CSX Trainee's Fatal Fall Highlights Gaps in Rail Industry Safety, Training

​WASHINGTON (July 17, 2025) - On Thursday, the National Transportation Safety Board found that the 2023 death of a CSX conductor trainee was caused by an unsafe riding position, revealing broader safety and training gaps across the rail industry.

​On June 26, 2023, the trainee lost balance during a shoving movement at the Seagirt Marine Terminal in Baltimore, Maryland. Investigators found that limited foot placement on the railcar contributed to the fall as the train was coming to a stop.

Investigators found that CSX did not adequately train or assess the trainee's ability to safely perform the duties he would be assigned. Contributing factors included inadequate safety rules, insufficient instruction on intermodal railcars, and a lack of federal research to guide safe riding practices across the industry.

The NTSB continues to raise concerns about the increase in injuries and fatalities among railroad workers, particular those riding on the sides of moving railcars. In 2023 alone, there were 43 casualties reported while riding a railcar, including two employee fatalities. This marked a 2.9% increase over the historical average and a 4.7% increase compared to the previous year.

"The only number of acceptable railway worker deaths is zero," said NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy. "Our investigations consistently show that improving safety means making sure that rail workers are adequately trained and clear safety practices are essential."

​Following the investigation, the NTSB issued five safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. Two recommendations to the Federal Railroad Administration. Two recommendations to CSX Transportation and one to Class I railroads. The recommendations address safety issues including:

• ​Updates to CSX's safety rules,
• Training on safe riding practices for intermodal railcars,
• Federal research to establish clear safety guidelines for railcar riding equipment.