Norfolk Southern, railway union agree to improve safety at Ohio derailment site

Norfolk Southern has agreed to improve safety training and provide medical support for union rail workers at the site of a derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, after settling safety violations with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Department of Labor announced Wednesday.

The violations were levied against the railway after a cargo train derailed in East Palestine in February, leaking hazardous chemicals into the air and water. 

The company has agreed to implement a medical surveillance program for workers who helped clean the wreck and rebuild tracks, in addition to mandating hazardous material safety training and paying nearly $50,000 in fines.

“This agreement will improve the safety and health controls in place for Norfolk Southern employees who responded and help educate the rail operator’s employees on the lessons learned so they are prepared should another emergency occur,” OSHA regional director Howard Eberts said in a statement.

The railway settled the agreement with OSHA and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division-International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents rail workers who build and maintain tracks and infrastructure.

OSHA cited Norfolk Southern for four violations, saying the company did not have an adequate emergency response plan and did not properly enforce protective equipment requirements.

The nearly 2-mile cargo train derailed overnight Feb. 3, causing an explosion that sent flames high into the air and covered the region in thick smoke. About 20 of the derailed cars contained vinyl chloride, a toxic chemical.

An overheated wheel bearing caused an axle to fail, according to a government investigation. A lack of federal regulation also played a part in the derailment.

Remediation efforts have continued for months. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) called on the Biden administration to declare a major presidential disaster last month to free additional resources for the effort.

DeWine said residents in the area have continued to report medical conditions and concerns about air quality.

Norfolk Southern said the company is committed to remediation efforts.

“The health and safety of our employees is paramount,” he said. “We’ve reached a resolution that provides more training for our people, exceeding OSHA requirements, and makes our responses even safer,” a spokesman told The Washington Post.