Watco’s Safety Culture
Our greatest responsibility is to ensure the safety of our team members, customers, suppliers, and the communities in which we serve.
Safety At All Times
Safety is the No. 1 focus of every Watco team. All team members have an important role to play, whether you’re working at a short line railroad, terminal, port, warehouse, or office.
Prioritizing Safety
The importance of safety in the transportation industry can’t be overstated. That’s why Watco offers team members:
- A dedicated facility for safety training
- Watco University training courses
- Seasonal safety programs
- Team Safety & Improvement Committees
Each Watco location regularly conducts safety meetings, inspections, and audits. Team members are encouraged to submit safety suggestions and near-miss incidents. All submissions are analyzed to identify opportunities for improvement.
Emergency Preparedness
Our team prepares for the unexpected. Watco partners with local, state, and federal authorities to create emergency response plans and participate in mock disaster exercises.
Our team prepares for the unexpected. Watco partners with local, state, and federal authorities to create emergency response plans and participate in mock disaster exercises.
A Track Record of Success
Watco has been recognized by industry leaders and regulators as among the best in the business, receiving group and individual recognitions and awards.
Safety and Service Awards
- 2022 & 2021 American Equity Underwriters Association Safety Award*
- 2022 ASLRRA Jake Awards* (4 railroads)
- 2021 ASLRRA Jake Awards* (2 railroads)
- 2022 ASLRRA Jake Awards with Distinction* (23 railroads)
- 2021 ASLRRA Jake Awards with Distinction* (26 railroads)
- 2022 ASLRRA President’s Safety Award – Watco Switching
- 2021 ASLRRA President’s Safety Award – Texas & New Mexico Railway
- 2024 ASLRRA Safety Person of the Year – Sam Pederson
*Based on prior calendar year data
Testimonials
Don’t just take it from us. Check out what others in the industry are saying about Watco’s safety culture.
“Watco truly is one of the safest businesses in the industry. Watco’s strong safety culture speaks highly of the training and safety programs that they have in place.”
“Over the years, Watco has been honored with more than 400 Jake Awards, Jake with Distinction Awards, and several President’s Safety Awards.”
Connect With Us
We strive to be responsible partners to the communities we serve. Tell us how we’re doing or share opportunities for improvement. In case of an emergency, please call 911.
Safety Contacts
Travis Herod
Safe Performance Center
therod@watco.com
Brent Shields
Terminals and Ports
brent.shields@watco.com
Brad Walker
Rail Services
bwalker@watco.com
Sean Strong
Environmental Safety
sean.strong@watco.com
John Bell
Industrial Hygiene
jbell@watco.com
Jordan Vasquez
Mechanical Services
jvasquez@watco.com