Union Pacific Conductor Lenson Riggs, Jr.: That Day Changed the Way I Work

What started as an ordinary day left a lasting impression on Conductor Lenson Riggs Jr. after he signaled a train to proceed toward a derail, a safety device designed to protect ground crews by forcing equipment off the track.

The proper operating procedure is to verify the position of nearby switches and derails to ensure the tracks are lined for the intended route before radioing the go-ahead.

Thankfully, the brakeperson riding with Riggs spoke up. At the last moment, Riggs alerted the locomotive engineer, who engaged the brake and avoided a collision.

"You have to come to work every day and approach it like you're new," said Riggs, a 10-year railroader based out of Houston, Texas. "That day changed the way I work."

This year, Union Pacific launched The Journey to World-Class Safety training, giving frontline Transportation craft professionals like Riggs face-to-face coaching and engagement. The program focuses on risk identification and promotes a deeper understanding of practices that cultivate a safety-focused mindset. So far, more than 13,100 team members have completed the course.

"Stay aware and alert," Riggs said. "Don't be afraid to do the right thing."

Hear more real-world stories told by fellow railroaders and be on the lookout for additional testimonials throughout the year.