Return to Work Guidance

How to Submit Medical Documentation to Health & Medical Services (HMS)

Employees may confidentially submit their medical records and information to HMS in the following ways:

Preferred

  • Upload – If you have electronic copies of your documents you can go to the “My Status Update” in your eHealthSafe portal and upload your records directly to your specific service.
  • Bar Coded Coversheet – HMS highly recommends faxing in your medical records and information by placing the Bar Coded Coversheet ON TOP of the fax and faxing to (402) 501-0067. The bar coded coversheet automatically routes your medical records and information to the right case and HMS representative.

(See Submitting Medical Documents Quick Reference Guide on the preferred methods to submit medical records and information to HMS.)

Non-Preferred – These methods may significantly delay your return-to-work

  • Mail documentation directly to HMS:

Union Pacific Railroad
Health and Medical Services
Attn: Medical Records
1400 Douglas Street, Mail Stop 0350
Omaha, NE 68179

  • Attach and send via e-mail to eHealthSafe@up.com
  • Fax Directly to (402) 501-0067

NOTE: Employees should check their “My to Do List” in the eHealthSafe portal to confirm their medical records and information were received by HMS. If medical does not show as received, please continue to resubmit the documentation until eHealthSafe indicates it has been received.

Union Pacific Medical Rules

The Union Pacific Medical Rules are established to determine employees' Fitness-for-Duty. Health and Medical Services (HMS) determines "Fitness-for-Duty" as the medical and functional, (i.e., physical, mental, and cognitive) ability to:
Safely perform a job, with or without reasonable accommodations, and
Meet medical standards established by regulatory agencies in accordance with federal and state laws.

The Union Pacific Medical Rules apply to post-offer applicants and all employees. Application of these rules is based on regulatory requirements and safety standards established by Union Pacific.

Union Pacific Medical Standards Tables

UP has medical standards which are used by Health and Medical Services to determine if work restrictions should be placed on an employee due to a specific health condition that poses significant risk for sudden incapacitation or functional impairment impacting workplace safety. UP's medical standards are consistent with scientific evidence about sudden incapacitation risk related to specific health conditions, and are generally consistent with guidance from the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) regarding fitness-for-duty for commercial drivers. We encourage our employees to share this information with their personnel health care physicians. 

Restricted Prescription Drugs

To further promote safety through Fitness-for-Duty, Union Pacific has published a list of restricted prescription drugs for employees in safety related jobs. Work restrictions are currently applied to ensure these employees are not impaired by prescription drugs that pose safety risks for themselves or others.

Family Medical and Family Military Leave Act (FMLA)

Employees off work for a serious health condition may be eligible for leave under the Family Medical and Family Military Leave Act. Note that employees who work in California and have been granted Family and Medical Leave Act leave may request that they be returned to work on unpaid administrative leave before beginning the return to work process described here.Search Workforce Resources Knowledge Management for 24/7 access to self-service information, resources, answers to common questions, or to create a ticket for Workforce Resources.

Employee Assistance Program

While people usually can manage personal problems on their own, occasional help from a skilled professional can provide focus, direction and support.

Union Pacific's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to provide that help. The EAP provides counseling and referral services for employees and their families who are experiencing personal or work-related problems. They can be reached at 800-779-1212.

Temporary Productive Work (TPW)

The Temporary Productive Work (TPW) program was established to allow employees, who are recovering from an illness or injury, to do temporary, productive work that is within their physical capabilities as defined by their physicians.

The Temporary Productive Work (TPW) program is available to many agreement employees (depending on collective bargained agreements) to assist with their return-to-work following a disability, or in the event the employee is allowed to maintain continuous employment following a temporary injury or illness.

For additional information contact your local OHN.

Reasonable Accommodation

As required by federal and state law, Union Pacific will make reasonable accommodations for persons with statutorily protected disabilities when this will permit the person to perform the essential functions of the job and does not impose an undue hardship. The Company will also make reasonable accommodation for the religious needs of employees and for those of pregnant employees where such accommodation can be made without undue hardship. Persons wishing to request reasonable accommodation may do so by submitting a TRM ticket.

Friend to Friend Network

The Friend to Friend Network is a nonprofit tax-exempt organization created in July 2004 to help Union Pacific employees, retirees and their families (spouses and children) in time of need. Over the years charity has helped those that have suffered major tragedies including weather disasters, major health problems, fires and evacuations from the family home. The Union Pacific Friend to Friend Network is run by active and retired employees of the Union Pacific Railroad. 100% of the donations collected go directly to the railroad families in need. The Friend to Friend Network can be reached at 800-457-7962.