FL H1123

Railroad companies must provide safe and adequate walkways adjacent to tracks where employees regularly walk (at least 2 days per week or one shift per day) by January 1, 2016, including all switching areas.

Walkways must have a minimum width of 2 feet and be surfaced with asphalt, concrete, planking, grating, native material, or crushed material meeting specified size requirements (100 percent passing 1.5-inch sieve, 90 percent passing 1-inch sieve).

Walkways must be maintained free of trash, debris, fuel oil, and other hazards, with vegetation controlled to 8 feet from track center and 18 feet overhead, without compromising track drainage.

Department of Transportation may grant waivers for deviations from requirements upon railroad company application showing good cause.

Department may impose fines up to $20,000 per violation, with a separate violation occurring for each day; formal complaints require filing party to first attempt good faith resolution with the railroad company.