Hearing Loss and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

"Locomotive engineers, conductors and other rail employees shouldn't have to run the risk if hearing loss just for doing their jobs."  Joseph Boardman - FRA Administrator

In an October 27, 2006 announcement by Joseph Boardman, FRA Administrator, train crews will be less likely to suffer future problems with hearing loss as the result of revised federal standards aimed to enhance the safety and well being of railroad employees by limiting locomotive cab noise.  The final rule, which directly affects approximately 80,000 rail employees, amends existing federal noise standards requiring that railroads perform routine noise monitoring, and provide training to employees in hearing loss prevention.  The rule requires train crews to use hearing protection.

The final rule also requires the integration of noise reduction features into the design, manufacture, and maintenance of locomotives.  This includes standards for better insulation, relocation of air brake exhaust piping, and a reduction in vibration from cab equipment.  Some of these features are already being incorporated into new locomotives.

It will be years before all working locomotives meet these new standards, so railroaders need to be diligent in protecting their hearing.  The continuing noise in the cab takes its toll over time, and as can be testified to by the "old heads," hearing aides are not cheap.  In addition, the railroad is less than receptive to settling new hearing claims.  Once gone, hearing does not come back.

The new regulation is a result of the FRA's Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC), a consensus-oriented rulemaking body comprised of representatives from the railroad industry, rail labor, manufacturers, suppliers and others, who examined the issue of occupational noise exposure and recommended the new standards.

November 2006