collisions:
At Forest Station, April 2, in which 3 passengers were killed and
26 injured, caused by train No. 112, upon which they were riding,
being run into by engine No. 405, hauling train No. 2, Engineman
Jackson, at 4 p.m.
Charles Early and ten other passengers injured May 21, at 8 a.m.,
caused by engine 109, hauling train 477, colliding with engine 309
backing a train to yards; latter train had been stopped five
minutes, engine standing under 89th street viaduct, contrary to
rule 31. Smoke blew down on track, hiding engine and train.
In a dense fog and on a part of the division and at a time when trains
were thick, with a knowledge that he had followed No. 112 all the way
from Thornton, the engineman was so careless as to run by two
automatic signals set at danger, a flagman, and into No. 112, and
three lives go out and 20 odd are injured. Could anything be more
reckless? Do any of you want to ride behind that kind of runner or be
on a train in front of him, even if you have your life insured and
your home paid for? Will we not all agree that such a man is unsafe
and unfit for the service? And in view of the dense fog and the number
of trains moving, should not trains have been blocked a station apart?
It is an absolute protection against accident, which the time interval
is not. And when you enginemen see a signal against you, think of the
wrecks you have known of since you entered the service, and STOP; take
no chances. If you can't see the signal, if your view is obstructed by
smoke or steam so that you can't see the track beyond the smoke or
steam, stop or slow down until you know it safe to proceed. And don't
do as was done in the second case mentioned above, but slow down to
such a speed that you can stop within the range of your vision. In
case of doubt always take the safe course. If you know a man with
defective vision and so little regard for the lives of others as to
try to remain in the service with that defect, you owe it as a duty to
yourself, to your family, the passengers, and other employees, as well
as to the company, to report him to the proper officer before and not
after an accident occurs. Some day there will be a law requiring
frequent examination of the vision of trainmen, but until that time
comes we should all do the best we can to guard against such men.
Next we come to accidents caused by making a switch of cars containing
passengers without the engine being attached to the car:
Thomas H. Norton, injured Oct. 20, in Sixtieth St. yards; caused
by the Pullman car Winona, in which he was traveling, being kicked
down against a coach standing at the other end of track, by switch
engine 731; and when switch crew tried to stop the car they
claimed they could not do so with hand brakes, although they were
in good condition.
Everyone knows that it is unsafe to handle a car containing passengers
without the engine being coupled to it and air-brake in use, and that
Rule 10[1] expressly prohibits such work, yet in this case it was done
by men long in the service, who probably had done the same thing
before without accident and without being caught, so they chanced it
once too often, and the cost in this case would pay many times over
for the time they had saved before. It is just as unsafe to switch
caboose cars in which train crews are resting or cars loaded with
horses and cattle or emigrant movables in that way, and it ought to be
stopped. If it was, there would not be the injuries to trainmen or
damages to live stock that we have now from that cause.
[1] Copies of all rules referred to will be found in the
Appendix.
We all have no end of trouble with circuses and theatrical troupes
traveling in their own cars, many of which ought to be in the scrap
heap. These cars should never be accepted, no matter who is in them or
what notice you may have received about the runs to be made with them,
unless the brakes, running gear, and everything connected with them
are in good repair, but when you do take them, handle them as
carefully as if they contained dynamite, and get them off the line
without accident. When you find such a car on a track which you are
obliged to use--it should when possible be set on a track not used for
switching--either to move it or some other car, handle it with the
greatest care; don't do as was done at Harrison just a short time ago
when
Laura Jameson, with a theatrical troupe, was in car "Pomfret,"
Nov. 9th, which was coupled onto by engine No. 402 with such force
that she was thrown from the chair in which she was sitting,
bruising and injuring her.
Neither would any of the following cases, caused by careless handling,
have happened:
Mrs. R. A. Storrs, passenger injured at Whiteford, Aug. 8th, at
7:20 a.m. Engine was pulling train back in the yard and ran in on
track that had some cars on it and collided with them, the switch
having been left open.
W. R. Thomas, injured at Winton, at 2:50 p.m., Dec. 10, by reason
of standing up near stove in way-car when two cars were coupled on
train, he was thrown against stove and onto floor.
John A. Klohs, stockman, was riding in the caboose of extra stock
train east, at Yale, June 4th; got up to take off his coat; the
train was coupled up with so much force that he was thrown over
the stove and his ankle injured.
Now we will take up cases caused by careless loading and unloading of
freight from mixed trains:
It would not seem necessary to have to tell anyone that timbers or
telegraph poles ought not to be unloaded from moving trains carrying
passengers, or from any moving train, and yet that is exactly what was
done, when
John A. Owen, W. A. Stead, Martin Kjoelseth, Andrew Thorsen, and
C. G. Strombeck, passengers on train No. 82, were injured at
Wallace, Aug. 2, by reason of the caboose in which they were
riding colliding with some cars on the side track, caused by
Anderson, a telegraph lineman, unloading some poles from a car in
the train upon which they were riding while it was moving, one of
which struck a switch target, opened switch, and caboose ran into
side track and collided with cars.
And when you have a car loaded with logs in your train see that they
are secure. If you do an accident like the one near Hamlin, January
8th, won't occur:
Julius Lewinsky, passenger, was injured while riding in coach;
chain on one of the cars gave away, and logs fell off and were
forced through bottom of the coach, striking his left leg.
It would seem to be a simple matter to see that logs, water pipes,
machinery, or other property liable to fall from cars are properly
secured before car is taken in the train, and so avoid such accidents.
Why not do it?
When in a terrible rain-storm you are running with a slow order over a
track which is being repaired, don't do it at a speed of 50 or 60
miles an hour, if you value your life and the lives of those in the
cars behind you. If you don't value them, don't do it because it is
dangerous and your orders tell you not to, and because your family
will suffer if you get killed in the attempt and the company's
property will be damaged, and don't, under such, or any other,
circumstances, run by a station five minutes ahead of time contrary to
Rule 4, and yet that is just what was done on the night of July 2,
when
James Williams, engineman; Charles Jones, fireman; and two tramps
were killed; and F. C. Stodmeister, brakeman; W. W. McAllister,
baggageman; C. W. H. Brown, Charles Brown, and A. Parsons,
porters; W. J. Smith, telegraph operator; Mrs. Miller, Alice
Eager, and Mrs. David, passengers, and Thomas King, a tramp, were
injured, 1-1/2 miles west of Janeway by train No. 8 running off
derail and knocking down the tower.
When you get a bulletin prohibiting your running down certain hills or
around curves faster than 30 miles an hour, don't do it at 40 or 50
miles an hour, as it is unsafe, and yet that is exactly what was done
May 12 near Wilkes, and resulted in the derailment of freight train
No. 18, and
William Little, brakeman, was killed, M. J. McWheeney, Geo.
Orneson, Jr., O. A. Dalseth, C. F. Shoelkopf, Geo. V. Hickock, and
C. W. Doner, passengers, injured.
A bulletin was issued by Superintendent Davis prohibiting trains going
down this hill faster than 30 miles an hour. From the statements of
the train crew it would appear that no attention had been paid to this
bulletin, and, from what the passengers say, it has been customary for
a long time for trains coming into Wilkes from Notman and Guilford, if
in sight of each other, to make a race to see which train could get
there first, so as to get out of Wilkes for Joppa without delay.
Now, there was no excuse for the engineman and conductor not complying
with the order. They both got off without injury, as the parties to
blame for such accidents generally do. Neither was there any excuse
for the train dispatcher not knowing that the order was being
disregarded daily, as the train sheets would tell him that, and he
should have stopped it. To my mind, he was just as guilty as the
engineman and conductor, and should have received the same punishment.
And when disregard of such orders and bulletins are not winked at,
until an accident happens, there will be fewer cases of failure to
observe them.
Don't try to run around curves 50 or 60 miles an hour, as a train I
was riding on a few weeks ago did and went in the ditch; neither
should freight or passenger trains run over interlocking switches
faster than 15 and 25 miles an hour, respectively, because it is not
safe to do so, and Rule 5 says you must not. Conductors, who are in
supreme command of the train, should pull the air on any engineman who
is running too fast around curves, over bad places, or through
stations, and when you get in, report the matter to your
superintendent, as reckless running should not and will not be
tolerated.
Next we have the accidents resulting from occasional derailments,
which were not serious, but might have been, and it is the cause, as
well as the result, we want to eliminate, such as:
Mrs. K. Smith and four other passengers, train No. 6, which was
derailed at Heilprin, Sept. 3. The train was very crowded and
these women were standing up at the time of the accident and were
injured.
Mrs. Jessie Doan and five other passengers, injured Oct. 11,
caused by train No. 15 being derailed one-half mile east of Morse
station, caused by reason of a brake-shoe on the tank of the
engine coming off; this brake-shoe had an old defect.
J. E. Fitzsimmons, passenger, injured near Hedley, by derailment
of train No. 316, on which he was riding.
None of which would have happened if some one had not failed to
perform his duty, and when every accident, no matter how slight, is
investigated by an expert--who reports not to the officer who may be
primarily at fault, but to the chief operating officer--to ascertain
the actual cause and find a remedy, such cases will be largely
eliminated.
The same is true of injuries like the following, resulting from trains
breaking in two:
R. B. Janeway, passenger, and J. P. Mitchell, baggageman, injured
Jan. 9th near Gray. Train No. 280 broke in two and rear end ran
into head end.
George Burgan and W. L. Smith and two other stockmen, injured at
Newport, Neb., Nov. 21st; train broke in two, and when the two
parts came together these men, who were sitting on the locker in
way-car, were knocked down.
Another class of accidents which are of altogether too frequent
occurrence are injuries caused by trains not stopping long enough for
passengers to alight.
Frequently the persons injured are old people not accustomed to
traveling, who are necessarily slow in their movements, and of whom we
should take greater care. Think how you or I would feel if our mother
or grandmother, if we were fortunate enough to have them with us
still, were injured just because a conductor or brakeman didn't have
forethought or decency enough to give them time to get off. If you
will do that, there will not be a procession of such cases as the
following, and the companies will be so much ahead.
Mrs. A. J. Denman, passenger from Norwood to Avon, injured at
Garwin, Sept. 7th; caused by the train not stopping long enough
for her to alight.
Mrs. C. E. Collinwood and C. Collinwood, passengers on train No.
32, from Omaha, injured at Hamburg, Oct. 17th; caused by train
starting before they had an opportunity to get off.
P. J. Wilkins, passenger, injured at Johnsport, at 1:10 a.m., Oct.
31, getting off train No. 35, while in an intoxicated condition;
brakeman gave signal for train to start as the man was coming down
the steps, thinking as he claims, that the man would have gotten
off before train started; both the brakeman and the conductor of
train knew that the man was intoxicated.
Sarapino Guiseppi, injured at Engletown, Sept. 26, at 6:15 p.m.
When train stopped at Engletown a number of passengers crowded
onto it and, before this man had an opportunity to get off, the
train started, and, while alighting, he fell and was run over and
lost his left arm.
It seems to me that if the instructions contained in Rule 19,
requiring the announcing of stations by brakemen, were complied with
and thereby passengers given ample notice of the approach of the train
to their destination, they would be prepared to get off instead of in
the present method, or, rather, lack of method, as the rule is so
seldom observed as to cause comment when it is complied with, and if,
before giving the signal to start, trainmen would get upon the car
platform and look into the cars to see that there was no one else to
get off, especially should this be done at night when passengers are
tired and sleepy, when platform lights are not any too numerous, and
with excursionists, and picnickers who are often none too sober and
who are not accustomed to moving quickly, and if at division terminals
trainmen would pay more attention to assisting passengers off instead
of being in such a hurry to cut off a car, getting their markers, or
getting away from the train, not only would such accidents as those
last enumerated be avoided, but the journey would be made much more
comfortable to passengers; and the road doing this would increase its
traffic. Deadheads, who mostly ride in Pullmans or private cars, do
not realize how annoying and exasperating to paying passengers is the
present method of trainmen, going into the cars and pretending to call
stations in some dead language, or by talking to themselves. In
transferring passengers from express to local trains trainmen must
bear in mind that the passenger is frequently unaccustomed to the
surroundings, is generally overanxious about getting off so as not to
miss connections, and coming from a lighted car out into the darkness,
in his hurry and excitement may not notice that the train is running;
in these cases the train is always moving so smoothly the passenger
thinks (or says he does) that it has stopped, and off he goes, and it
is necessary, to prevent such accidents occurring, to exercise the
greatest care, and by proper announcement make it plain to all such
passengers that ample time will be given them to alight, and that the
train they are to take cannot pull out until after your train does.
And when you are receiving passengers, especially on mixed or freight
trains, don't start until they have a chance to get seated, and then
such cases as the following won't occur:
Mrs. A. L. Bishop, passenger on freight train 91 from Milton to
Jessop, had gotten into caboose, but had not time to get seated
before train started with a jerk; she was thrown down and injured.
Mrs. Mary Hanson, passenger from Grant to Portsmouth, on train 15,
June 4th, 1:15 p.m. Before she had time to get to her seat, train
started, and she was thrown down and injured.
When you are making your station stop, don't jerk your train, after it
has stopped, or is about to stop, and while the passengers are getting
off, as they surely will commence to do so as soon as (if not before)
the train is stopped. Don't pull up or back up a few feet to get to
the standpipe or coal chute, because if you do, some one is liable to
get hurt, as the following did:
Dr. H. Q. Johnson, passenger, injured at Dale, Sept 6; train No.
603, stopped at station platform and then started to move ahead
again. Dr. Johnson stepped from platform onto steps of coach and,
as he did so, brakes were set to emergency and train stopped
suddenly; he was thrown against the edge of vestibule.
Helen Kennedy, a child 2-1/2 years old, with its parents, was on
train No. 73, bound for Stratford; had gotten up for the purpose
of getting off at Henderson, March 26. Train stopped and as
passengers were on the platform it was backed up without notice,
and this child was thrown, and her arm went between the car
platforms, badly bruising and cutting it, just missed taking it
off.
And when you are pulling into a station and intend to take water and
are going to run by the pipe a few feet, don't use the emergency brake
to stop with, because, if you do, some one is liable to get hurt.
Nearly every one has been on a train when this has been done contrary
to Rules 42 and 43, and if you enginemen could hear some of the
uncomplimentary remarks that are made about you and the company on
such occasions, you would feel like thirty cents. And when it is
raining to beat the band, stop your trains so that the passengers can
get off opposite the station building and avoid getting wet, do not
pull them by a couple of hundred feet just because the locomotive is
thirsty. Pull up to the tank after the passengers get on and off, so
says Rule 24, and the women, and men, too, for that matter, will think
you are a dandy and vote for you the next time you run for school
trustee; and perhaps, by so doing, you may prevent your best girl
spoiling her dress.
And when you are running an engine you want to know that its
grease-cups are screwed on tight and that its brake-shoes are not
cracked, if you do not want to have cases like the following:
Fred. C. Mitchell, while waiting for a train on station platform
at Lucian, Feb. 1st, was struck and fatally injured by a
grease-cup plug from engine No. 206.
Chas. C. Wilson, standing on the platform at Newton, June 30th, to
take passage on a train; brake-shoe on engine No. 716, running
through the station at 60 or 65 miles an hour, broke, and part of
it struck him on the foot.
One of the rules most frequently disregarded is No. 11, prohibiting a
train on the double track pulling through a station while another one
is standing there unloading passengers.
About nine times out of ten you can do it without an accident, but the
tenth time some one will get hurt and you will get a vacation from 30
days to life. I know it is tantalizing, when you are pulling a fast
train and are, perhaps a little late, to be compelled to stop and wait
until the other train has pulled out, and its last car passed the end
of the platform nearest you, when you could sneak through the station
and save a little time, and perhaps no harm be done and no one be the
wiser; but don't do it, because the rule says you must not.
If that part of the rule which says, "When two trains are nearing a
station from opposite directions at the same time, and only one of
them is scheduled to stop, the train making the stop must reduce speed
and let the other through the station before it arrives" was complied
with, the trouble would be largely overcome.
You men who are running stations should see that your platform lamps
are not only kept clean and properly filled, but that after dark they
are burning so that passengers won't get hurt falling off platforms in
the dark, and that the platforms are kept clear of freight as per Rule
17; that baggage and express trucks are placed where patrons won't
fall over them, and, if there is a fast train coming, especially a
mail or newspaper train, notify the passengers and get them inside the
depot, the only safe place at such times. Especially is this necessary
on the double track. If there is a broken plank or a hole in the
station platform, nail a board over it until the carpenters can get
around to fix it. See that the platforms are kept clear of snow and
ice; but when there is ice on the platform throw ashes or sand over
the ice so that people won't slip on it. And if you have people
waiting for trains at your station, especially in the night-time, see
that the fire in the stove in the waiting-room is kept going so that
they will be comfortable and not catch cold. It will take you less
time to do these things than it will to make a report of an injury,
and then cases like these won't be put up to your claim agent to guess
at:
Mrs. J. P. Gedney, injured at Ontario, June 24, 10:27 p.m., was
at station to take passage on train No. 17, went out of a lighted
waiting-room onto a dark platform and fell.
Mrs. Mollis Schmella and Dr. Cleveland, injured, passengers on
train 31, arrived at Altruria 8:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 21st;
raining; got off train, no lights on platform; doors of depot
locked, and fell from platform to track.
M. O. Hudson, passenger from Elton to Woodbridge, on train No. 47,
arriving at latter place Aug. 28th, at 12:30 a.m., got off coach
and ran up to baggage car to get baggage; in doing so ran against
train signal on platform, was thrown down and injured; no lights
on platform or in signal.
S. W. Thomas, passenger on train No. 48, injured at Harkrader, Oct
21st, at 11:20 p.m., was getting off chair car, which stood 150
ft. south of the platform; there were no lights, and the porter
had no lantern, and when he stepped from the car step to the
porter's box he slipped and fell.
And sweep the car platforms, so passengers won't slip on banana peels,
and then such a case as the following won't happen:
H. T. Witheridge, injured at Wingate, Aug. 4, 1903, caused by his
slipping on a banana peeling left on the platform of a coach in
train No. 176 by the car cleaners.
When passengers are carried on freight trains Rule 12 says the car in
which they are riding must stop at the platform to unload them. Don't
do it out in the yard, and, if you have to do switching after
unloading the passengers, stop at the station platform as you are
pulling out and give the passengers a chance to get on and not compel
them to go into the yard in order to do so. If at night, they might
fall into a culvert or over some obstruction alongside the track and
get hurt, and, if the platform at the station is short, arrange your
work so as to make one stop where the passengers can get off safely,
and notify them, so they will know when they can do so; and be sure to
assist them in getting on and off, especially the old men and women,
the children, and the cripples (that is what Rule 23 says, you always
do it for the young and pretty girls) and then we won't be trying to
conjure up excuses for cases like the following, or pay for them
either:
Miss Belle Saunders, injured at Milwood, Dec. 14, was a passenger
on train No. 16 from Homer to Milwood. A mixed train. It was
stopped some distance from the passenger station; the passengers
were allowed to alight, and in getting from the track to the
street going down the embankment she fell and sprained her left
ankle. It has been the custom to stop this train at this point for
some time and allow the passengers to get off there, the busses
coming up as near as they could to take them to the hotel.
Mrs. A. Zuehlke, injured at Granby, Oct. 10th, at 6:10 p.m., in
getting off a train on which she had been riding as a passenger;
the station platform is so short that only the platform of one car
in train can be stopped at it.
Mrs. Mary H. Crawford, passenger, injured at Beulah, Oct. 13th,
getting off train No. 35; porter allowed her to fall, and she
stepped between platform and car steps.
Many of the roads have the steps on coaches that come near enough to
the ground so that such accidents are practically impossible, but on
the Pullmans and on cars of some of the roads they are so high from
the station platform as to require a ladder to get on them. Why they
are not all made on a proper and safe standard no one seems to know.
Another cause of injury to passengers, especially children, who always
want the windows open, is by the windows falling and injuring them.
Nearly always their little hands or fingers get hurt; or by
ventilators falling on their heads. When you have an accident caused
by a window falling examine it immediately and, if the catches are all
right, show the injured person or, if a child, the man or woman in
whose charge it is traveling, that is was not the fault of the window
catch, and at the same time call the attention of some intelligent
passenger and of your brakeman to the matter and have them try the
window catch, and send in their names and addresses with your report.
If, however, the catch is defective report the fact, but don't
advertise it, and whenever you find any defective catches or anything
else wrong about a car in your train call the attention of the first
car repairer you meet to the matter and have it repaired, and report
it to your superintendent. If the car repairers would make an
examination of the windows, their catches, and of the ventilators, for
the purpose of finding out their actual condition, we would get rid of
many such cases. Do the same thing with the matting in the aisles, and
when there is a hole in it get it fixed, or get a new one. If you
can't do that, take the matting up and so prevent any one falling on
it.
Ruth Darman, child five years old, injured December 25th, near
Correctionville, was riding in coach 269, train No. 39; caused by
ventilator window falling and striking her, injuring her head.
J. E. Wills, passenger on train No. 25, January 25th, stumbled
over the zinc at end of matting, which was out of condition, in
coach No. 659.
Mrs. Jones, passenger, injured September 23d, at Junction, was
riding in coach 480, train 65, when train stopped at Junction. She
walked to rear end of coach and in doing so caught her foot in a
hole in the aisle matting and fell forward on her face.
Nora Holm, 3 years of age, injured near Henshaw, July 24th; caused
by a window in coach 338, train 9, falling on her arm, on account
of a defective spring.
And, speaking of aisles, so far as possible get passengers to keep
their valises, suit cases, and bundles out of the aisles so that other
passengers won't fall over them. If the glass in a door gets broken,
when the train is running, be sure that the glass is taken out of the
frame, so that passengers won't catch their hands on it. Take pains to
see that your passengers, especially the old and infirm, the women,
and children, are provided with seats, and when some passenger,
whether man or woman, who has paid for only one seat or is riding on a
pass, is occupying three or four seats, have them make room for those
standing. Pay some attention to ventilation--in cold weather open the
ventilators on the side the smoke trails on, and then there won't be
any draught. In other words, comply with Rule 20 and then cases like
the following, which seem to be on the increase, won't happen:
Mrs. Alice Gahriels, passenger from Clinton, Iowa, to Lincoln,
Neb., on train No. 3, June 2d, while returning from the dining car
between Cedar Rapids and Belle Plaine stumbled over a valise which
was left in the aisle of the chair car and fell and was injured.
Mrs. Little, passenger, injured at Van Buren Street depot at 9:52
p.m., March 9th, was alighting from train No. 594, and in doing so
took hold of frame of vestibule door of coach. The glass in door
had been broken and this lady's hand was seriously cut on the
broken pieces which had not been taken out of the frame.
EJECTMENT OF PASSENGERS AND OTHERS FROM TRAINS
Everyone is supposed to know that neither passengers or tramps should
be ejected from a train when it is in motion, and, in the case of
passengers, the ejectment must only be made at an open station, so
that the person ejected will have a place of shelter if at night or if
it is storming; that women and children of tender years must not be
ejected at all; and that if a person refusing to pay his fare is in
such condition as to be unable to care for himself, he must be placed
in custody of the nearest station agent. So says Rule 21, which also
tells you to make a report of the ejectment, giving the cause thereof
and names of the witnesses on Form 992, a blank which every conductor
running a train that carries passengers should have in his set of
blanks, and use it when he puts anyone off.
The principal trouble in ejectment cases is when passengers are put
off away from a station or when tramps are put off while the train is
in motion, resulting often in a serious injury, and, while very
frequently the patience of trainmen is severely tried by these
"hoboes," don't put them off when the train is moving. After all, they
are human beings and we don't want to maim or kill them. So stop the
train; and don't shoot them unless in self-defense. I mention the
following as a few sample cases:
Charles Williston, while in an intoxicated condition, attempted to
get on train No. 16 while same was in motion, at Alger, March
16th. Baggageman and express messenger was standing inside door of
car and saw this man getting on; went to the front door, had the
cross bar in his hands, and ordered the man off. In getting off,
Williston fell and his leg was run over.
Edw. Hock, injured at Smithville, March 25th, by being ejected
from extra freight train, while same was running six or seven
miles an hour. Hock had got on train, having been told by someone
that he could ride on it--having mileage--and conductor made him
get off while train was in motion, and in getting off he was
injured.
Louis Nelson, colored boy, had been stealing a ride on train No.
extra 112; was ordered off by conductor at Avon, May 19th; after
he got off conductor shot him in the arm.
James Mills, injured at Pewaukee, October 21st, got on milk train
for the purpose of stealing a ride. Was ordered off by brakeman
while train was in motion. In getting off he fell and was run over.
When passengers are injured _by stones or anything else thrown
through or at the windows of cars_ render them such assistance as
you can; have the company's surgeon called to treat them, and if the
stone or object which broke the glass or which caused the injury comes
in the car pick it up and mark it so that you can identify it in the
future and send it in with your report, as per Rules 35 and 40. It is
as unfortunate that so many such cases occur as it is that there is no
way by which railroads can prevent them, and until the State and
municipal authorities take a hand in the matter they will continue to
happen and passengers will continue to lose their vision.
INJURIES TO PATRONS AND DAMAGE TO THEIR PROPERTY
Next come the accidents in which patrons are injured and their
property damaged. It is generally understood, and has been the custom
on all railroads, and Rule 50 requires, that before going onto a track
on which cars are placed to be loaded or unloaded by patrons or
employees it is the duty of the person in charge of the crew to go
along the track to ascertain if there is anyone in the cars, loading
or unloading them, or wagons close enough to the cars to be injured or
damaged by their movement, and, if so, to give ample warning in order
that such persons, wagons, and gang planks may be moved to a safe
place. In the mining district especial care should be exercised in
handling cars being loaded or unloaded by the mining companies'
employees, many of whom do not understand our language or the danger
of the business, in order that ample opportunity be given them to get
off the car before it is moved. How often that rule and custom is
violated is shown by the following cases:
Ludwig Hoffmeister, injured at Montmorency, July 12; some cars
were switched down against the car from which he was unloading
apples, without notice to him, and he was thrown down and injured.
H. Schurmann, laborer, injured April 2 at Hennessy. He was in car
piling tile when the car was struck by a car of coal dropped in on
that track, knocking the tile down on Schurmann.
Foster & Roberts Co., for value of building at Lewiston, May 3.
Engineman and fireman left engine and went into factory to get a
drink; the engine with car ran away and knocked building down.
Car loaded with salt; was being kicked down main line at Hawkins,
October 12, brakes broke, car ran in on side track and struck
another car, knocking it against side of building belonging to
Blumenthal & Co., breaking in the walls and damaging machinery.
June 8, switching crew at Kempshall backed a box car against the
ammonia pipe which carries ammonia from the brewery to the
bottling works of the Kempshall Brewing Company, knocking down the
pipe, which was only twelve feet high, allowing the ammonia to
escape.
No one will pretend that these accidents and consequent injuries and
losses could not have been avoided by the exercise of a little
forethought and care. Why not do it and stop them in the future, avoid
the injuries and save the money they cost?
ACCIDENTS TO TRAVELERS ON THE HIGHWAY
The increasing frequency of accidents to travelers crossing the tracks
at highways, one-third of which the country over are fatal, are caused
by the increased number and speed of trains, increase in the
population of the territory through which the roads run, by the
failure to always give the required signal of the approach of the
train, frequently by freight trains passing through stations at a
speed prohibited by Rule 6, by failure to have gates or flagmen at
crossings where they are needed, by failure of gatemen and flagmen,
when provided, to properly perform their duties on account of
ignorance or carelessness, generally the former; but chiefly is the
increase caused by failure on the part of the persons crossing the
track to exercise any care whatever. Gates and flagmen are generally
disregarded by adults and, as a natural consequence, by children, and
the result is death and injury. I think that as a matter of dollars
and cents it would be profitable to the companies to increase the
number and quality of flagmen and have greater supervision given to
this class of the service, as it seems to me a self-evident
proposition that the lower the grade of labor the more supervision
there is needed.
Among the many cases of this kind, I have selected some which will
illustrate the matter. They are selected for the purpose of calling
the attention of employees to accidents which might be avoided by the
exercise of care on their part, and do not include any cases caused by
such negligence on the part of the person injured as should bar a
recovery.
Herbert Janson, wife, daughter, son and George Griffith killed;
Morris Peck and Henry Blume injured, December 18, at 9:00 p.m.,
while driving across the tracks at Haskell; caused by sleigh being
struck by engine running forty miles an hour. Headlight not
burning, as required by Rule 55. No flagman at this crossing at
night.
H. S. Sorner, who was riding in an automobile across the tracks at
Morton, April 14, was struck by engine; automobile was demolished
but occupants not seriously injured. No gates or flagman at this
crossing.
Jacob Reich and Elbert Harris struck and killed while driving on
13th St., Montgomery, May 29, at 5:30 p.m., by engine. Gates up.
The piano wagon on which these men were riding was demolished as
well as the piano, and the horse killed.
K. L. Manson, injured, rural mail carrier, struck by switch engine
No. 869, at Woodmont Ave., Custer, June 12. There are gates at
this crossing, but they had not been operated for a year on
account of being out of repair.
Gertrude Schiff, aged sixteen years, and Gustave Schiff, aged
twenty years, were injured while driving across the tracks at
first crossing east of Granton, August 9, at 6:35 p.m., by being
struck by engine. No whistle was blown for the station and bell
not rung. The station employee, whose duty it was to be on the
crossing to flag same when trains were passing, had left there
only an instant before the accident in order to go to the station
house to assist in loading and unloading baggage for another
train.
H. L. Connors, driving across the tracks near Lowell, November 18,
was struck by engine. No whistle sounded or bell rung for the
crossing. Whistling post not in right place.
M. A. Graves, while crossing the tracks at 9th Avenue and Wilbert
street, Ontario, May 8, was struck by switch engine. No one on the
engine knew that the accident had occurred.
Edward Langdon struck and killed by engine at 7:21 p.m., August
6, at Water and Orchard streets, Berlin. No one on the engine knew
that an accident had occurred; train traveling twenty-five miles
an hour. Ordinance provides speed limit of twelve miles an hour;
gates at this crossing, but not in operation. If Rule 6 had been
complied with this accident would not have occurred.
Wagon belonging to the Empire Novelty Company struck at Calkins at
9:37 a.m., October 29; wagon and contents badly damaged. Flagman
at crossing claims to have been sick at the time of the accident,
was in his shanty sitting down. He could not speak or understand
English. Driver injured.
Many of these crossing accidents occur and no one on the engine knows
that they happen. Whether it is because of the kind and position of
the headlight now used or because the men on the engine are not
keeping a proper lookout or by reason of the recent manner of
construction of the large engines, making it impossible for the men in
charge always to see an object on the track, I do not know, but I
notice that some of the Class G-9 engines have the air cylinder and
pump on top of the running board. While riding on a train the other
day, I asked an old runner whether they obstructed the view. His
answer was an object lesson. He took his hat and placed it in front of
the window opposite which I was riding and asked me if that obstructed
my view. The cylinder could, I think, be put on the tank and the pump
below the running board, which is now made wide enough to hold a
political meeting on. Formerly they were narrow, just wide enough for
a man to walk on, the old theory of construction being, as I
understand it, that there should be nothing protruding from the sides
of the boiler which would prevent the man in the cab seeing the
bunting beam. If it were practicable to so construct the running
boards and place air cylinders, pumps, etc., so that this could now be
done, the engineman would certainly have a much better chance to see,
and possibly some of these accidents be avoided.
And while the public insist upon our running trains at a high rate of
speed and guarding the crossings with gates, flagmen, or warning
bells, they, at the same time, for some inexplicable as well as
unconscionable reason, attempt to hold railroads liable for all deaths
and injuries, no matter how great the care and foresight the companies
have exercised, or how gross the neglect of the injured party. It
therefore behooves us to do everything possible to prevent such
accidents, not only that we may thereby save life, but also money.
If gatemen and flagmen were uniformed and given authority to arrest
persons crossing the track when gates are down and a penalty provided
and enforced against people attempting to cross or walk upon a
railroad track when the gates are down or they are warned by a
flagman, accidents at crossings would be greatly reduced. As it is now
the public compels the erection of the gates and then almost
universally disregards them.
Before leaving this subject of accidents at highway crossings I want
to call attention to Rule 12, which says that when cars are being
pushed by an engine (except when shifting or making up trains in
yards) a flagman must be on the leading car, and Rule 9, which
requires that when cars are being switched over highway or street
railway crossings a man must be stationed on the ground to act as
flagman. Too much importance cannot be placed upon the observance of
these rules, not occasionally, but always. If employees would comply
with them fewer people would be injured. Try it and see.
In municipalities, run as slowly and carefully as you can and see that
the engine bell is always ringing. Rule 3. Freight trains in going
through stations should reduce their speed and do so under control, as
per Rule 6. The fireman, as well as the engineman, should be on his
seat keeping a lookout, and not engaged in waving a signal to some one
on another train or elsewhere, or putting in a fire, and the engineman
should see that he does this. On the double track when you are going
to meet another train at a crossing, try to get the engine over the
highway before the tail end of the other train gets by it. If you
can't do that, slow up a little, so as to give the people who may be
waiting a chance to see you, and, if you think there is danger, open
your whistle to let them know that you are coming; that is what the
whistle is for.
In the country be sure to sound the whistle; not once, but four times
as required by Rule 2, and see that the bell is kept ringing until the
crossing is passed, at dangerous and obscure crossings where you can
neither see the travelers approaching nor they you; if you are running
at a high rate of speed, sound the whistle before you get to the post,
as well as at it. The law requiring the giving of this warning eighty
rods from the highway was enacted when few trains exceeded twenty-five
miles an hour. Now, when few passenger trains make less than forty,
and many over seventy, in the open country, so little time elapses
between the sounding of the whistle and the reaching of the highway
that when possible more timely notice should be given.
And I want to say here that one of the difficulties met with in this
class of cases, is the fact that sometimes engineers fail to blow the
whistle and ring the bell, and as long as men are human I suppose such
things will happen; but let us commence now and try to do it every
time. The greater the storm of rain, snow, or wind, the denser the
fog, or the darker the night, the more important it is to give the
warning. In most of the states the law provides penalties for failure
to sound whistle or bell. Some day they will be enforced.
If there is any way to discover whether the engineman and trainmen are
observing the signals, which are located along the track for the
protection of the passengers, other employees, travelers on the
highways, themselves, and the property in their care, other than
having inspectors observe their action on approaching signals, and
ascertain if they give the required warning of their approach to
highway crossings, etc., and you will advise the managements what it
is, I am sure they will be glad to adopt such a plan. It has always
been customary to have auditors examine the accounts of officers and
agents handling money to see that not only are their accounts correct,
that the money collected is remitted, but also to ascertain if the
business of the company is done in accordance with the rules and a
correct record kept of the transactions. No one for an instant thinks
that the fact that the officers' and agents' accounts are examined is
any discredit to them; most of us are not only willing but anxious
that it should be done, as it is a protection to us as well as to the
company. And if it is necessary to check up the officers and agents
who handle money, is it not much more necessary to check up men who
handle human beings and property of immense value, to see that they
observe signals and rules before, instead of after, an accident?
And as it sometimes happens that an engineman will not notice that his
headlight has gone out, especially when there is snow on the ground,
any employee who sees an engine moving after dark without the
headlight burning should stop it and tell the engineman; if you can't
do it yourself call up the train dispatcher, so he can do it at the
next station.
TRESPASSERS
Occasionally we have an accident in which trespassers are killed or
injured while walking or playing on the tracks, which might be avoided
by greater care and watchfulness to discover their danger, by warning
them of the approaching train, either by continuous sounding of the
whistle, by slowing up, or by stopping when you have reason to think
they do not know a train is coming, especially on the double track
when trains are moving on both tracks. The most heartrending of them
all are injuries to children, and, sometimes, to women.
Let me cite you several of such cases:
Albert Jennings, ten years old, was sitting on the tracks north of
Lampton, July 9, at 10:45 a.m., where he was struck by a work
train of twenty-two empty flats backing north and both legs
crushed. Air not coupled in as required by Rule 44; no hand brakes
on the cars. Conductor was on the front car; claims he was keeping
a lookout, and although he had a clear view for over a quarter of
a mile says he did not see the boy until he was within three or
four car lengths of him.
Charles West, aged eighteen months, struck and killed 1,000 feet
south of Savannah Station, June 16, by train. Child came on track
through a break in the right of way fence.
Margaret Kennedy, struck and killed on June 13, at 6:10 p.m.,
while walking on the tracks inside the city limits of Utopia, by
engine running about twenty-five miles an hour; although the
engineman saw her in time to have stopped, he did not realize that
she did not see or hear the train coming, and failed to do so.
Mrs. Helen Boston, eighty-four years old, struck and killed on a
bridge near Lenox, September 1, at 4:35 p.m., by engine. Track is
straight for about two miles and a half east of place of accident,
and the woman wore a bright pink dress skirt. No one on the engine
knew the accident had happened.
December 21, engine ran over G. P. Krauss, at 5:40 p.m., a quarter
of a mile south of Slazenger. Engineman says he saw something
lying on the track and thought it was a bough of evergreen. He did
not know until he reached the station that anybody had been struck.
As the traffic and population increase, cases of this kind grow in
number, and, for some unknown reason, the public think that, while
they must keep off the property of private individuals, where there is
no danger, they are privileged to go onto a railroad track where
everyone knows there is great danger, and after doing so a few times,
the courts say they have a license to do so, and that we must look out
for them and see that they don't get hurt. On the same theory I
suppose the courts would say after a man burglarizes your house six or
seven times that he has a license to try it again, and if he gets hurt
because too much force was used in throwing him out, that you must
respond in damages. So when you discover that people, old or young,
are making a custom of walking through the yards or on the track,
report it to your superintendent before, not after, someone is killed
or injured, and he will try to stop it. And if you find a child or a
drunken man on the track, drive him off, because if you don't they are
likely to get killed; and your company will not only back you up but
thank you for your thoughtfulness.
INJURIES TO OUTSIDERS
Rule 27 says that cars must be placed so as not to project over
highway crossings, and yet any one going over a railroad will see any
number of them so left, and the result is that about once in so often
a wagon strikes a car in an attempt to get across, a horse is
frightened, and a runaway results, someone is hurt, and money paid to
settle the claim.
A serious case of this kind occurred at Warburton, July 9, in
which Mrs. Jansen was fatally injured, caused by her horse being
frightened by a freight car which was left standing fifteen feet
in the highway, the end of the car being on the crossing plank.
Horse ran away and she was thrown out.
When cars are left in such position they not only frighten horses and
cause accidents similar to the one last mentioned, but also obstruct
the view of approaching trains. Both the law and rules of the company
prohibit this, and the practice should be stopped.
And right here I want to call attention to Rule 32, which prohibits
engines standing within 100 feet of a highway crossing, under a
bridge, or near cars occupied by passengers, when it can be avoided,
and yet the rule is so often disregarded that one wonders whether any
one knows of its existence. Especially is this so with engines hauling
passenger trains stopping at stations and occupying half of the
highway, when they could just as conveniently be back some distance
from it.
The stoppage of trains with the rear car standing in the highway
should also be avoided so far as possible, particularly in the winter
time, when there is always more or less steam leaking from the hose,
as it is likely to frighten horses waiting to get by or in crossing
the track.
Rules 18 and 50 say that trains must not block highway crossings more
than five minutes. The failure to observe these rules is the cause of
as much, if not more, criticism and profanity on the part of the
public than almost any other one thing that train and switchmen do. No
one but the person who is waiting to get across the track, and
sometimes it is a doctor answering an emergency call, can realize how
tantalizing and annoying it is, so, for goodness sake, observe the
rules in the future.
LOCK TURNTABLES
Turntables should be locked (that is what Rule 31 says), and yet they
are often left unlocked. The result is that children are attracted to
the place, and sooner or later one of the little ones gets hurt as did
the following, which are cited as examples:
Anthony Young, a ten-year-old boy, had his foot caught at
Grandison, March 30, while playing on turntable which was
unlocked.
Phillip Chartres, eight years old, injured at Alvin, August 14,
2:30 p.m., while playing on turntable, which is about 1,400 feet
north of roundhouse. Turntable was not locked.
Now, it wouldn't take but an instant to lock the turntable. Why not do
it and prevent some child, perhaps your own, from going through life a
cripple?
Be careful not to leave any torpedoes around that are not attached to
the rail, as required by Rule 7, and never put them on a rail in a
highway; if you do children may pick them up and in playing with them
get injured as did
John Newton, aged nine years, June 30, about two miles north of
Walker. This little boy with his sister and another boy were
returning from school, walking along the track. They picked up a
torpedo lying alongside the track, and after trying to open it
with a knife young Newton placed the torpedo on the rail and
struck it with a stone, the torpedo exploded and pieces of the tin
striking him in the eyes and face, badly injuring him.
DAMAGE BY FIRE TO ADJACENT PROPERTY
One of the great risks that every railroad that uses coal for fuel
runs is the risk of fire to adjacent property started by sparks or
ashes from engines. Any man running an engine ought to know from the
sparks thrown out and fires started whether the engine is in good or
bad order. Rule 29 says that the enginemen must report defects in
netting and ash pans; this is required so that if the inspector
overlooks the defect, or if one occurs between the regular
inspections, it will be remedied before any damage is done, and if an
engine is throwing more fire than she ought to, it is up to the
engineer to report it and get it fixed. It will take less time than to
make a report about the fire and condition of the engine, and, at the
same time save both the owner of the property and the company a loss.
In the lumber and sawmill country it is especially important that this
be done, and where engines are working in or around sawmills, lumber
yards, powder and tie plants, and other places where danger of fire is
great, the apparatus for preventing the escape of fire should be
absolutely perfect, and it ought to be the personal business of the
engineman to know that fact; he should be present when the inspection
is made, and see that it is done thoroughly, the same as he would if
he and not the company had to foot the bill if the engine started a
fire.
On the outlying divisions where traffic is light and trains are few,
if an engine starts a fire, stop and put it out. If conditions are
such that you can't do that with safety, drop a note off to the first
section crew or agent, so that they can send men out to extinguish the
fire. If you don't the Lord only knows where it may run to (on the
western prairies I have known it to go twenty-five miles) or how much
damage it will do in the lumber country.
If the precautions suggested here, which are neither new nor original,
but can be found in the rules and on the bulletin boards, had been
adopted, none of the following cases would have occurred:
June 3, engine No. 2041 started a fire at Hansel & Woods Company's
powder plant at Myron Valley; netting on this engine was in bad
order; the hood provided by the company to be placed over the
smokestacks of engines going into the plant of this company also
in bad condition.
A house and contents burned April 20, one-half mile south of Fort
Andrew, started by engine No. 1759. This engine was inspected and
reported to be in good condition, but upon re-examination was
found to be defective.
On August 17, engine No. 539 set out three fires between Selkirk
and Belmont. Fires were observed by train crew, but train was not
stopped, and no effort was made to extinguish the fires, which
burned over 15,000 acres of ground, destroyed about 1,100 tons of
hay in stack, one building, a large acreage of winter feed, fence
posts, etc.
INJURIES TO EMPLOYEES CAUSED BY THE CARELESSNESS OF OTHER EMPLOYEES
And, first, as in the case of passengers, those caused by collisions.
From the number of collisions on the main track and in yards one would
almost think that the general and fundamental customs and rules on
railroads that "In case of doubt always adopt the safe course," and
that "Speed must always be sacrificed to safety" were seldom observed;
on the contrary, I believe it to be the exception and not the rule,
else the number of accidents resulting from such failure, though many
times what they should be (and as long as men are human we will have
some accidents), would be so much greater in number that people would
be unwilling to travel at all. I believe that in the near future the
number of such cases will be so greatly reduced that the least
thoughtful of us will stand aghast at the record of 1904 and 1905, and
that these fundamental rules and the instructions contained in what
are known as the "Flag Rules" and "Caution Card," will be so strictly
observed and enforced _and that blocking of trains by space_, not
time, intervals will become so general as to practically eliminate
this class of accidents, which are caused:
By failure to watch for and observe block and other signals.
By trains following each other too closely.
By trains following at too high a rate of speed.
By failure to protect trains stopped on the main track.
By cars not being left in to clear at sidings.
By switches being left wrong.
By lack of caution in time of storm or fog; and
By general carelessness and failure to realize the terrible result
which is bound to follow any lack of care, failure to comply with the
rules and _the uncertainty of detection and punishment if such
carelessness and failure to comply with rules does not cause an
accident_.
Every man in the train, engine, and switching service ought to have
every requirement of these rules by heart, understand exactly what
they mean, and be ready at any instant, and in any weather, to execute
them to the letter, and no punishment should be too severe for failure
to observe them to the very letter, for on their faithful observance
depend the lives of passengers--it may be some of your own loved
ones--of employees, and the safety of the property entrusted to the
companies for transportation, as well as their own. And yet, if the
instructions contained in the two fundamental rules and those known as
the "Flag Rules" had been observed, none of the following cases and
many others that help fill the records and the daily press would have
happened. It is a standing disgrace that such accidents happen, and
the sooner employees help get the careless and reckless men and the
drones out of the service, as it is your duty to yourself and the
companies to do, the quicker the traveling public, yourselves, the
property in transit, and that belonging to your employer and
yourselves, will be safe and the greater your certainty of getting to
the end of your run to be welcomed by the wife and children awaiting
you.
In this connection I want to suggest to the enginemen that when you
discover a cause for the sending out of a flagman give him a chance to
go back before you get stopped, so that he can cover the required
distance quicker. And as these rules are among the most important, if
not the most important, in the book, I call especial attention to
them.
The following cases will illustrate how much room there is for
improvement in this regard:
Joseph Atkinson, brakeman, injured September 26, at Muggleton. He
was standing on top of way-car in train which stopped just west of
the depot and then started up and ran into side of freight train.
Alexander Peabody, engineer, George F. Smivins, fireman, injured
at 10 p.m., October 3, on track 3, near Penryn Ave., Peltonville;
engine No. 784 was backing down track 3, and collided with engine
No. 1891 standing on that track. Instructions require engines
running on this track must run at slow rate of speed, so as to be
able to stop within their vision. The engine was running so fast
that it could not stop, although Engineer Peabody saw engine No.
1891 when 300 feet distant.
J. L. McPherson, yardmaster, and Jacob Gonorowski, brakeman,
injured at Peeweezle, July 28, were in caboose of extra engine No.
674, which was stopping for drawbridge, when engine No. 937,
Engineman Isidore Guggenheimer, ran into the rear of train.
Luke M. Peters, engineer, injured April 14 at Aromintap, was in
charge of engine No. 2143, backing around Y, when train No. 31
backed into extra No. 7326, to which engine No. 2143 was attached.
L. P. Jarvis, engineer, and Samuel Minns, fireman, injured
November 20, at 7:15 a.m., one-half mile east of Peeble's Corners;
engine No. 759 had just backed in on side track with work train,
and switch had not yet been closed; engine No. 1473, train No. 48,
Engineer Tibbits, Conductor Perry, came along at a high rate of
speed, and ran into this open switch just east of the home signal,
colliding with engine No. 759.
February 14, at 8:20 p.m., one mile north of Indianapolis, Ohio
division, extra freight engine, Packard conductor, collided with
Ohio division passenger train No. 11. This freight train had an
order to run from Indianapolis to Cameron as an extra. Indiana
division passenger train 141, due at Indianapolis at 8 p.m., was
15 minutes late. Conductor Packard of the extra was on station
platform when this train pulled in. He supposed it was Ohio
division No. 11 and so told his engineer, and pulled out and met
No. 11 a mile from the station. Two engineers and one fireman were
killed and five trainmen injured. If Rule 53 requiring conductors
and engineers of trains at meeting points to ascertain by word of
mouth what trains they are had been complied with accident would
have been avoided.
Nov. 5 freight train No. 52 slowed down to take side track at Park
Rapids when extra freight moving in same block, on caution card,
ran into caboose and rear brakeman was killed. If Rules 7, 14 or
15 had been complied with accident would not have occurred.
Rule 12a says: When you get a train order the conductors must read it
aloud and then sign it and show it to the engineman, the rear brakeman
or flagman, and the engineman must show it to the fireman and in case
of freight train to the head brakeman, who are required to read it,
the object being that every employee on the train will know what the
order is and if the engineman or conductor forget it the brakeman or
fireman may remember and by remembering prevent an accident.
DERAILMENTS
Next come injuries caused by derailments, which generally result from
running into open switches, off derails, too fast running at bad
places in the track, defective equipment or track. Nearly all of the
cases would be avoided by careful running, proper inspection of track
and equipment, and by compliance with the rules.
Oct. 21. 10 a.m. Passenger train 41 derailed near Venice while
running around a reverse curve fifty miles an hour. Engineer
killed; fireman and twenty passengers injured.
April 27. Way car jumped track at middle lead switch in Pewaukee
yard and switchman Jno. Williams killed; Jas. Grant and Robert
Riley injured.
Lemuel Izzard and L. Wackles, killed; R. P. Bownes, engineman,
Roderick Bloke, stockman, Robert Castel, fireman, C. Plympton,
brakeman, injured, four miles west of Beadleston, July 24. Train
No. 36 had broken air hose or axle, derailing and throwing third
car from engine onto westbound track just as train No. 98 was
coming. Train No. 98 ran into derailed car and 14 cars of time
freight burned up. Izzard and Wackles were stealing a ride on
train No. 36.
ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT
I shall next call your attention to accidents caused by defects in the
equipment, especially in that of freight cars and engines. They are of
such frequent occurrence as to no longer attract attention, but when
the time comes _that the man who inspects reports not to the foreman,
whose duty it is to keep the equipment in repair, but to a superior,
whose duty it is to find defects_, there will be a material reduction
in such cases. Train and enginemen should report defects discovered by
them on Form 995 and attach card to truss rod of car or locomotive
tank. And first we will take up those caused by defective cars:
J. I. Smindorf, brakeman, killed at Snook's Junction, by falling
from car, September 8, at 7:40 p.m. The running board was rotten
and full of holes; the brake at the north end of the car would not
hold on account of having a loose ratchet wheel.
P. L. Merritt, conductor, injured at Pencost, November 12, was
climbing down side of car; screw pulled out of top handhold,
allowing Merritt to fall to the ground, striking on a rail.
Randolph Smuck, brakeman, injured at Parrott, April 3, was going
down side car; stirrup was gone and he fell to the ground.
Matthew Brummage, switchman, injured January 4, at Keewahtah, was
riding on car which was being switched; he tightened the brake,
but the dog was in bad order and he had to hold brake with his
hand. There was two inches of slack on the bottom brake rod, the
chain slipped, and he was thrown from the car and his left foot
run over.
How many of the accidents caused by defective running boards,
handholds, ladders and brakes would have been avoided had Rules 25,
26, and 28, requiring trainmen to examine cars, brakes, and ladders
and to set out bad order cars been complied with, I leave you to
guess. And why when such defects are discovered by train and yard men
they do not report them to the next crew taking the car, so as to
prevent any of the latter being injured, I never could understand.
One cause of the great increase in accidents by trains breaking in two
and by defective couplers is probably on account of the fact that many
of the automatic couplers are commencing to wear out and are not
repaired or renewed promptly enough, and, also, because the levers and
chains of the coupling apparatus do not receive sufficient attention.
Another reason is because of the unnecessarily hard usage given the
couplers, especially in the yards where trains are made up. Just why
an appliance to save life and limb should be abused by the employees,
for whose benefit it was put on the cars and engines, is one of the
things which it would take a mind-reader to answer. But the truth of
the matter is, as every experienced adjuster knows, that the automatic
coupler has cost the railroads for equipment and freight damaged many
times over what it cost them to settle claims for personal injuries
caused by the old link and pin coupler; and when the brotherhoods take
up such matters as this and try to remedy them, they will not have so
many crippled members drawing insurance for permanent disabilities,
which would have been avoided by the proper handling of cars.
Another class of injuries which has come with the safety appliance is
that caused by the bursting of air hose, and it is surprising how many
of them there are.
Some day a man will get up a hose which won't burst, or which will
give notice of its intention so to do, and we will all rise up and
bless him. The following are samples taken from a job lot of such
cases:
G. A. Graham, conductor, injured June 4, three-quarters of a mile
north of Bogle; caused by air hose on car bursting, causing Graham
to fall against stove in way-car.
K. L. Grobbet, brakeman, injured one mile north of Brandon; caused
by the air hose bursting, throwing on emergency brakes. This man,
who was in front end of way-car, was thrown to the ground.
Now let us see the result to persons by reason of improper loading of
cars:
R. Puddles, switchman, injured at Grammaton, March 4, was hanging
on side of car loaded with lumber, engineman shut off suddenly,
and when car stopped the lumber slid and caught his hand between
lumber and stake on car. Lumber was loaded in two piles 16 ft.
lengths, leaving a space of about six or eight inches between the
piles.
George Brownell, brakeman, injured July 17, one and one-half miles
south of Cranton. At Cranton train extra, picked up a car loaded
with logs; two stake pockets broke; logs fell under way-car, which
tipped over.
And it is just as important to properly unload packages of newspapers
and mail from moving trains, and to exercise a little care in throwing
coal from engines, as it is to see that freight is securely loaded.
The number of accidents caused in this way since the running of the
fast mail and newspaper trains commenced would fill a book and could
all have been avoided by the exercise of that care which employees or
postal clerks would have exercised if they, instead of the company,
had to foot the bills caused by their carelessness. To me, it seems
not a difficult or unreasonable precaution to look, before you throw
out a heavy bag of mail or half a dozen packages of newspapers, to see
that no one will be hit by them, and that they could and should be
dropped just beyond the far end of the station platform, but never in
a street or public highway; and don't throw your clinker bars or ash
bars off engines, or anything else for that matter, without looking to
see if anyone is passing and when through with them put them in a safe
place so they won't project and strike anyone on the next track or
fall off and injure someone. If this had been done cases like the
following would not have happened:
Henry Forbes, roadmaster, injured November 3, at Marionette, was
walking west on station platform, when mail sack was thrown from
train struck him on the legs and knocked him down.
Paul Rhelips, injured at Dragitt, May 15, at 5:30 p.m.; caused by
his being struck with a block of hard wood which was tied to a
letter thrown from train by the baggageman, while passing through
the station at 45 miles per hour.
ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE ENGINES
During the last two years there has been an epidemic of accidents
caused by defective grate-shaking rigging and defective shoveling
sheets on engines, especially of the former. A few years ago they were
practically unknown. Now they come so often as to create no remark.
The following cases will demonstrate the necessity either of some
different apparatus for shaking grates of engines, of greater care in
using the apparatus, or of some better method of inspection and repair:
A. G. Kenly, fireman, injured near Windermere; caused by the
shovel which he was using catching on the shoveling sheet of
engine No. 418.
James Cooney, fireman, injured June 19, in Caster yard, was
shaking grates on engine No. 917, and connecting rod broke,
catching his hand between shaker rod and quadrant.
H. D. Porter, fireman, injured near Mansfield, May 10; caused by
grate rod breaking as he was shaking the grates on engine No. 1280.
Next we come to a class of accidents which is also on the increase and
which is of comparatively recent origin, and which, I believe, could
and should be absolutely prevented by the exercise of a little
mechanical ingenuity or which, even under present conditions of engine
construction, would be avoided by greater care on the part of the
engineman. And some day when an injector breaks or a blow-off cock is
opened as some mechanical superintendent is passing an engine, and his
legs are scalded, I will bet my next month's salary against an 1899
bird nest that they will find a way to prevent such injuries, which
are as painful as they are unnecessary and expensive, either by
putting the blow-off cocks under or on top of the engines, instead of
having them project from the side.
W. P. Willard, engineman, injured July 22, 4 miles west of
Janesville; injector on engine No. 4618 broke, and Willard was
scalded about face and head.
Henry Jennings, conductor, injured October 1, at 5:55 p.m., north
of Rathburn; was walking by engine, engineman started the injector
and threw hot water on Jennings.
Edward Sterns, night engine inspector, injured at Granby
roundhouse, January 12, at 8:45 p.m.; he told engine dispatcher to
open valve to see if sand was running properly; dispatcher opened
the blow-off cock instead of sand valve, and steam and hot water
scalded Sterns' right hand and leg.
Every year a number of accidents occur to employees caused by defects
in engines and appliances furnished enginemen, nearly all of which
could and should be avoided if there was a more thorough inspection,
greater care taken in repairs and, what is just as necessary, more
care taken by enginemen in reporting defects; and when you report
defects, and repairs are not made, call the attention of your master
mechanic or division roundhouse foreman to the matter and I doubt not
that not only will the defects be repaired but greater pains will be
taken in the future to see that your engine is kept in good condition.
William Curbin, stripper, injured at Elmwood shops on the 10th of
March, was taking boiler front off engine No. 3461; removed all
bolts except one, and while waiting for crane to be attached to
the door to lift it away, the door fell on Curbin's leg, who was
standing on the pilot beam of engine. Investigation showed that
the bolt which had not been removed, and which had been left to
hold door, was a "dummy."
G. M. Cramer, fireman, injured, September 9, at Huntingdon, was
climbing up on cab of engine No. 784, to get coal chute down, when
brake released, and on account of leaky throttle, engine started
back, and caught his leg between cab of engine and chute.
J. B. Olsen, fireman, overcome by heat on engine No. 941; caused
by absence of lagging on side of engine.
M. H. Woodrow, engineman, and Douglas Evans, fireman, injured half
mile east of Peverly, June 19, caused by whistle valve on engine
No. 2605 becoming stuck, they being unable to fix it, and they
were almost deafened by the continuous whistling. Whistle had been
reported on the trip before by the engineman, but was not
repaired.
Henry Winterson, a boiler washer, injured on May 15, at Kendrick,
was using a 4-ft. nozzle to wash out boiler of an engine, when the
collar of nozzle came off, and he was thrown against cab of
engine, injuring his back.
The thought has often occurred to me that if the master mechanic or
some one other than the foreman, whose duty it is to inspect and
repair, would check up the work slips Form No. 141 and inspection
records to see that the repairs called for on them were made, we would
not have so many engine failures or accidents of this kind.
Before leaving the subject of engines I want to say a few words about
accidents caused by the breaking of lubricator glasses and water
gauges; they grow more frequent every year and until somebody invents
something to take the place of glass--possibly the celluloid glass now
used on automobiles may be available--which will not burst, as you
value your eyesight, which becomes more necessary every day as the
number, speed of trains, and signals increase, carry the shields,
which the company has provided for your, not its, protection, over the
glass, not in your seat box as many enginemen do now, and then when
the glass breaks, and no one can tell when it will do so, there is
little danger of your vision being impaired or lost by your eyes being
struck by flying particles of glass.
DEFECTIVE SCAFFOLDS, DERRICKS, ETC.
Accidents caused by use of defective derricks, scaffolds, and the
careless handling of derricks are comparatively new and are one of the
recent surprises in the business. I venture to say that the companies
have paid out during the last 18 months in the investigation and
settlement of accidents caused by defective scaffolds enough money,
not only to furnish the most approved scaffold now known, but to
nickel plate them as well. The following cases will show what is going
on in this way:
R. B. Babcock, bridgeman, injured at Ferncliff, a mile and a half
north of Whiteston, Jan. 14, while standing near derrick mast,
which was being raised and put in position on abutment; the mast
suddenly slipped, and knocked this man off the abutment to
concrete foundation 34 feet below, breaking his leg in two places
and his arm, and bruising his hip.
H. R. Roberts, bridgeman, killed near Red Creek, March 4, at 11
a.m.; derrick car in rounding curve an attempt was made to swing
the boom of derrick to outside of curve, but it suddenly swung
over to the other side of car and tipped the derrick car over;
Roberts was standing on front end of car and jumped, falling back
onto the track, and the derrick tender, which did not leave the
track, ran over him. A 2×4 cleat, nailed on side of mast to hold
sling-lines in place came off, allowing ropes, which control
swinging of boom, to slacken so that movement of boom could not be
controlled.
B. H. Jackson, seriously injured at Leicester, Dec. 30; caused by
the plank on which he was standing, used for scaffolding, slipping
out of the hooks, on account of its being covered with ice and
snow, and allowing him to fall 15 ft. to the ground.
Within the last few years injuries caused by defective jacks and drop
cables, which, when I commenced to investigate accidents, were
unknown, have become very frequent. I mention the following to show
what they are. All of them would have been prevented by proper
inspection--not by inspections made to find things O.K., but by
inspections made to find defects; and if not made for that purpose
they had better be discontinued.
L. M. Lumpkins, section foreman, injured Feb. 20, at Graves; he
was helping car repairer, and had jacked up a car in order to move
the trucks, but when ready to let the car down the jack would not
work, and all at once gave way, and Lumpkins was struck on the
head by the lever and knocked down, injuring him.
R. J. Hopkins, laborer, injured June 22, at Osazi, was giving
signals to have train, loaded with ties, moved, when cable broke
and hit him in the face.
In the same category, while perhaps not of the same class, come
accidents at coal chutes and water tanks, roundhouses, stations, and
other places. Had inspectors, repairmen and employees using the
appliances, done as they would have done if the loss occasioned by
neglect was to be theirs, none of the following accidents would have
happened:
Will Flanigan, cinder pitman, injured May 21, at Cranby shops, was
raising cinder bucket with hoist; chain broke, and the bucket fell
on his foot.
Frank Hogan, fireman, injured in Colby yard, March 16; had just
finished coaling engine and pushed up lever to shut off the coal,
when the pulley, over which cable works, dropped and struck him on
the head.
W. R. Brady, fireman, injured at Quarton, June 1; was standing on
tank of engine to take water; rope was frozen and coiled up and he
could not reach it; got the ash hoe and caught the rope and pulled
the spout down; when it was part way down it fell and struck Brady
in the back.
D. W. Dalmann, operator and leverman, injured Aug. 12, at Hampton;
was in interlocking plant throwing distant signal, when chain
connecting lever with counterbalance weight broke and he was
thrown to the floor.
Stanley Lord, freight brakeman, injured at Rembrandt, May 20; was
unloading freight from a car; the skid which was being used was
broken off at one end, causing it to slip, and allowing Lord and
the boxes to fall to the ground, injuring Lord.
ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE FLOORS, PLATFORMS, ETC.
Another class of accidents which might also be avoided is that caused
by defective floors and platforms in roundhouses and at stations, the
failure to keep tools in repair, lack of light, and failure to
properly secure lights on switches. While, fortunately, they are not
so great in number, yet they go to swell the total, as well as the
expense, and ought to be cut out, as they could be with proper care
and supervision.
L. N. Corbey, brakeman, injured at Calton, Nov. 28; went into coal
shed to get coal for caboose. In coming out he stepped on a broken
board in the floor of coal shed and sprained his left knee and
left hand.
H. L. Minturn, injured at Acworth, Jan. 16, while running to throw
a switch, he ran into a three-throw switch upon which there was no
light.
Jacob Paley, boiler-maker helper, injured July 11, at Hinsdale;
was striking punch knocking out rivet; the punch came off the
handle and struck him in the eye.
A. D. Yarrow, injured April 3, at Alberon, while throwing switch
near roundhouse, the switch light fell and struck him on the head.
Albert Kaufmann, machinist helper, injured July 6, at Hamburg; was
in roundhouse working near dynamo belt, which became unlaced and
loose end of belt came round and struck him on the left arm.
ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY OBSTRUCTIONS
Next in order, I wish to call your attention to accidents caused by
overhead obstructions, drawbars, lumber, poles, cinders, and other
obstructions left too near the rail, holes and trenches left
uncovered, and failure to block guard-rails and frogs, etc. Everybody
is or should be familiar with Rules 45 and 49, which require blocking
of frogs and guard-rails and a clear space of six feet from the rail,
and yet one would sometimes think, from the appearance of some yards,
side tracks and switches, that the rules, like the midnight closing
ordinance, were dead letters. It, however, is the intention and desire
of the managements that they, like all other rules, should be
enforced, and no one is so much interested in that enforcement as the
train and yard men, who work in the yards and on side tracks and
switches. If they had been observed, or if their non-observance had
been reported by the men who must have known of their violation, none
of the following accidents would have occurred:
P. B. Montgomery, brakeman, fatally injured at Mason, while
attempting to uncouple car G., P. & A. No. 593 from O., M. & C.
No. 1783; chain on pin being broken; blocking gone from
guard-rail.
John Lenahan, switchman, killed at Juniper, June 4; footboard of
switch engine on which he was riding struck a telephone pole lying
in the grass alongside the track, throwing Lenahan under the
engine.
P. D. Kendrick, brakeman, injured at Bentley, Jan. 5, 7:00 p.m.;
was riding on the side of a box car, when he was struck by a spike
sticking in a board, which was part of the fence around the cellar
which was being excavated for the new depot at Bentley. It was
necessary to amputate two fingers of Kendrick's right hand, his
right leg, and he also received a very bad scalp wound.
Peter Alton, brakeman, was climbing up the side of A., B. & C. car
No. 2843, at Hackley, when he was struck and knocked off the car
by a highway crossing sign at that place, and so badly injured
that it was necessary to amputate both his legs below the knee,
and his right shoulder blade was also broken. This crossing sign
cleared this car only 2 ft.
K. G. Purdy, switchman, killed in Walton yards, Dec. 10; caused by
his being knocked off the top of a car by the Avery Street viaduct
and run over and killed.
I want to call especial attention to the Alton, Montgomery, Purdy and
Kendrick cases. In the former the crossing sign had been in the same
place for over 20 years. The man who put it there, roadmasters, and
section foremen, who should have discovered its dangerous proximity to
the track and moved it to a safe distance, the one required by Rule
49, were grossly careless, and the injured man and other trainmen who
had passed it daily for years must have discovered that it was too
close to the track, and if they had reported it, as they should have
done, this accident would not have happened, and they were blamable
for not doing so. In the Montgomery case the section foreman was at
fault for not properly blocking the frog, as required by Rule 45, the
roadmaster for not seeing it was done, and the car inspector and
repairer for not discovering that the coupling apparatus was defective
and repairing it. In the Purdy case the management was at fault for
not seeing that warning whips were up for the viaduct--they are now;
and in the Kendrick case the man who hung up the lamp too close to the
track to warn people, instead of making it a protection, increased the
danger, and the division engineer who allowed it to be done was
inexcusably careless. Such cases not only swell the total number, but
account in a large measure for the total increase in personal injury
accounts of the railroads.
Section foremen do not seem to realize the importance of examining the
whip guards for overhead obstructions every time they pass them to see
that they are in proper position and if not, pull them down with the
hook provided for that purpose. If the roadmasters would be more
particular to see that this is done we would have fewer accidents of
this kind in the future.
And in removing hand cars in yards, place them far enough away from
the rails so that a man riding on the side of a freight car won't be
struck by them, as happened to
A. T. Swanson, brakeman, injured at Tracy, Aug. 30; he was hanging
on the side of a car, and was struck by the handle of a hand car,
which had been left too near to clear a man on a car.
ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY CARELESSNESS OF ENGINEMEN
I shall next call your attention to accidents caused by carelessness
of enginemen which should not have happened and with proper care and
thoughtfulness will not occur in the future:
George Bowman, engineman, killed at Holstein, on Sept. 9; caused
by engine running off the track, this being the end of the road,
and the first time Bowman or any of the crew on the train, other
than one brakeman, had been over the line. A section foreman, who
was sent along as pilot, claims to have told Bowman when he came
to the Y, north of the depot, but Bowman paid no attention to the
warning, and made no effort to stop. This engineman had been on
duty for 14 hours when he got to Creever, at about 12 o'clock
midnight, and asked for 8 hours' sleep, but was sent out again in
four hours and a half.
Michael O'Neill, turntable man, injured Oct 17, at Patten; he was
pushing turntable with engine on it, and while doing so engine ran
off before he got it to the stall where it was to go in; struck
him on left shoulder.
Ralph Burnham, rear brakeman, train No. 55, seriously injured at
Bradley, night of Dec. 21, by being caught between the tender of
engine No. 641 and the mail car. This man was standing on east
side of track and started to cross over to the west side to help
couple the air, steam hose and whistle. He knew the engine was
coming back, but owing to the amount of steam escaping from it did
not realize it was so close, and before he could get over was
caught. The steam was escaping from the steam hose at the back of
the tender. It is customary for some engineers to have this steam
blowing off as they are backing up to make couplings; others shut
off the steam, as when it is blowing off it is almost impossible
for the brakeman to see. Why should not all enginemen shut it off?
In a double track district, if you are running on the wrong track and
there are any section men working on the track or employees or others
walking or running on the track, you should act upon the theory that
even if they know you are coming they will think you are on the track
usually occupied, and until you know that they actually understand the
conditions you must be prepared to stop in time to prevent injuring
them. And if two trains are passing on the double track and there is
anyone around, don't let it be your fault that an injury occurs
because ample warning was not given of the approach of two trains
instead of one.
John Cooper, section laborer, struck and killed by engine No.
1564, April 16, at 9:00 a.m., near Steuben, while working on the
track, cleaning the crossing, engine was running on south-bound
track. Although running on the wrong track, engineman is unable to
say whether or not he whistled for the crossing. No one on the
engine saw the man.
ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY MOVING CARS ON OR UNDER WHICH MEN ARE WORKING
Injuries caused by the moving of cars being iced or on or under which
men are working seem to me of a class so inexcusable as to merit the
discharge of the party at fault. Think how you would feel if you or
your boy was under, on, or in, a car with a flag out and someone moved
the car without notice and you or he was run over. The following are a
few such cases:
Philip Elder, car cleaner, injured at Armstrong, July 5; caused by
train being moved by switch engine while he was on the ladder
filling the water cooler.
Patrick Connelly, car repairer, injured Nov. 29, at Falesburg, was
under end of car on repair track; Switchman Moody backed train No.
27 on No. 5 track, and cars did not clear coach No. 368; it struck
the car under which Connelly was working, moving it about 10 ft.
and dragging Connelly, who caught hold of brake-beam. Flag out as
required by Rule 1.
A. F. Brown, car cleaner, injured at Perryville yards, May 3, at
10:00 a.m., was working in smoker No. 762; engine No. 37 coupled
onto the car and pushed it down track and it collided with some
other cars, knocking this woman down. No switchman riding on the
car at the time of the accident.
Injuries caused by carelessness in throwing switches and derails we
all know ought not to occur, and yet they are of frequent occurrence.
The following are samples.
G. M. Claney, engineman; Alfred Dolan, fireman; injured about 10
a.m., June 4, at Peronia; after going in on side track to get some
cars, got signal from brakeman to come ahead. Brakeman failed to
throw derailing switch, and while going to main line engine left
the track, went down embankment, and turned over.
Richard Jones, brakeman, injured May 7, at Nelson. Foreman Brinson
told him to cut off two cars and ride them out onto main line, and
after he had started the foreman noticed an engine coming up the
main line, and threw switch for side track, the cars collided and
he was thrown down in car.
ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY KICKING CABOOSES
Accidents caused by kicking caboose cars in which men are resting are
of altogether too frequent occurrence, and are as inexcusable as they
are frequent. Rule No. 10 should, I think, prohibit the practice, as
it does of moving cars containing passengers unless coupled to the
engine and air-brakes in use. Had this been done, the following cases
would not have happened:
K. M. Simpson, brakeman, injured Dec. 12, at Albion, was in
way-car cleaning ashes out of stove, when the way-car was struck
by another car kicked onto it by switchman, throwing him against
end of car.
Paul O'Connor and E. Putnam, brakemen, injured Feb. 22, at
Dodworths, were asleep in caboose No. 1473, on caboose track.
Switch engine went in and got caboose and kicked it out on lead.
It did not clear the switch track, and as other cars were kicked
back on caboose track it was struck by them throwing these men to
the floor.
Indeed, I believe that if the practice of kicking freight cars in
yards and at stations was prohibited the saving in the cost of repairs
of equipment and for damage to contents of cars would be greater than
the increase in pay-roll caused by necessary increase in the number of
men in the crews.
Speaking of accidents of this kind brings to mind those resulting from
careless handling of boarding cars, which are now so common during the
summer season. We all know the class of people who inhabit boarding
cars, how little they appreciate the danger, that they are on the
sides, top, under, and in the cars. So handle them, not as some
brakemen do egg cases, but carefully; never move the cars without
going to see that no one is under them cooking his dinner, that the
occupants of cars are all in a place of safety, and never make a fly
or kick with them, always have the engine coupled up, and don't
uncouple it until the car has got to the place it is to be left.
Roadmasters and foremen should see that the opening for ingress and
egress from the cars is on the side away from the traffic. The switch
to the track on which the cars stand should be locked and the key in
the foreman's pocket, or else a rail taken up so that no one can get
in on the track without notice. If you run across any cases where this
is not done, report them before, not after, some one is hurt.
MOTOR AND HAND CAR ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES TO SECTION MEN
Before leaving the subject of injuries to employees caused by the
carelessness of other employees, I want to mention some motor and
hand car accidents and injuries to section men caused by the use of
defective cars, by fast running, overloading, and by failure to comply
with the rules. Why men on motor cars and hand cars coming in from
work want to run faster than is safe (they never do it on the way
out), why they should overload, use defective cars, run closer
together than 300 feet, be out after dark without a light, leave their
cars on the highways to obstruct the same and frighten horses,
contrary to Rules 46, 47, and 48, we may perhaps guess. And yet we can
see no good reason for failure to comply with the rules which are made
for their own protection, as well as that of the company, and if more
careful instructions were given them by the roadmasters and more
supervision exercised, many of the accidents mentioned below would not
have happened. And on account of the class of men now employed on the
track, such instruction and supervision is more necessary than ever,
as the records show that we have many more such cases in proportion to
the mileage and business than we did a few years ago.
G. Botticelli, laborer, injured March 23, south of Yerkesville,
was riding on the front end of hand car, which was being followed
by another hand car; section foreman signaled to the rear car not
to come too close to first car, signal was not heeded and the
second car ran into the first, derailing it.
H. P. Dennis, laborer, injured May 28, west of Orion; caused by
the handle of a hand car breaking.
N. R. Forbes, injured near Larkin, June 24, with four other men,
was riding on a hand car going home from work. While going down
grade, trying to get to station before train pulled out, car
jumped track, all the men were thrown off, and Forbes injured.
In passing over highway crossings, especially in cities and in running
past stations, hand and motor cars should be so run that the man in
charge could stop the car in its own length.
INJURIES TO EMPLOYEES CAUSED BY THEIR OWN CARELESSNESS
Lastly, I shall call your attention to a few of the accidents in which
employees are injured by their own carelessness, thoughtlessness or
recklessness, and frequently it is the latter. If we could eliminate
them and one-half of those caused by the carelessness of other
employees much of the unfavorable criticism of railroads would cease,
as the cause would no longer exist.
We will take up some of the most common accidents of this class,
caused by coupling cars, getting on or off, or falling from, trains or
engines, moving or standing. The following cases will serve to
illustrate how frequently unnecessary chances are taken and the
result.
Can anyone imagine a reason why a man of common sense who is old
enough to be out of school should stand on a footboard and when the
couplers are almost together put his hand in between them to pull them
over or try to kick them over with his foot, walk backwards, contrary
to Rule 51, between the rails fixing a Jenney to get ready to couple,
instead of stopping the car or engine and getting the coupler in
position; why they should stand in the middle of the track and wait
for an approaching engine or car to reach them and then step onto the
footboard or brake-beam, when they could just as well get on the side
or other end, and do it with safety; why men jump on an engine pilot,
which Rule 33 prohibits, or on a moving car to ride a few feet to a
switch, when the same is going so fast as to make it dangerous, unless
they want to show how expert they are; why they should get off moving
cars or engines under the same circumstances; why a man should not get
off a standing car or engine without getting hurt; undertake to climb
from car to car when unnecessary; cross the track in front of moving
cars or engines, when they are so close to them that to the
uninitiated it looks like suicide; or cross between cars, when they
could just as well climb over? But rather than take the time, which
the company pays for, they take the chances, and then if they get
across, like the man who drove over in front of the engine at the last
highway crossing and waited on the other side to see the train go by,
they wait until the tail end comes along and get on there, but if they
get caught blame the engineman for coming too fast, or the company for
not having the track nickel plated, or for having a handhold in the
wrong place.
Why they should allow themselves to be struck frequently in broad
daylight by overhead obstructions, for which tell-tales are erected to
warn them; by building close to the track, with the location of which
they are familiar. Yet rather than work their gray matter a little,
they get hurt. Why a man sent out to look after broken rails or
defects in the track shouldn't watch for trains from both directions
or take the trouble to ascertain before starting whether trains are on
time. And yet we all know that just such chances are taken every day
with results shown in the following cases, which are such as happen
all the time; the only reason or excuse that can be given for them,
that I can imagine, is, that the men injured never should have been
employed; that instead of being employed on trains and engines and
drawing--not earning--more pay than principals of schools, and
frequently than school superintendents, they should be working in a
barn or shoveling dirt instead of on a railroad, where their
recklessness, carelessness, and failure to realize the dangers of the
business and the necessity of complying with the rules and taking no
unnecessary chances, not only endanger their own lives, but those of
others. They are of the same class that the railroad organizations,
for the protection of their desirable membership, ought to help get
out of the service, not try to keep in until someone is seriously
injured or killed, and then complain and say the company is liable
because they kept such a grossly careless, incompetent man in the
service; and if you will think for a minute, you will know that none
of the careful, forehanded men--the men who own homes and have a
little money in the bank--are in this class.
I will first refer you to some cases caused in coupling cars, and by
getting on and off cars, of which the following are fair samples, each
of which not only could but should have been avoided by the exercise
of a little common sense by the injured person:
G. L. Penston, collector, injured at Wanley, May 10; went in to
uncouple hose after getting train onto track; did not tell anyone
he was going in between the cars; other cars were switched onto
train and his head was caught between the cars.
Henry Kendrick, switchman, injured at Mertonville, March 13; was
standing on front footboard of engine, which was about to couple
onto a car; draw-bar on engine was too far to one side to make the
coupling and Kendrick attempted to kick it over with his foot, but
missed it and his foot was caught and crushed.
M. T. Bowers, fireman, Fairmill, Jan. 6, was trying to jump from
the running board of engine to footboard, when he fell and was
injured.
L. B. Gorky, conductor, Panitoca, Aug. 14; was standing on top of
car, gave engineer a stop signal, and when slack came back, fell
off car.
P. F. Newton, conductor, injured Oct. 3, at Durham; got off head
end of train, and tried to get on way-car as it came along, and
was thrown to the ground and badly injured. Train was moving about
15 miles an hour.
Then comes the class of injuries caused by crossing between or going
between moving cars or in front of moving cars or engines, and those
caused frequently in broad daylight by obstructions with the location
of which employees are perfectly familiar, but fail to take any care
to avoid, such as the following:
H. M. Tupper, switchman, injured at Murferton, March 21, ran ahead
of moving car to throw switch; after throwing the switch he
attempted to cross the track again ahead of the car, was struck
and badly injured.
David Spurton, switchman, Olivia, Dec. 12; while hanging on side
of car, was caught between car and viaduct, and severely injured.
L. Q. Lafflin, switchman, Rutherville, Oct. 4; was sitting on top
of car riding backward his head struck viaduct, and he was knocked
off and injured.
Among other classes, altogether too frequent, as well as unnecessary,
are those caused by leaving cars too near a switch to clear a man on a
car on the next track; by going under cars to repair them, or under
engines to clean the fires, without putting out a flag; by cutting
steam hose without first knowing the steam is turned off.
Now why a man switching cars will not take the trouble to put them far
enough in on the track to clear himself riding the next cut in on the
adjacent track, or why a man will go under an engine or car to repair
it or for any other purpose, without protecting himself from injury by
putting out a flag as required by Rule I, passes my understanding.
Whenever you find the rule disregarded, report it, so that it will not
happen with the same man in the future; why a man should undertake to
cut the steam hose before he knows the steam has been turned off, the
devil himself could not tell, and yet the following cases would seem
to show that a man with a big stick is needed on the railroads as well
as elsewhere.
William Jacobson, switchman, injured at Delavia, May 19; he left
caboose on side track too near the lead, and then rode some cars
down the lead, and was struck by the caboose.
H. J. Calpine, car repairer, killed at Mestigo, June 3; was under
car making repairs; did not put out flag or tell anyone that he
was going under the car; the car was moved and he was killed.
J. P. Alton, switchman, injured at Wolton, July 13; cut hose
between sleeper and coach and failed to turn steam shut-off cocks;
was badly burned by steam.
And lastly I will refer to a few cases of injuries which cannot well
be classified, so we will say from other causes. They are a
miscellaneous lot, none of which ought to have happened, or indeed
would have happened if the first rule of nature, self-preservation,
had been observed. But I will give you several examples:
A F. Ford, brakeman, injured at Lenopa, Sept. 3; hanging on side
of stock car instead of ladder, cow kicked him and broke his
wrist.
B. L. Pomeroy, brakeman, fatally injured at Schuyler, Oct 29; in
attempting to oil a hot box while train was running, he fell under
the wheels.
John Leveridge, fireman, injured at Worthington, May 8; passing
through town, waved hand at trainmen standing on side track,
struck mail crane, and injured his arm.
Richard Manville, switchman, injured at Poulsville, June 17; stood
on top of car giving signals and when slack ran out fell off of
car; left leg broken.
K. T. Morrison, brakeman, Homerton, April 26; went back along the
track, to flag his train, went to sleep on track, was struck and
killed by another train.
Prevention
SUGGESTIONS
And so I might go on detailing the various accidents that have
occurred from the carelessness of employees, but I believe I have
enumerated enough of them to illustrate the point I wish to make; that
is, the employee is too careless, thoughtless and negligent; and I
hope also to demonstrate that the larger part of them could be avoided
and that a united effort should be made by all to prevent them in the
future. It does not require any argument to prove that the many
accidents occurring every day, and the resulting injuries and
destruction of property, ought to be reduced, and that, if the rules
were complied with and proper care and supervision exercised in
transacting the business of the companies, their number and consequent
money loss would be materially reduced; and it is up to the employees
to do their share to bring about this necessary result. Railroads that
advertise that they have the best of everything--including men--that
have spent not thousands but millions for safety devices and
appliances, as many of the lines have, ought to be able to make a
better record; and I believe when the employees really understand the
matter such roads will be where they belong--at the head of the
procession, not only so far as freedom from accident is concerned, but
in everything else.
Blackstone, in his Commentaries on the Common Law of England, said
that the great beauty of the common law was that under it "there was
no wrong without a remedy," and so I say that there must be some
remedy which, if properly applied, would prevent the happening of a
large proportion of these casualties; and I suppose that the man who
says there is a wrong or criticises results ought to be able to
suggest some remedy which will sound plausible, even if it is not
practicable.
In addition to the suggestions which I have made in discussing the
different classes of accidents herein mentioned, there are several
others which, in a general way, I submit.
The most necessary thing in securing good results and as few
casualties as possible is to hire good, competent, careful and sober
men to do the work, and when the railroads have bureaus of employment
properly conducted to secure the best men and schools in which to
instruct them as to the rules under which railroads are operated, what
their duties are, and how to perform them, in conjunction with the
physical examination of applicants for employment they will have taken
the most important step to do away with accidents; and when they clear
their roundhouses, repair yards, coal stations, gate houses and all
other branches of the service connected with the transportation of
persons and property of men with whom neither other employees nor the
public can communicate because of their inability to understand or
talk the English language, they will have taken the next one.
When labor organizations and employees generally do what they can to
keep incompetent, careless men out of the service, not in it, and when
they are discovered in some careless act, or cause some accident, and
are discharged or suspended, instead of trying, through the influence
and power of their organization, to have the discharge or suspension
set aside, do all they can to sustain the order of suspension or
discharge, we will not have the list of casualties staring us in the
face that we do now, and the organizations will not have so many
crippled members asking for assistance, and the proportion of
employees killed and injured to the whole number won't be 36 and 80
per cent respectively.
Employees should read the newspapers, railroad as well as brotherhood,
so that they will get some of the theory of the business to fit them
for a better place. Familiarize yourselves with the advertisements of
the company, train schedules, maps, names of the officers and where
they are located, so that you can answer questions of patrons and
others. Treat everybody politely and decently, as by your conduct and
manners the corporation and management will be judged. Take advantage
of what others have learned by the greatest of all teachers--EXPERIENCE.
After getting good competent men we need good track and equipment and
sufficient and intelligent inspection to see that not only the track
and equipment are kept in good repair, but also that the men keep in
good physical and mental condition.
A method of inspection and repair by which the man who inspects will
be required to have some mechanical experience, who can talk and
understand English and comprehend what the result will be if he fails
to discover defects and have them remedied, and who will report, not
to a foreman whose duty it is to repair the defect, but to a superior
whose business it is to find them. This is the sort of inspection
necessary to prevent injury and loss. And when we do this the record
will be different.
Then we want good rules and instructions (the fewer and simpler the
better) telling how the trains shall be run and the business of the
companies conducted, and if it is true that one of the worst evils
from which our country is now suffering is the failure to enforce all
the laws on the statute books, I am afraid the same saying will apply
to the operation of railroads. Too many rules, orders and bulletins
are disregarded by employees, and that disregard not discovered or is
overlooked until some accident occurs. If there are any rules that are
impracticable they should be cancelled, but until they are their
observance by officers and employees should be insisted upon. The
quickest and best way to get a bad rule or law cancelled or repealed
is to enforce it.
And last but not least, we want sufficient and efficient supervision.
Poor Richard, the philosopher, never said a truer thing than that
"_The eyes of the master will do more work than both his hands_."
And as the business of a railroad increases and grows more complicated
every day, it requires more and better, and not less, supervision. If
the number of employees and the tonnage of trains increase fivefold,
so should the supervision increase, in order that the business be
conducted in accordance with the rules and that safe and economical
operation be secured, and there should always be enough supervision to
obtain this necessary result.
After we get the men, the track, the equipment, rules and supervision,
we should see that all employees know and understand the rules and
their duties and how to perform them. Some day we will have a training
school for this purpose, just as the government has for its soldiers
and sailors, and many municipalities for their police. Employees
should study and familiarize themselves with the time-tables and
rules, the same as they do with their pay schedule--they all
understand that. The rules were made by men who have come from the
ranks, who know from actual experience what the failure to observe
them means to passengers, to yourselves, and the companies, and if you
don't understand them, have someone who does explain them to you until
you know them by heart and exactly what they mean, and when you have
done this, comply with them and things will go better; there will then
be few accidents, suspensions and discharges.
Do the company's business the same as you would your own. If the time
ever comes when you are unwilling to do this, quit. Think before you
act, not afterwards, as then it will be too late. And remember that
other lives, perhaps that some one near and dear to you, may depend
upon your acting and doing immediately, and not to-morrow, the right
thing and in the prescribed way.
Make it your first duty to protect the lives and property entrusted to
your company, as well as the lives of those crossing over its tracks
and those of your fellow employees, then will come to you not only the
knowledge of duty performed, but promotion in position and increase in
salary. That is why your president, general manager, and the whole
push are where they are now, instead of working in the ranks.
Never go out without sufficient rest. Don't try to get in too many
miles or hours for the pay there is in it, as you may get hurt or
killed doing so, or injure some one else.
When an order is given you in writing, or verbally, if you don't
understand it, ascertain exactly what it means before you undertake to
execute it, and if you understand what is wanted, but don't know how
to do the thing, find out from someone who does before, not after, you
have made a mistake, as it will take you less time to learn to do it
right than it will to explain why you did it wrong, and by so doing
you may prevent yourself or someone else getting hurt.
With additional care on your part and that of your fellow workers,
together with more and better supervision, based on the theory that it
is equally as important to see that rules and orders are observed as
it is to issue them, that MEN are more important in the running of a
railroad than _things_, accidents and consequent losses will, I
believe, be reduced one-half.
APPENDIX
The following operating rules are referred to in the foregoing:
In case of doubt, adopt the safe course.
Speed must always be sacrificed for safety.
1. A _blue_ flag by day and a _blue_ light by night, displayed at
one or both ends of an engine, car, or train, indicates that
workmen are under or about it. When thus protected it must not be
coupled to or moved. Workmen will display the _blue_ signals, and
the same workmen are alone authorized to remove them. Other cars
must not be placed on the same track, so as to intercept the view
of the _blue_ signals, without first notifying the workmen.
Train, engine or switchmen going between or under cars or engines
to make repairs, chain up or examination must protect themselves
in the same way by use of red flag or red light.
2. The engine bell must be rung on approaching the whistling post
at every public road crossing at grade, and kept ringing until
the crossing is passed; and the whistle must be sounded at all
whistling posts, two long and two short blasts.
3. The engine bell must be rung upon approaching and passing
through stations, cities, towns, and villages.
4. It must be understood that a train is due to arrive at a
station upon its schedule departing time at preceding station.
A train must not leave a station in advance of its schedule
leaving time.
5. Passenger trains will not exceed twenty-five miles, and
freight trains fifteen miles per hour, passing over interlocking
switches.
6. All regular freight trains, extras, and work extras will pass
into and through all stations and will approach all isolated side
tracks, and also all water tanks and coal sheds with train under
full control, expecting to find trains at such points. Speed must
be reduced; enginemen and trainmen must commence to get their
train under control one mile from all such specified points, so
that under no circumstances whatever shall it be possible for
them to strike any train, car, or engine that may be within the
switches of any regular station, or that may be taking coal or
water at any coal shed or water tank. Trains occupying main track
at stations, as an additional precaution, must protect themselves
as per Rule No. 7.
PROTECTION OF TRAINS BY FLAGMEN.
7. _For this purpose flagmen shall have for_ DAY SIGNALS _not
less than two torpedoes and a red flag._
_For_ NIGHT SIGNALS _not less than two torpedoes, two red fusees,
and red and white lanterns._
CONDUCTORS _shall see that flagmen have these signals when they
go on duty._
UNSCHEDULED STOPS.
_When any train makes an_ UNSCHEDULED STOP _(whether at a station or
between stations, or whether such stop be caused by accident to the
train, or by signal, or in any other way), the train shall be
protected as follows_:
_a._ _In the_ NIGHT-TIME _the flagmen shall immediately place a
lighted_ RED FUSEE _in center of track about five hundred feet
behind the rear of train._
_He shall then go back as rapidly as possible with_ RED _and_
WHITE LANTERNS _to a point less than three-fourths of a mile
(twenty-four telegraph poles) distant from rear of train and until
he reaches a point where the danger signal can be seen not less
than one-fourth of a mile (eight telegraph poles) by the engineman
of any approaching train. When the character of the road or
weather makes it necessary the flagman shall go a greater distance
with signals, so as to_ INSURE ABSOLUTE SAFETY.
_b._ _In the_ DAYTIME _he shall carry a red flag and proceed to a
like point._
_c._ _When he reaches such point, whether in the night-time or
daytime, he shall at once place_ ONE TORPEDO _on the rail on the
engineman's side and shall remain at that place until recalled. If
a train approaches he shall flag it and remain until the train
stops._
_d._ _When recalled, if no train is approaching, he shall place a_
SECOND TORPEDO _on the rail 200 feet nearer his train and return
with all possible dispatch._
SCHEDULED STOPS LONGER THAN USUAL.
_e._ _When any train makes a_ SCHEDULED STOP _at any station and
occupies the main track_ LONGER THAN USUAL AT THAT STATION,
_whether on account of baggage, passengers, or for any other
reason whatever_, THE FLAGMAN MUST PROTECT HIS TRAIN IN THE SAME
MANNER.
STOPPAGE BY PRECEDING TRAINS.
_f._ _When any train has been stopped by a preceding train in the
manner above mentioned, the flagman of the last train must protect
his train in the same manner._
PROTECTION OF FRONT END.
_g._ _When it is necessary to protect the front of a train, it
shall be done in the same manner._
BOTH CONDUCTOR AND FLAGMAN RESPONSIBLE.
_h._ _In all cases above mentioned it shall be the_ FIRST AND
IMMEDIATE DUTY OF CONDUCTORS _to see that flagmen_ OBEY THIS RULE.
_i._ _Both_ CONDUCTOR _and_ FLAGMAN _will be held responsible._
_j._ _When a flagman goes out, the next brakeman or baggageman
must take his place on the train, as required by paragraph s._
_k._ _The engineman on approaching train, on_ SEEING FLAGMAN'S
SIGNAL, _shall immediately indicate it by one short blast of the
whistle, and immediately reduce the speed of his train and find
out the purpose of the signal, and if he does not hear the second
torpedo he will bring his train to a stop._
_l._ _If the engineman on approaching train sees no signal (the
flagman having been recalled), but_ HEARS THE FIRST TORPEDO; _he
shall reduce the speed of his train and thereafter proceed
cautiously, and prepared to stop within vision, until the track is
clear._
_m._ _On_ HEARING THE SECOND TORPEDO, _the engineman will know
that the flagman has been recalled and will_ PROCEED CAUTIOUSLY,
_keeping a sharp lookout for train ahead and prepared to stop
within vision, until he is notified by signal or otherwise that
the track is clear._
_n._ _If a_ FUSEE _is seen, the engineman shall_ NOT PASS _it
until it is burned out, and thereafter shall_ PROCEED CAUTIOUSLY
_and prepared to stop within vision, until notified by signal or
otherwise that the track is clear._
RECALL OF FLAGMAN.
_o._ _When the whistle is sounded recalling the flagman if there
is not a clear view to the rear for one-fourth of a mile (8
telegraph poles) the train should be_ MOVED AHEAD _at a speed of
not less than_ SIX MILES _per hour, until a point is reached where
the track is straight for one-fourth of a mile in the rear of the
train_, ALWAYS BEARING IN MIND THAT THE TIME OF THE FLAGMAN'S
RETURN IS THE PERIOD OF GREATEST RISK.
_p._ _Should a train for any cause be required to gradually reduce
its speed between stations or at unusual points the engineman will
sound one long and three short blasts of the whistle, as notice to
the conductor to drop off a flagman with the proper signals to
protect rear of train._
_q._ _In addition to the above protection a red fusee will be
considered an extra precaution, and will be used under
circumstances requiring the same. Should a train, for any cause,
be required to reduce its speed between stations or at unusual
points a red fusee must be lighted and placed upon the track as an
additional protection for following trains, to insure a time limit
between trains of not less than five minutes._
_r._ _If a train be obliged to back up, a flagman must be sent
back in advance of the rear end of the train, and kept far enough
in advance to insure absolute safety against a collision with any
train that may be approaching._
_s._ _When the flagman goes back to protect the rear of his train,
the head brakeman or baggageman must, in the case of passenger
trains, and the next brakeman in the case of other trains, take
his place on the train._
8. When cars are pushed by an engine (except when shifting and
making up trains in yards), a flagman must occupy a conspicuous
position on the front of the leading car and signal the engineman
in case of need.
If such signal cannot be seen by the engineman or fireman, the
engineman will bring the train to a stop immediately, and not
proceed till signal is visible.
9. When switching is being done over highway or street railway
crossings by yard or trainmen, a man must be stationed at that
crossing to act as flagman.
10. Cars must not be moved over highway crossings or in front of
passenger stations detached from engine, other than at terminals,
where express authority has been given so to do by the division
superintendent. Cars containing passengers must not be switched
unless coupled to the engine and air-brake in use.
11. In approaching a station where a passenger train is due or
past due, and where the view is not clear, trains must be under
perfect control, so that they may be stopped, if necessary, before
reaching station. Trains on the double track must not, under any
circumstances, pull into a station at which a passenger train in
the opposite direction is standing or into which it is pulling to
receive or discharge passengers, until such train has started up
and the rear coach thereof has passed the end of the station
platform nearest the approaching train, excepting where tracks are
divided by fences. When two trains are nearing a station from
opposite directions at the same time and only one of them is
scheduled to stop, the train making the stop must reduce speed to
let the other through the station before it arrives. When two
trains going in opposite directions arrive at a station and both
are scheduled to stop, the inferior train will not pull up to
platform until superior train has departed. At stations on single
track, all trains will reduce to a speed of four miles per hour in
passing a point where a passenger train is receiving or
discharging passengers, and pass such trains with the engine bell
ringing constantly.
12. Passengers will not be allowed to ride on freight, extra, or
work extra, except upon such regular freight trains as may be
designated in the division time-tables. Freight trains that carry
passengers will be particular to have the caboose stop at the
depot platform to receive and discharge them. Before the arrival
of train at any station where they stop, the conductor will
distinctly call out the name of station. This rule applies to
employees of the company not actually on duty, as well as to other
persons. It is, however, understood that persons accompanying live
stock or perishable freight shall be allowed to ride on the same
trains therewith, for the purpose of taking care of the same, upon
the presentation of proper transportation.
12a. Conductors must show their orders to rear brakeman or
flagman, and the engineman to the fireman, and (in case of a
freight train) to the head brakeman, who are required to read
them. The copy for the engineman must be delivered to him
personally by the conductor and the engineman must read it aloud
to the conductor before proceeding.
13. Dispatchers must not authorize operators to issue caution card
to any train or engine to enter a block occupied by a passenger
train, except in case of accident.
If from the failure of telegraph line or other cause a signalman
be unable to communicate with the next block station in advance,
he must stop every train approaching in that direction. Should no
cause for detaining the train be known, it may then be permitted
to proceed, provided ten minutes have elapsed since the passage of
the last preceding train, using caution card.
14. Trains moving on caution card must do so with great care. As
block is not clear enginemen must be prepared to stop within their
vision.
15. Trains moving on caution card must expect to find main track
occupied at all stations regardless of the position of block
signal.
16. Agents are required to see that cars are properly loaded, to
obtain, if possible, the maximum capacity, and not permit an
overload to exceed 10 per cent of marked capacity. It is important
that the load be distributed evenly, securely staked, and that no
projections extend over the ends of cars.
17. Freight, baggage, and other articles must not be allowed to
stand on the depot platforms where they might cause accident or
inconvenience to passengers or employees, or receive damage from
the weather. United States mail pouches must not be left
unprotected upon the platforms or in the waiting-rooms and other
exposed places at stations.
18. Agents will see that conductors of freight trains do not block
public crossings longer than five minutes.
19. On leaving a station passenger brakeman will pass through the
train, from the front to the rear, and when about one-third the
length of the car from forward end, with closed doors, will
announce in a clear and distinct voice the name of the next
station, then proceed to within the same distance from the rear
end of the car and make the same announcement. If the train is to
stop for meals the brakeman will so state, giving the length of
time the train will stop. Conductors of all trains stopping at
stations at which lunch counters or eating-houses are located will
announce in the lunch or dining room notice of departure of the
train in ample time to allow passengers to get aboard before it
starts. Upon approaching a station located at or in the vicinity
of a railroad crossing, when it is necessary for a train to stop
at such crossing, before reaching the crossing brakemen must give
warning of the fact by calling out distinctly in each car, "The
next stop is for railway crossing, not a station." Junction
points, railroad crossings where a stop is made, and terminals
will be announced, passengers notified when to change cars, and
attention directed to their parcels and other belongings.
20. Passenger train employees will pay particular attention to the
comfort of their passengers and will see that proper lighting,
ventilation, and temperature are maintained and sufficient
drinking water is provided. They will not allow passengers to
violate any rules of the company (such as riding on the platforms,
etc.), and, while avoiding unnecessary conversation with
passengers, will answer all questions courteously.
They will see that passengers are properly seated. They will pass
through sleeping cars only when necessary and then as quickly as
possible, exercising special care at night to avoid disturbing the
occupants.
21. Conductors must collect the proper fare from every passenger
not provided with a ticket or pass in proper form. In all cases,
on the refusal of any passenger to produce a proper ticket or
pass, or to pay the fare, the conductor shall cause the train to
be brought to a full stop at a regular open station and shall
require such person to leave the train, and, on refusal, shall
remove him therefrom, and must procure and report the names and
addresses of persons who were present and witnessed the
controversy. Each conductor will be held responsible for the
exercise of a reasonable discretion in the performance of this
duty, being careful that no unnecessary force is used, that the
company may not be subjected to unnecessary litigation or
annoyance. They must not eject women or children of tender years,
and any person unattended in such a condition of body or mind as
to be incapable of caring for himself must be placed in the
custody of the nearest station agent, who will wire the
Superintendent for instructions regarding such person's final
disposition. In removing a person from the train, the conductor
must use extreme care to avoid controversy and not indulge in
abusive language or in any manner insult or maltreat the person to
be removed, or use unnecessary force in so doing, unless in a
clear case of self-defense, when an assault is made upon the
conductor or his men, and then the infliction of unnecessary
injury must be carefully avoided. A sufficient force must be
brought into requisition to overcome resistance and to place the
person on the ground without inflicting injury, the law being that
conductors may command employees or any of the passengers to
assist in such removal. In all cases except where passengers shall
be ejected for refusal to produce proper ticket or pass, or to pay
the proper fare, the conductor, before so doing, must tender such
passenger such proportion of the fare he has paid as the distance
he then is from the place to which he has paid his fare bears to
the whole distance for which he has paid his fare. In case of such
ejectment a report must be sent to the Superintendent by first
mail with full particulars.
22. Passenger trainmen will be required to securely close
vestibule doors and platform traps of all passenger cars when in
motion; and after departure from a station will observe whether or
not there are any passengers clinging to the hand-rails of the
vestibules.
23. Passenger brakemen will place themselves at the steps of
coaches at stations, and will assist passengers in entering or
leaving the cars. Special care must be taken with children and
aged and infirm passengers, assisting them to and from trains,
giving them ample time to insure safety. They will prevent
passengers boarding or leaving the train while in motion, see that
passengers are provided with proper tickets, and that they take
the right train.
24. When a passenger train has stopped at a station platform, it
must not move to take coal or water or do other work until the
conductor permits by the usual signal.
25. Freight conductors and brakemen must be on hand not less than
thirty minutes before the leaving time of their trains. They shall
examine their trains while stopping at stations on the road and
see that everything is in proper order.
26. Freight train employees are required to examine very carefully
the condition of all brakes and ladders that they are to use, and
to know that they are safe and in good condition before using
them. If brakes are unsafe, or ladders out of order, brakemen will
report them to the conductor at once.
27. Conductors leaving cars on side tracks will see that they are
properly secured and sufficiently clear of the main line. In
leaving loaded cars at any station they will place them most
conveniently for unloading. The cars must be so placed as not to
project over line of highway crossings. If a car be set out
without a brake, conductors must securely block the wheels.
Cutting off engine and cars before a train has stopped and
allowing the balance of train to follow is prohibited.
28. Conductors must call the attention of the repairer of cars, or
that of the station agent in his absence, to any damage which may
have been done to the cars, or to any which may come to their
knowledge, that they may be promptly repaired, and they must note
these in their reports. Cars in bad order, set out at stations,
will be reported at once by the conductor, by telegraph, to the
train dispatcher, stating number and initials of car, contents,
nature and extent of damage, and will note the nature of defect on
waybills.
29. Enginemen must use every precaution to prevent damage by fire
from their engines. They should report all defects in netting, ash
pans, etc., at the end of their run. Ash pans or front ends must
only be cleaned at designated points.
30. No person will be allowed to ride upon the pilot of a
locomotive, either in the discharge of duty or otherwise, and they
are prohibited from getting on the front end of engines or cars
approaching them.
31. Turntables must be locked with a switch-lock by enginemen and
others immediately after use, except when in charge of employees.
When turntables are found unlocked, and when tables or locks are
out of order, report at once to the Superintendent by wire.
32. Engines must not be permitted to stand nearer than 100 feet to
a street or highway crossing, or under any bridge, when it can be
avoided, nor in the vicinity of waiting-rooms, offices, or near
cars occupied by passengers, where the noise or smoke will disturb
occupants.
33. Agents are instructed to make a personal inspection of all
special loadings and where same do not comply with these
requirements and illustrations and where there is any question in
their minds as regards the safety or proper loading of the same
they should at once communicate with the Superintendent of Car
Department, who will send a man, competent to judge, for the
purpose of inspection and passing on same before car is forwarded.
(a). Yardmen, conductors, and trainmen must familiarize themselves
with these instructions and will not take cars into their trains
unless they come within the requirements of these rules and
illustrations. Where defects occur in loading of cars in transit,
unless they can remedy the same, they will set the car out and
notify the train dispatcher.
34. Whenever passengers or employees are injured, see that
everything is done to care for them properly, calling the
company's nearest surgeon to treat them, or, if prudent, remove to
the nearest place at which the company has a surgeon, and leave
them with such surgeon for care and treatment.
If the injury be serious call the nearest competent surgeon
obtainable to attend until the company's surgeon arrives.
35. Whenever an accident happens to any train on which passengers
are carried, whether collision or derailment, of whatever nature,
on main line or siding, or within the yard limits where trains are
reconstructed, conductors must take down the name and address of
every passenger on the train, and ascertain from the passenger,
and note opposite his or her name, what injury, if any, they
received. In such cases, conductors, after first making everything
safe, must give their undivided attention to the care and comfort
of their passengers, especially to those who are injured. Bedding
and linen may be taken from the sleepers for this purpose, the
conductor keeping a careful account of all material so taken, and
its return or safe keeping attended to; and when deemed necessary,
injured persons may be put in the sleepers. When a number of
persons are injured the service of competent surgeons in the
vicinity should be at once secured, and every possible effort made
to care for the injured, the company's surgeon in each direction
being notified by wire to come immediately to the place of the
accident.
36. When persons (other than employees) by reason of climbing on
or jumping from moving trains, or walking or lying on the track,
are injured, they should be sent to their homes or placed in
charge of the local city, village, or township authorities and no
expense incurred on the part of the company in the matter.
37. A report of all accidents must be telegraphed immediately to
the Superintendent or his assistant by the conductor, engineman,
agent, yardmaster, foreman, or person in charge, by wire, giving
the names of the injured persons and witnesses, the extent of
injuries, and the names of the owners of the property damaged and
the extent of damage, and as soon as possible a full and detailed
report made and forwarded to the Superintendent or his assistant,
a separate report being made for each person injured. If the
person injured is an employee he should also make and sign a
statement of facts in relation to the accident in his own
handwriting on the same form; should he be unable to write, the
statement should be written at his dictation, and after being read
over to him he should sign it by making his mark, the person
writing and reading statement signing same as a witness.
38. Whenever an employee, whether on duty or not, witnesses an
accident in which a person is injured or property damaged, in
which the company is in any way concerned, he must report it
immediately. Every effort must be made to procure the names and
addresses of all persons, particularly outsiders, who witnessed
the accident, especially when persons are injured within the
corporate limits of any city, town, or village, or when crossing
the tracks at a public highway.
39. When an accident occurs on an engine, or is caused by an
engine striking any person or conveyance, or when cars are being
coupled or uncoupled, a full report must be made by the engineman,
as well as by the conductor or the person in charge of the train.
40. When persons are injured while coupling or uncoupling cars or
in getting on or off cars, whether passenger or freight, or in any
other way, in which the accident may have been caused by defective
appliances or machinery, the cars or appliances must be
immediately examined by the person in charge, or by the agent, to
ascertain their condition, and report made of the inspection,
giving the numbers and initials of cars examined and the names of
the persons making the inspection. The Superintendent or his
assistant will then notify the inspector at the first division
terminal, who will also examine the machinery, cars, or appliances
and make report. When an accident is caused by defective machinery
or by the breaking of machinery, tools, appliances, or rails, the
broken or defective parts must be so marked as to be readily
identified and immediately turned over to the Superintendent or
his assistant.
41. When an accident occurs which results in the death of any
person, the remains of the deceased must be immediately picked up
and carefully conveyed to the nearest station building, care being
taken not to remove the body outside the limits of county and
state in which the accident happened. The agent at such station
will then notify the Superintendent by wire, as well as the family
or friends of the deceased.
42. Apply the brakes lightly at a sufficient distance from the
stopping point, and increase the braking force gradually as may be
found necessary, so as to make the stop with one application, or
at the most two applications of the brakes.
43. In making a service stop with a passenger train, always
release the brakes a short distance before coming to a dead stop,
except on heavy grades, to prevent shocks at the instant of
stopping. Even on moderate grades it is best to do this, and then,
after release, to apply the brakes lightly to prevent the train
starting. This does not apply to freight trains, upon which the
brakes must not be released until the train has stopped.
44. A train must, at all times, have not less than 50 per cent of
its cars equipped with air-brakes, which must be operated.
45. They must see that all switches are in perfect order and that
frogs, guard-rails, and switch-rails are properly blocked and
spaces in planked crossings kept clean.
46. They must permit their hand cars to be used only in the
service of the company, and no one will be allowed to ride on
these cars except employees in the performance of duty, unless
provided with a written order from the proper authority. When two
or more hand cars are following each other they will keep at least
300 feet apart. Hand or velocipede cars belonging to private
parties will not be allowed on the track except by order of the
Superintendent.
47. When obliged to run hand and velocipede cars after dark, two
red lanterns must be so displayed on the car as to be visible to
trains in both directions.
48. Hand, dump cars, and velocipedes must not be attached to
moving trains, nor shall they be used upon the main track in foggy
weather, unless properly protected, and they must not be taken
from the track at public or private crossings, except to avoid an
approaching train.
49. No wood, ties, or property of any description must be piled
within six feet of the main or side track, or elsewhere, in such
manner as to obstruct the view of, or from, approaching trains.
Old ties, fencing, and similar property, also links, pins,
draw-bars, spikes, and all other material and iron work that is
found on the section must be picked up at once, piled neatly, or
disposed of as directed by the roadmaster. Rails and other
material must _not_ be left scattered about station grounds.
50. While at station conductors will do such switching as may be
required by the station agent. Trainmen and switchmen must not
couple to or move cars that are being loaded or unloaded on side
tracks without first ascertaining whether anyone is in or about
such cars and giving them ample notice that same are to be moved.
They must not obstruct street or public crossings with their
trains and be particular when at junction points not to allow any
part of their train to stand on railway crossings or interlocking
plants.
51. All employees are prohibited from going between cars or
between car and engine for any purpose or in front of any moving
car to fix couplers while same are in motion.
52. Enginemen must keep the headlights of their engines in good
order, and when running after dark, or when storms, fogs or other
causes render it necessary, they must be lighted. When trains are
waiting on side tracks, clear of main track, or on the end of
double track, headlights of engines must be covered.
53. When trains meet by special order or time-table regulations,
conductors and enginemen must inform each other by word of mouth
what trains they are.
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