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WMSC audit finds widespread gaps in roadway-worker protection training records; near-miss highlights risks
Summary
WMSC staff reported that many WMATA roadway-worker-in-charge records lack documentation of required training and qualifications; Metro will retest affected employees and is addressing a Shady Grove near-miss involving an advanced mobile flagger.
WMSC staff reported on Aug. 19, 2025, that a records review during the track, structures and roadway worker protection audit found many deficiencies in training and qualification documentation for WMATA's Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) program, and commissioners were briefed on a near-miss at Shady Grove in which a train did not stop for a briefing at an advanced mobile flagger location.
Auditors told the meeting WMATA classifies three RWP levels; Level 4 personnel are designated roadway workers in charge and are responsible for supervising worksite safety. According to WMATA records cited by WMSC staff, as of July 15 there are 1,246 RWP Level 4 employees. WMSC staff sampled records and found many records incomplete or nonconforming with WMATA's written requirements.
WMSC staff said WMATA reviewed a larger sample of 294 training records and reported two problem groups: among Level 4 employees who had only received initial qualification, WMSC staff reported that 88 percent (130 individuals in the sample) did not have training records that supported the stated Level 4 qualification; among employees who had received Level 4 requalification, WMATA's sampling indicated about 9 percent (120 individuals) did not have records supporting requalification. WMATA committed to fully retest the 130 individuals in the initial-qualification group over 90 days starting in late August and to review the full requalification population over the next month to determine next steps.
Separately, WMSC presented a near-miss (investigation Whiskey0388) on Oct. 10, 2024, at Shady Grove Station. A contractor acting as an advanced mobile flagger (AMF) set required lanterns and briefed operators but a train operator did not stop at the ACAR marker and proceeded without receiving the required briefing. The AMF waved and sounded an air horn, transmitted emergency radio to the rail traffic controller, and the mobile inspection crew moved to safety; the train operator reduced speed and was later removed from service for post-event toxicology testing. No injuries or damage were reported.
Commission staff said contractors performing AMF roles are required to take the same RWP Level 2 training as WMATA employees. "To be an advanced mobile flagger, you need to take the current RWP Level 2 training," a WMSC staff member said; WMATA contractor employees assigned as AMFs take the same class and practical exercises as WMATA personnel.
WMSC staff said the audit remains in progress and the commission is pursuing legal relief in a separate fitness-for-duty and occupational health records matter where WMATA has not provided requested documents. The RWP corrective action plan C0280 remains open with an expected completion date of October 2026.
