Railroads Swap Paper for Pixels in Injury Reporting
Published Date: 4/28/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting May 28, 2026, railroads can post their injury and illness reports online instead of on paper, making it easier and faster to share important safety info. They no longer have to include a preparer's signature, cutting down on paperwork and saving money. This change helps railroads use technology to keep workers safe while trimming costs and boosting efficiency.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Electronic Posting Allowed With Conditions
Starting May 28, 2026, railroads may post the required listing of injuries and occupational illnesses electronically instead of on paper. Electronic postings must still be made within 30 days after the month ends, remain displayed for 12 consecutive months, and railroads must provide instructions or training, provide a device at the facility (or issue one), and allow supervisors to show the posting upon request.
Printing and Waiver Cost Savings
Railroads will avoid costs for printing, paper, ink, and related posting tasks and some railroads will no longer need to submit recurring waiver petitions to FRA (waiver petitions were typically submitted about every five years). The government will also avoid the costs of reviewing those waiver petitions.
Preparer Signature Requirement Removed
The rule removes the requirement that the injury and illness posting be signed by the preparer. Railroads must still include the preparer's name, title, and telephone number and the date the record was completed.
Annual Average Employees Data Kept
FRA decided to retain the requirement that postings include the annual average number of railroad employees reporting to the establishment. That number must appear in the posting (now paragraph (h)(3)(ii)) so employees can compare accident frequency at similar-size locations.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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