TSB calls for update to railway employee training, rules

TORONTO — The federal agency responsible for transportation policies across the country must modernize training and qualification rules for railway employees to help staff keep up with an evolving industry, Canada’s transport safety watchdog said on Wednesday.

The Transportation Safety Board said it has been issuing similar calls for nearly 15 years, but an investigation into a 2016 runaway train incident near Toronto has prompted it to redouble its entreaties to Transport Canada.

“What we learned is that the regulations that govern employee qualification standards have not kept pace with the significant changes in railway operations over the years,” said board member Faye Ackermans. “As a result, some railway employees working in key positions may lack the training or experience to safely perform duties.”

Ackermans said the board is recommending that Transport Canada update its Railway Employee Qualification Standards Regulations.

Transport Canada said it is reviewing the board’s recommendation, but has the issue on its radar.

“Transport Canada is currently looking at ways to strengthen the railway employee qualification and training regime to reflect changes,” spokeswoman Annie Joannette said in a statement.

Ackermans said incidents involving uncontrolled stops have been on the rise over the past five years, the most notable instance being when tanker cars with crude oil barrelled into Lac Mégantic, Que., in 2013, causing a massive explosion that killed 47 people and levelled the town core.