As Union Pacific continues its journey to world-class safety, the railroad’s Mechanical Car Department passed an important mile marker – 1 million hours of reportable injury-free work.
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“Reaching this significant milestone is no small feat,” said Jeremy Givens, vice president, Mechanical. “This is the first time our entire Mechanical Car team achieved this together, setting a new standard for us.”
Union Pacific’s rail car technicians are responsible for safely maintaining the 300,000 rail cars that traverse the railroad’s 23-state network, helping ensure customer freight safely arrives at its destination. The Car Department has more than 1,200 employees across 20 systemwide car repair shops, with many serving as road responders.
Chicago Service Unit Mechanical team members, from left, Lead Rail Car Technicians Daniel O’Brien and Kevin Hollins, and Manager-Mechanical Maintenance Charles Post helped contribute to the Car Department’s 1 million hours of reportable injury-free work systemwide.
“Our craft professionals put their personal safety first and foremost by staying engaged every day with every task,” said Byron J. Hoogland, general director-Mechanical Maintenance, who leads the railroad’s Car Department. “Many factors contribute to the team’s success, including positive engagement and consistent communication. The team is taking ownership of their business and keeping their sights set on activities that promote safe behaviors.”
The new safety record represents the entire team working safely every day for more than six months. To recognize their collective commitment to safe operations, each team member will receive a thank you letter from Givens and a commemorative challenge coin.
“We have to maintain our diligence, passion and intensity with all activities,” Hoogland said. “I’m so proud of our team’s efforts – everyone and their families benefit from putting safety first.”
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