FL S1278

Railroad companies must provide safe, 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 be at least 2 feet wide and surfaced with asphalt, concrete, planking, grating, native material, or crushed material meeting specified sieve requirements (100% passing 1.5-inch sieve, 90% passing 1-inch sieve).

Walkways must be maintained in safe condition, kept free of trash and hazards, prevented from having wastewater flow onto them, and have vegetation controlled generally 8 feet from track center and 18 feet overhead from rail top.

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

A party must make a reasonable, good faith attempt to address alleged violations with the railroad company before filing a formal complaint; violations carry fines up to $20,000 per day of violation.