TSB calls for stricter medical fitness assessment rules after Alberta train crash

The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) is advocating for the federal government to enhance its oversight of railway medical assessments following a 2023 train collision near Wainwright, Alberta. The incident occurred when a train passed a stop signal, operated by a trainee under the supervision of a locomotive engineer experiencing cognitive decline likely due to low blood sugar.

The TSB's investigation revealed that the engineer had been cleared for duty despite incomplete medical assessments related to his Type 1 diabetes, which he managed through insulin. The brakes were not applied sufficiently to stop the train before the signal due to a lack of adequate guidance from the trainee, indicating the engineer's incapacity to handle such a situation.

The TSB noted that several annual diabetes assessments were incomplete but accepted by the Canadian National Railway (CN). Moreover, Transport Canada had not audited CN's compliance with the Railway Medical Rules in the preceding 12 years. This lack of regulatory oversight resulted in undetected gaps in the engineer's medical assessments, the TSB stated.

The guidelines used by railways to assess the medical fitness of employees with diabetes are inconsistent with those recommended by Diabetes Canada and the medical certification guidelines used in the air and marine transportation sectors, the TSB added. To access the full report on the Wainwright derailment, visit the TSB's website.