WMSC audit: Metrorail mechanics not consistently reviewing job hazard analyses; 73 corrective action plans remain open

The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission said its October audit found Metrorail elevator and escalator mechanics are not reviewing job hazard analyses as required by Metrorail procedures, a lapse the commission called a worker-safety concern. A WMSC staff member presented the audit findings and described the job hazard analysis as an effective way to prevent injury or death.

The audit notes matters across a system of nearly 1,000 elevators and escalators — more than any other transit agency in North America — and identified areas where WMATA does not follow its own procedures and requirements, particularly around worker safety and documentation. The WMSC staff member said the audit’s first finding specifically concerned mechanics’ failure to review job hazard analyses before work.

The commission said it has begun a series of overnight inspections to verify compliance with roadway-worker safety rules, which the WMSC said are intended to reduce hazards for staff performing safety-critical work. The staff member described the inspections as an additional oversight step to confirm rules compliance in the field.

At a public hearing Oct. 21, the commission discussed safety-certification updates and investigation reports. The WMSC reported that WMATA and the commission are managing 73 open corrective action plans and have 20 additional CAPs in development, including 11 CAPs tied to a control center and rail operations audit issued in September. The staff member said corrective action plans lead to safety improvements.

The WMSC also announced the appointment of Brad Belzec as its new alternate commissioner; the appointment was made by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser for a four-year term. The commission said audits and other oversight materials are posted on the WMSC website at wmsc.gov under the Oversight tab.