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60 hours in one week for a safety-critical job? Though I don't think there is a magical maximum number of hours per week, there are fatigue models - and even without knowing the specifics, it is still hard to imagine a scenario where that number of hours is within tolerances, especially with a shift from daytime to nighttime hours in that timeframe.
I recall another incident where a Blue Line car/train rolled away. Is this the one you mean?
-------------------- Geoff M. Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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Most of these kinds of rail jobs have odd hours and even with the Hours of Service laws (not sure how they govern the "El" workers) it's pretty easy to get your sleep cycles messed up.
Still no excuse; I'd like to think "job responsibility" would keep the operators awake, but still these incidents continue to happen. She'll be drug tested, of course. Maybe lawsuits will fly; they usually do. I feel bad for the injured passengers. That video of the train "climbing the escalator" is very dramatic! Shades of the movie Silver Streak; even happened in the same city.
Posts: 588 | From: East San Diego County, CA | Registered: Oct 2004
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Geoff - Yes, your link to the runaway train at Forest Park was the incident I was thinking of.
Are Blue Line workers unionized? I would think shorter working shifts, to prevent fatigue, would be considered a much needed bargaining point. I think Amtrak employees have gained the ability for more reasonable shifts. Even so, you have to wonder if "dozing off" is the full explanation.
Richard
Posts: 1909 | From: Santa Rosa | Registered: Jan 2004
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Strangely enough (I speak sarcastically) the CTA has now reviewed its procedures regarding shift patterns, and limited new hires to so many hours per week. But they not admitting liability. Something smells.
An overspeed sensor of some sort which should have limited overruns was incorrectly located as well.
-------------------- Geoff M. Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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