Arlington - BOP

By Gene Garrett

Ten months of this year have come and gone, and they have gone by very fast. I'm not sure if it is due to this high tech world we live in or because we are getting older. I prefer to think it is the high tech world. ------------------ Here at Arlington, we are keeping very busy. The General Motors plant cranked back up in June and by September 19, hit full stride. As most of us know, they are not making pickups and Tahoes. ------------------ Now we not only spot and take care of the GM plant, but they have two outsourcing plants that we to also spot. ------------------ Last week, the AAR was here to audit us on loading, unloading, pre- tripping, and preparation of multi-levels. I would like to congratulate everyone, because the spotting of multi-levels received a rating of 97% for placement and securement. This is very good. Spotting the multi-levels is more than just shoving in and saying here it is, they have got to be spotted so the ramp plats fit correctly and don't fall in or damage the bottom of the vehicles. So, thanks a lot folks, for a job well done.
Thanks and congratulations also go out to the Mechanical Department, they received a 98% on the work they do on the multi-levels. Overall, Arlington got a score of 95%.
With this score, Arlington has acquired the highest score of any Union Pacific facility, and second only to one facility on Conrail. This is great and a great job by all the people at Arlington.
------------------ Our Safety at Arlington is certainly not what we wanted or expected. We were going along so well We went 2-years, 270-days, without an injury. Unfortunately, we had our first incident, and then after another 77 days, had another one.
Now we have gone 25 days, hopefully we will not have anymore.
------------------ The folks in Arlington have done a tremendous job of working and keeping safe. With all the construction and, track work going on, there have been many opportunities to get hurt. The folks here are to be commended for working around these obstacles and staying safe. I think everyone at Arlington works as a good team member in our Safety process. ------------------ As we all know, we have had several bad accidents on our railroad, this must stop. It can stop, but it is going to take the efforts of each and everyone of us working safe and watching out for our co- workers to be sure they work safe also. ------------------ We have the holidays coming up and other activities that come with this time of the year. Just remember, we have got to stay focused on our work. Mental vacations just cannot be allowed to happen. If they do, you may not be able to enjoy the holidays. So please work safe, stay focused, it will make life more enjoyable.

Gene Garrett is Manager of Train Operations at Arlington Texas.

11-97