OH HB195

Railroad companies constructing tracks in rail yards must build walkways adjacent to tracks where employees frequently perform switching activities, meeting standards including minimum 2-foot width, reasonably uniform surface, and specified slope requirements.

Railroad companies must illuminate rail yards according to Illuminating Engineering Society of North America standards.

Railroad companies cannot obstruct public streets, roads, or highways for longer than 5 minutes, and must allow 3 minutes of passage every 5 minutes; any obstruction delaying emergency vehicles is prohibited regardless of duration with a $5,000 civil penalty per violation.

Railroad company employees or their representatives can file complaints with the Public Utilities Commission alleging violations of walkway or illumination requirements, provided they first submitted written evidence requesting the company address the issue.

Violations of reckless conduct involving walkway or illumination requirements are punishable by fines up to $100, with each day constituting a separate offense; obstruction violations are first-degree misdemeanors with $1,000 fines.