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We track our safety performance closely. We have aggressive safety targets and analyze how we are progressing toward those goals. CN develops detailed safety action plans to address the root causes of all our accidents. To see our current Safety Performance refer to our Leadership in Safety publication.

Note: The FRA and TSB each use different criteria for compiling statistics on train accidents. To obtain the criteria, click on the link under the appropriate chart.

An FRA reportable accident definition

Our FRA accident ratio improved by 12% in 2009 versus 2008. Most notable was a reduction of 30% in FRA main track accidents. Engineering initiatives, such as Precision Engineering, ultrasonic rail testing and track inspections were key to the improvement.

Trend analysis

Determining the causes of accidents

A TSB accident definition

Our TSB accident ratio increased 7% in 2009 compared to 2008. TSB main track accidents decreased 37% and continued a multi-year improvement trend, achieving in 2009 the lowest number on record.

Engaging customers

CN customers who own or lease sidings or load and unload railroad equipment have a direct effect on the company's safety performance. CN works closely with these customers to share its best practices in conducting safe railroad operations.

One of the tools CN uses to assist its customers is the Railroad Customer Safety Handbook, which is intended to raise awareness of key safety issues and the many ways customers can enhance the safety of their operations.

 

An FRA reportable injury definition

Our FRA injury ratio remained unchanged from 2008, but FRA injuries improved 8%.  FRA injuries have improved 80% over the past 10 years.

Injury Reporting - Canada

Every injury and significant incident must be reported internally and investigated. Causes must be identified and action taken to prevent recurrence. We submit an annual report to the Government of Canada's Labour Program of all injuries and other hazardous occurrences that have occurred at our work sites. We also submit detailed employee injury results annually to Labour Canada.

Injury Reporting - United States

Governmental reporting in the United States is primarily to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Every incident and injury that meets specific criteria is reported to the FRA on a monthly basis. Even though not all incidents are reportable under FRA rules, we document and evaluate each incident to determine its root cause and the existence of trends. This information is used to develop safety action plans and measures to prevent any reoccurrence and to improve safety.

Employee Work-Related Fatalities

Despite many positive trends in our safety performance, in 2009 we had one employee work-related fatality.  Each fatality is a painful reminder of how unforgiving our environment can be, and of how we should never lose the focus on safety.