Fatality Analysis of Maintenance-of-way Employees and Signalmen (FAMES)
RMM Initiative: In August, the FAMES Committee started a year-long focus strategy to share talking points for Roadway Maintenance Machine (RMM) safety awareness. See the RMM Talking Points 1234 dropdown item below for more information.
The Fatality Analysis of Maintenance-of-way Employees and Signalmen (FAMES) Committee was formed by FRA in collaboration with railroad labor and management representatives as an ad-hoc, voluntary, consensus-based committee.
The FAMES Committee analyzes fatalities and other incidents, focusing on identifying risks, trends, and factors affecting roadway worker safety. The FAMES Committee will periodically issue findings and recommendations to reduce the risk of future occurrences and eliminate fatalities to roadway workers.
Subscribe to FAMES updates
(Click on this link to subscribe to free FAMES information.)
- FAMES Alert [Jan 10, 2025]
- FAMES Alert [Apr 11, 2024]
- FAMES Alert [Feb 13, 2024]
- FAMES Alert [Aug 7, 2023]
- FAMES Alert [Nov 14, 2022]
- FAMES Alert [Nov 8, 2022]
- FAMES Alert [Dec 8, 2021]
- FAMES Alert [Jan 31, 2021]
- FAMES Alert [Nov 17, 2020]
- Fourth Quarter Safety Alert [Oct 04, 2024]
- Safety Alert: Roadway Maintenance Machines [Mar 19, 2024]
- Safety Alert: Roadway Worker Good Faith Challenge [Feb 12, 2024]
- Safety Alert: Gas Cutting Torches [Dec 19, 2023]
- Safety Alert: Inaccessible Track [July 17, 2023]
- Safety Alert: Device Distraction [Jan 26, 2023]
- The Importance of Effective On-Track Safety Briefings [July 26, 2023]
- Fatalities on Adjacent Tracks [Mar 1, 2023]
- FAMES: Safety on Railroad Bridges [Nov 1, 2022]
- Fatal Accidents Involving Roadway Workers-In-Charge and Lone Workers [Jun 2, 2022]
- Fatal Striking Accidents with Roadway Maintenance Machines Present [Feb 2022]
- Roadway Workers Fatally Injured by Trains or On-Track Equipment in Multiple Track Territory [Feb 10, 2021]
- Fatal Accidents Involving Boom/Crane Usage on Roadway Maintenance Machines [Dec 3, 2019]
- Fatal Accident Patterns - Hours of Day [Oct 8, 2018]
- Fatal Accidents Under Train Approach Warning (Watchman/Lookout) [Jun 15, 2018]
- Worker Safety at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings [Aug 29, 2016]
- Fatalities in Controlled Points/Manual Interlockings [Feb 27, 2015]
The FAMES Committee’s RMM year-long Talking Points 1234 focus strategy aims to reduce RMM fatalities through a structured approach that aligns with railroad rules and federal regulations. This initiative features quarterly updates to boost awareness of RMM hazards, analyzes fatality data, and addresses issues like distractions and visibility. It emphasizes safety practices such as using safety appliances, back-up alarms, and collision avoidance systems, while also focusing on managing the “Red Zone” and ensuring ground worker safety through regular briefings and site visits. Collaborative efforts with roadway workers are key to achieving zero RMM fatalities by year-end and beyond.
RMM – 1234 Talking Points
What is an RMM?
RMM Focus Strategy Introduction
RMM Message 1: Communication
RMM Message 2: Teamwork
RMM Message 3: Lockout/Tagout – Torch Cylinders
RMM Message 4: Operation
Last updated: Wednesday, April 2, 2025