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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Exploration of Training to Address Human Factor Risks in Railroad Switching and Shoving

Document Series:
Technical Reports
Author:
  • Federal Railroad Administration
Report Number
DOT/FRA/ORD-26/23
Office
RDI-20
Subject:
Switching Operations
Keywords:
Yardmaster, switching operations, classification yard, railroad safety, workload, distraction, attention, awareness, stress reduction
Report Number
DOT/FRA/ORD-26/23
Office
RDI-20

Switching operations remain one of the highest-risk areas in railroad operations, with shove movements linked to a large share of human-factor incidents. This research examined safety risks and training gaps and developed a supplemental two-day pilot course delivered at the TTC in Pueblo, CO. Data from 2016 – 2024 showed 59% of human-factor incidents stem from switching operations, and shove-related fatalities remain a growing concern. Interviews and CTA identified inconsistent OJT, situational-awareness challenges, and the need for scenario-based training. Pilot course feedback from participants supports expanded TTC training focused on shove movements, close clearances, error-based “don’t” scenarios, situational awareness, and communications driven by SOFA incident cases.


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Last updated: Friday, September 11, 2026