Is working as an electriction for the railroad dangerous?
Asked by LadyLuck
I guess I mostly just want to know how dangerous it is to work for the railroad, I don't know much about it. The two job positions in question is as labor and electrition apprenticeship. Can anyone tell me the general idea about the work conditions?

Best Answer:
There are basically two different types of electricians as far as I know: lineman/electrician and locomotive or car electrician. Lineman/electrician has more inherent dangers as a lot of the work is outdoors working with live voltage on overhead transmission lines. Electricians that work on locomotives or passenger cars are usually inside and ehe equipment is "dead" before they work on it. Laborer can mean almost any entry level position, likely in the track department but not necessarily. You will be working with large equipment, injuries tend to be very minor or quite bad, not much in between. Keep in mind, the railroad does NOT want anyone hurt, they will be doing everything they can (usually) to assure your safety. There are very extensive safety programs on most major railroads, accidents do happen but more railroad employees are injured driving to and from work than at work.

Its dangerous yes, but any kind of construction is. Your hot in the summer, cold in the winter, and you come home tired every day. But, it can be good money and you dont have to worry about dressing up and walking into an office every day. There is really not much of a way to describe it you just need to see it to see if its right for you.
Answered by Josh