In an era when industrial safety remains a top concern for railroads and related sectors, Conrail Corporation is setting a benchmark with its comprehensive “Safety Culture” initiative. Brian Gorton, President and Chief Operating Officer of Conrail, shared insights on how the company has prioritized employee well-being and operational safety while continuing to provide seamless rail services across New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Detroit.
Conrail, the nation’s largest terminal and switching service provider, operates over 1,200 miles of track in shared asset regions, connecting customers to the broader CSX and Norfolk Southern networks. While the railroad industry has made measurable progress in reducing workplace hazards over the past two decades—with on-duty fatalities declining 71% since 2000 according to the Association of American Railroads—Gorton emphasizes that even a single preventable injury is unacceptable.
“Safety can never rest because potential risks never rest,” Gorton said. “Our ‘Safety Culture’ is designed to protect our employees and reinforce that every team member plays a vital role in maintaining a safe environment.” Under Gorton’s leadership, Conrail has achieved significant milestones, including cutting its Human Factor Derailments by half compared to the previous year, demonstrating that strategic safety programs produce measurable results.
Central to Conrail’s approach is the philosophy that safety begins at the top. Gorton explains that cultivating a true “Safety Culture” involves prioritizing safety across every level of the organization, establishing clear goals, implementing structured improvement plans, and fostering a sense of ownership among employees. This approach ensures that safety is not merely a compliance checklist but an ingrained value that informs daily operations.
Key strategies for building an effective Safety Culture, according to Gorton, include:
- Prioritizing safety organization-wide: Management sets the tone, but safety must permeate every team and department.
- Developing actionable plans and goals: A clear roadmap ensures all employees understand the steps required to meet the company’s safety objectives.
- Communicating consistently: Frequent communication reinforces the importance of safety initiatives and engages staff in shared responsibilities.
- Implementing robust training programs: Training equips employees with critical safety skills and reinforces personal accountability.
- Tracking results and celebrating success: Sharing achievements and recognizing “safety heroes” strengthens commitment and morale.
- Continuous evaluation and improvement: Regularly reviewing programs ensures that strategies evolve alongside operational challenges and industry best practices.
Beyond the immediate safety benefits, Gorton notes that cultivating this culture also supports employee retention, attracts top talent, and reduces downtime due to injuries, ultimately contributing to operational efficiency and business success.
Founded in 1976, Conrail continues to lead as a premier freight service provider, guided by its core values of Safety, Service, Value, and Leadership. With an unwavering commitment to protecting its workforce while maintaining high standards of service, Conrail demonstrates that prioritizing safety is both a moral imperative and a strategic advantage in industrial operations.
For New Jersey businesses and industrial operators looking for insights on implementing effective workplace safety strategies, Conrail’s model provides a roadmap for fostering a culture that values people as much as performance. Further coverage of business leadership, safety initiatives, and industry innovation in New Jersey can be found at Explore New Jersey Business.
