The Federal Transit Administration’s report reveals a troubling rise in safety risks for MTA transit workers, marked by increased near-miss incidents and violations. Commentary from the New York work injury lawyers at Markhoff & Mittman, P.C. | The Disability Guys underscores the need for accountability and support for injured workers as safety measures are reassessed.
Federal Transit Administration Warns of Rising Safety Risks for Transit Workers
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has raised alarms about increasing safety hazards for transit employees, citing a surge in “near-miss” incidents on train tracks and a fatal accident involving a transit worker in November 2023.
Spike in Dangerous Close Call Incidents
FTA’s audit revealed 38 close-call events involving track workers in 2023, up from 24 in 2022 and 23 in 2021. These incidents, where death or injury was narrowly avoided, often occurred when workers were struck by trains, contacted the third rail, or fell on tracks.
Causes of Safety Lapses
The majority of these dangerous events stemmed from transit employees failing to follow key safety rules and procedures. Half of the near-misses in 2023 involved improper flagging practices, while others were due to communication errors, inadequate protection measures, and train operator inattention.
FTA’s Response and Recommendations
The FTA has called for immediate action from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), including:
- Conducting a risk assessment of its track worker safety program
- Updating safety practices
- Implementing weekly incident review meetings
- Failure to comply could result in loss of federal funding for the MTA.
MTA Disputes Findings by FTA Audit
The MTA has contested the FTA’s conclusions, stating they have robust safety protocols in place. Demetrius Crichlow, interim president of New York City Transit, argued that the increase in incidents might be due to reduced construction work during the pandemic.
Broader Safety Concerns
The FTA also noted 228 near-miss incidents potentially affecting passengers or causing property damage in 2023, an increase from previous years. This highlights broader safety issues within the transit system.
State Oversight Questioned
The FTA criticized New York State’s Public Transportation Safety Board for inadequately verifying MTA safety reports and holding $8.1 million in unspent federal funds earmarked for track safety oversight.
As investigations continue and safety measures are reevaluated, the situation underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining worker and passenger safety in complex transit systems.
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Prioritizing Transit Worker Safety: A Call to Action
The alarming rise in safety risks for transit workers highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures and accountability within public transportation systems. As incidents of near-misses and rule violations increase, it is crucial to protect the dedicated professionals who keep our cities moving.
At Markhoff & Mittman, P.C., we stand beside transit workers injured due to unsafe conditions or negligence. Our experienced work injury attorneys are committed to investigating incidents, navigating complex claims, and ensuring that injured workers receive fair compensation for their losses. With years of experience advocating for workers’ rights, we are dedicated to holding responsible parties accountable and fighting for the benefits that transit workers deserve.
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Brian Mittman, the Managing Partner and Owner at Markhoff & Mittman, P.C., embodies the spirit of "An Unexpected Legal Experience" in both his personal and professional life. With unwavering dedication, Brian tirelessly advocates for the rights of injured and disabled individuals in New York.
