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Our strategic plan identifies safety as a fundamental goal for VIA, committing us to work constantly towards zero accidents, zero injuries.

VIA completed a series of initiatives in 1997 to enhance the safety of passengers in the event of an emergency. These include:

  • Replacement of hammers for breaking emergency-exit windows on all cars;
  • Providing emergency instructions to all passengers;
  • Better signage to indicate exit windows and other safety features in each car;
  • Redesigned emergency lighting and public address systems for increased reliability;
  • Better equipment to improve communications between personnel and passengers in the event of an emergency;
  • Improved trauma kits on all trains;
    and
  • Standardized inspection, labeling, maintenance and testing ofemergency oxygen equipment.

    In addition, health and safety committees receive Safety Enhancement training, and on-train personnel have received the Emergency Response Program begun in 1995.

    TAKING ACTION FOLLOWING BIGGAR

    VIA took immediate action to prevent a reoccurrence of the September 3, 1997 accident near Biggar, Saskatchewan.VIA contracted an external expert to audit all components of and assembly procedures related to the wheel assemblies of our entire locomotive fleet. In addition, at-site inspections by VIA of every wheelset and traction motor are underway at our two key suppliers of these components, to ensure that a quality product is built and delivered to VIA.

    In parallel to the audit, VIA gave a refresher training session to all operating crews to ensure the safe use of operating safety monitoring systems.

    A FULL SCALE SAFETY REVIEW

    In September, VIA asked Terry Worrall and Colin Churcher, two of the rail industry’s foremost safety experts, to carry out a full scale review of our maintenance and operations safety procedures and identify ways we can further enhance safety. This review will cover all aspects of the management processes in place, and will eventually lead to the development of a comprehensive VIA safety management system.


  • Officer on the Train
    VIA has actively supported the Officer on the Train program, designed to reduce level crossing incidents, since it was first introduced to Canada in 1992. In June, police officers rode in the locomotive on a round trip from Windsor to Chatham, to spot motorists or others who put lives in jeopardy at crossings. The event led to extensive newspaper, radio and television coverage and enhanced public awareness on this safety issue.

    Recycling in the Corridor
    In June, VIA began recycling the more than one million beverage cans used in the Corridor each year. Recycling these cans is not only good for the environment – any profit generated through sales to recycling firms will be given to charity.


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