AIHA, the association for scientists and professionals committed to preserving and ensuring occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) in the workplace and community, announced the availability of free resources to support rail operators in reducing health risks associated with work conducted on railroads. OEHS professionals, traditionally known as industrial hygienists, work alongside railroad safety experts to reduce health risks to workers. Improved worker health and safety can reduce absenteeism, decrease turnover rates, thus resulting in a more efficient and productive workforce.
Rail operators can find free resources or information on how to hire an OEHS professional at a new website: www.workerhealthsafety.org/transportation/railway. The website includes fact sheets, articles and journal studies that address ways in which OEHS professionals help mitigate occupational health risks, such as heart and lung problems, cancer, emotional stress and mental illness.
 “The rail industry plays a crucial role in our economy. OEHS professionals work to protect the company’s most valuable resource – employees – by evaluating and assessing risk and keeping workers safe, which ultimately impacts the industry’s bottom line,” says AIHA Board President Donna S. Heidel, CIH, FAIHA.
 The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has specific regulations to ensure safety measures are met. However, freight rail workers may run into accidents that could lead to long term health issues. Potential hazards may include exposure to diesel exhaust, coal dust particles, noise from trains, fires, and train derailments. OEHS professionals are trained to evaluate exposures including noise and air contaminants such as inhalable carcinogens, welding fumes or solvent vapor and determine if health risks exist at levels present.
 “At CSX, the health and safety of our employees is the company’s highest priority. Should an employee experience exposure to a hazard in the workplace, we are available, along with a third-party toxicologist, to assess the exposure and offer fact-based information to emergency response personnel. In most cases, our work helps avoid unnecessary medical testing and procedures. It is essential to let our employees know that the company is working on their behalf to ensure their well-being,” according to CSX Manager of Industrial Hygiene and AIHA member, LaTonya Edwards, CIH, CSP.