Rail Safety Legislation

Presents the report of a committee established to review the impact of the federal Railway Safety Act on the safety of: the construction or alteration of railway works; the operation and maintenance of railway works and equipment; non-railway operations affecting railway safety; and the administration and enforcement of rail regulation. In its review, the committee heard presentations and reviewed submissions from railway companies, unions, interest groups, and private citizens, with full consideration to work already carried out on the effect of the Act by Transport Canada and by previous review commissions. Sections of the report cover the evolution of railway regulation from 1867 to the current Act; the state of railway safety and safety trends; the roles and responsibilities of railways in safety management; the legislative framework governing railway safety; the roles and responsibilities of government regulators; issues related to grade crossing safety, environmental protection and safety, and substance use and abuse among railway workers; provincially regulated railways and provincial approaches to railway regulation; railway safety in the future, in view of advanced railway technologies; and recommendations for reform. Includes glossary.

Committee Serial No. 91-32. Considers S. 1933 and similar S. 2915 and S. 3061, to authorize DOT inspection and regulation of railroad cars and equipment to ensure railroad safety. July 14 hearing was held in Indianapolis, Ind., to conduct an investigation into several Indiana railroad accidents.