FRA Training Requirements Available to Purchase

Training represents a unique opportunity to engage employees and mold their behavior to that desired by the organization and required by regulation. It is also an opportunity to reduce human factor causes of accidents through the proper application of training best practices. Underscoring the importance of comprehensive training programs, in 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 243, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has established training requirements for safety-sensitive railroad employees. These include the requirement that railroads and railroad contractors submit to the Federal Railroad Administration a training program for review and approval. In addition to meeting regulatory requirements, comprehensive training programs can usher in broad safety improvements, reduce delays, as well as improve operational and organizational efficiency. Related to employee safety and training, this paper also discusses the importance of crew resource and fatigue management plans.