The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen would like to recognize and congratulate Operation RedBlock on celebrating 40 years of partnership on CSX Transportation.

Operation RedBlock (ORB) is a union-based, company-sup­ported program designed to prevent employee drug and alco­hol use while on duty. The program utilizes peer involvement and intervention to curb risks and provide a safe workplace for railroad employees all while helping to ensure safer railroads for the general public. ORB allows employees who may have drugs or alcohol in their system to “mark-off” for the day rather than reporting for duty and possibly risking the safety of themselves, their co-workers, or the public. The program also allows employees to “mark-off” a co-worker believed to be under the influence. Givin the on-call nature of the railroad industry, programs like ORB have proven essential, especially with the highly unpredictable nature of employee schedules in the industry. “RedBlock is there to ensure that our mem­bers remain Safe, Healthy, Happy, and Employed” — Mike Jackson, CSX Operation RedBlock System Coordinator.

Operation RedBlock was founded on CSXT in 1984 through a partnership with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and was later joined by nine more unions representing employees on CSXT. The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen participates in the program through the utilization of ORB Captains, as well as informational sessions held annually at CSXT’s Safety Certification meetings.

Over the past 40 years, ORB has arguably become the lead­ing peer prevention program in the industry, largely due to its union volunteers and partnership, and cooperation between the Organizations and the carrier. The program has positively affected the lives of many employees and has been an invalu­able means of providing information on drug and alcohol abuse and treatment for those in need. Since its inception, ORB’s positive impact on employees, their families, and the public is immeasurable and steadfast.