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Safety Inspectors Nearly Hit By Metro Train

January 7, 2010
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By Rebecca Blatt

The agency that oversees safety on Metro says some of its workers were nearly hit by a train during an inspection in December, and the agency is suggesting that Metro doesn't enforce all safety rules.

Calling the incident a "near miss," the Tri-State Oversite Committee says a Metro train passed investigators at what appeared to be full speed, sending the group scrambling to avoid being hit.

Special regulations require trains to slow down two stations prior to where a work crew is located but the committee's report says that rule "does not appear to be applied or enforced in general".

It also criticizes how Metro issues alerts that workers are on or near the tracks.

In response, Metro says it's working aggressively to implement a safety plan, has increased surveillance, is retraining employees on proper communication procedures and has established a task force to review related safety policies .

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