Winter Storm Readiness and Safety Priorities for the Week

This episode of Sunday Message from the General Manager outlines the Northeast Region’s plan for navigating an approaching winter storm from Baltimore to Northern Maine. The message covers storm timing and operational priorities, including keeping people safe on Monday, supporting customers and traffic recovery beginning Tuesday, and coordinating closely with Engineering. Key safety expectations are highlighted, with a focus on riding, mounting and dismounting equipment, RCO assignments, protecting shove moves, and maintaining clear, flanged crossings and switches. Leaders are reminded to ensure managers visit customer locations before crews arrive, verify tracks are clear of snow and ice, and document exceptions with photos for follow-up. The episode also reviews this week’s Exposure Reduction Discussions on falls from height and same-level falls, operational testing requirements including one shove banner test per shift in high-risk locations, and expectations for Assistant Superintendent field presence and Yardmaster engagement. Cost control and service recovery are addressed through an emphasis on ITD, reducing recrews, and working with customers to ensure their facilities are ready for service. The message closes with recognition of Regional Zone Safety Leaders and a reminder about the upcoming Regional Safety Call on Wednesday at 17:00.