2024 Safety Themes

RAYHAWK is committed to transforming the rail loading industry by prioritizing safety and setting new standards for protection. Throughout the month, we will be sharing a series of educational videos and images focused on key safety themes. By demonstrating the real-world challenges and the solutions that RAYHAWK is implementing, we aim to not only educate but also inspire change within the industry.

Join us in making safety a priority, every step of the way.

“Couldn’t be more excited to be part of the story and to figure out ways to collaborate with RAYHAWK and companies like them in the future.” - Brooke Blessington, LANDWERX

Industry Challenges

Loading Dry/Granular Product

Potential Hazards

  • Dust inhalation

  • Interaction with mechanical devices (chute operation)

  • Ergonomic concerns

  • Slips, trips, and falls due to uneven surfaces

  • Open holes and leading-edge hazards (to both same level and lower level)

  • Worker fatigue

  • Inclement weather

Potential Consequences

  • Respiratory irritation/illness

  • Soft tissue and/or musculoskeletal type injuries

  • Amputation

  • Death

Opening and Closing Hatches

Potential Hazards

  • Slips, trips and falls (to both same level and lower level) due to uneven surfaces

  • Open hole hazards

  • Ergonomic concerns with bending and twisting

  • Frozen or stuck lids

  • Pinch and crush points

  • Cuts and lacerations

  • Worker fatigue

  • Inclement weather

Potential Consequences

  • Soft tissue and/or musculoskeletal type injuries

  • Amputation

  • Death

Access/Egress to and from Top of Railcar

Potential Hazards

  • Slips, trips and falls due to slippery conditions and unprotected leading-edges (to both same level and lower level)

  • Worker fatigue

  • Inclement weather

Potential Consequences

  • Serious injury

  • Death

“Everyone wants to go to work safely and come home safe at the end of every day. When you consider the risks associated with bending, lifting, and working in the elements — it’s evident that challenges remain. For instance, everyone has experienced those moments when a seatbelt suddenly locks up in your vehicle. That's similar to working with a lanyard and a retractable. It can lock you up and jerk you back, and it doesn’t take much to throw you off balance.”

— Tom Boehm