Form FRA F 6180.158 FRA F 6180.158 Electronic Device Distraction Survey

OMB No. 2130-0605

1

ELECTRONIC DEVICE DISTRACTION SURVEY

ATTENTION RAILROADERS: DO NOT TAKE THIS SURVEY WHILE PERFORMING SAFETY CRITICAL ACTIONS.
THANK YOU.
This survey should take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
This survey is about electronic device distraction in the railroad industry. The information you provide will be used
collaboratively by the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee to improve safety by minimizing electronic device distraction.
This survey is completely anonymous and it is impossible for your responses to be traced back to you.
When we say “electronic device” we mean anything (personal and/or company issued) with a keyboard, screen,
microphone or speaker. Examples are cell phones, smartphones, tablets, computers, game consoles, music and video
players, etc.
If you have any concerns please contact mic ha el .f it zpa t rick @do t. go v. Thank you for being willing to help.

OMB Paperwork Reduction Statement (Forms)
Public reporting burden for this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. According to the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure
to comply with, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is
2130-0605. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection,
including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection Officer, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., N.W., Washington D.C.
20590.

FRA F 6180.158 (3-13)

Expires 10/31/2017

OMB No. 2130-0605

Section 1: Demographics

Help us understand how electronic device use is spread across the industry. Again, we designed this survey so that it's
impossible to identify any particular respondent.

How many years have you been in railroading?
j Less than 1 year
l
m
j 1 - 5 years
l
m
j 6 - 10 years
l
m
j 11 - 15 years
l
m
j 16 - 20 years
l
m
j 21 - 30 years
l
m
j 30+ years
l
m
j Prefer not to say
l
m

What is your gender?
j Male
l
m
j Female
l
m
j Prefer not to say
l
m

How old are you?
j 18 – 25
l
m
j 26 – 35
l
m
j 36 – 45
l
m
j 46 - 55
l
m
j 56+
l
m
j Prefer not to say
l
m

OMB Paperwork Reduction Statement (Forms)
Public reporting burden for this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. According to the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information
collection is 2130-0605. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this
collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection Officer, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., N.W.,
Washington D.C. 20590.

FRA F 6180.158 (3-13)

Expires 10/31/2017

2

OMB No. 2130-0605

Section 1: D

3

What is your primary craft?
j Brakeman
l
m

j Hostler
l
m

j Signalman
l
m

j Conductor
l
m

j Machinist
l
m

j Switchman
l
m

j Dispatcher
l
m

j Manager
l
m

j Yardmaster
l
m

j Engineer
l
m

j Maintenance of way
l
m

j Prefer not to say
l
m

j First line supervisor
l
m

j Rail car repair
l
m

j Other (please specify)
l
m

What type railroad do you work on?
j Freight
l
m
j Passenger
l
m
j Both - Equally split between passenger and freight
l
m
j Both - primarily freight
l
m
j Both - primarily passenger
l
m
j Prefer not to say
l
m
Other (please specify)

What is the primary State you work in?
What type of railroad do you primarily work for?
j Class I (Large)
l
m
j Class II (Medium)
l
m
j Class III (Short-Line)
l
m
j Prefer not to say
l
m

OMB Paperwork Reduction Statement (Forms)
Public reporting burden for this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. According
to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person
be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The valid OMB
control number for this information collection is 2130-0605. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments
regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection Officer,
Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., N.W., Washington D.C. 20590.

FRA F 6180.158 (3-13)

Expires 10/31/2017

OMB No. 2130-0605

ection 2: How big is the

4

Over the past month how often have you or your coworkers used any electronic device for
any personal or work related reason during working hours?
j Never
l
m
j Once or twice
l
m
j A few times a week
l
m
j Every day
l
m
j Prefer not to say
l
m

OMB Paperwork Reduction Statement (Forms)
Public reporting burden for this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. According to the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information
collection is 2130-0605. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this
collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection Officer, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., N.W.,
Washington D.C. 20590.

FRA F 6180.158 (3-13)

Expires 10/31/2017

OMB No. 2130-0605

Section 2: How big is the

5

When observing electronic device use during working hours, most commonly they are:
j Company issued devices
l
m
j Personal devices
l
m
j Split between company and personal devices
l
m
j Not sure
l
m

When observing electronic device use during working hours, most commonly it is used
for:
j Company business
l
m
j Personal business
l
m
j Both company and personal business
l
m
j Not sure
l
m

When observing electronic device use during working hours, what functions are most
commonly used? (Check all that apply)
e
f
c Phone calls
e
f
c Web surfing
e
f
c Text messaging
e
f
c Social Networking (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
e
f
c Entertainment (e.g. music, games, videos)
e
f
c Company Issued Apps (e.g. input company related data (inspection, payroll, car billing, and freight pool, extra-board, and request or release
authority)

e
f
c Personal Productivity Apps (e.g. banking, stocks, weather)
e
f
c Other
e
f
c Not sure

OMB Paperwork Reduction Statement (Forms)
Public reporting burden for this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. According to the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a
penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this
information collection is 2130-0605. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any
other aspect of this collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection Officer, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New
Jersey Ave., N.W., Washington D.C. 20590.

FRA F 6180.158 (3-13)

Expires 10/31/2017

OMB No. 2130-0605

6

Section 2: How big is the problem?
When observing electronic device use during working hours, how often was that use in
compliance with rules/regulations
j Always
l
m
j Almost always
l
m
j Sometimes
l
m
j Almost never
l
m
j Never
l
m
j Not sure
l
m

Have you ever witnessed a close call or a potentially unsafe condition due to electronic
device distraction?
j Yes
l
m
j No
l
m
j Not sure
l
m

OMB Paperwork Reduction Statement (Forms)
Public reporting burden for this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. According to the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a
penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this
information collection is 2130-0605. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any
other aspect of this collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection Officer, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New
Jersey Ave., N.W., Washington D.C. 20590.

FRA F 6180.158 (3-13)

Expires 10/31/2017

OMB No. 2130-0605

7

Section 2: How big is the problem?
For the most recent close call or a potentially unsafe condition that you witnessed: Why
was the electronic device being used?
j Company business
l
m
j Personal use
l
m
j Not sure
l
m
j Prefer not to say
l
m

OMB Paperwork Reduction Statement (Forms)
Public reporting burden for this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. According to the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a
penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this
information collection is 2130-0605. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any
other aspect of this collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection Officer, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New
Jersey Ave., N.W., Washington D.C. 20590.

FRA F 6180.158 (3-13)

Expires 10/31/2017

8

OMB No. 2130-0605
Help us understand what kinds of changes and programs might be able to solve the problem of electronic device
distraction.

What is your opinion about how effective the following interventions could be in improving
safety regarding electronic device distraction?
Very Effective

Somewhat
Effective

Not Effective

Not Sure

Disciplinary action on user

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Disciplinary action on entire crew

l
m
j

j
l
m

j
l
m

j
l
m

Video cameras monitoring the crew in cab

j
k
l
m
n

k
l
m
n
j

k
l
m
n
j

j
k
l
m
n

Safety alerts by management and the FRA

j
l
m

j
l
m

j
l
m

j
l
m

Monitoring cell phone use with event recorders

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

More observation and checking by management

j
l

j
l
m

l
m
j

j
l
m

Making rules/regulations more reasonable

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Making rules/regulations easier to understand (when it’s OK to use and when not to use)

j
l
m

j
l
m

j
l
m

j
l
m

Education and training on the dangers of using electronic devices while on duty

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

k
l
m
n
j

k
l
m
n
j

Safety briefings regarding any (even for company use) use of electronic devices

l
m
j

j
l
m

j
l
m

j
l
m

Support and encouragement of peers to stop using electronic devices while on duty

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Communication from coworkers to identify and change risky behavior (Peer-to-Peer)

j
l
m

j
l
m

An efficient and reliable process for families to get in touch with rail workers in the

j
k
l
m
n
j
l
m

j
k
l
m
n
j
l
m

l
m
j
l
j
m

event of an emergency

Are there any other interventions not listed above which you think would be effective? If
so please specify. (optional)

Besides electronic devices, should we be aware of any other distractions that occur in a
work day that contribute to unsafe conditions? If so, please specify. (optional)

OMB Paperwork Reduction Statement (Forms)
Public reporting burden for this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. According to the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information
collection is 2130-0605. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this
collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection Officer, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., N.W.,
Washington D.C. 20590.

FRA F 6180.158 (3-13)

Expires 10/31/2017

OMB No. 2130-0605

Section 4: Attitudes and Culture in the Workforce

Do you think you can safely use personal electronic devices while performing safety
related duties?
j
l
m

Yes

j
l
m

Yes under some circumstance

j
l
m

No I realize that using a personal electronic device is unsafe when performing safety related duties.

l Not sure

What’s the most likely thing you would do if you saw someone use a personal electronic
device while performing safety related duties (in violation of the
rules/regulations)?
j In most cases I would say nothing
l
m
j In most cases I would talk to the person about it
l
m
j I would say something if I thought the situation was potentially dangerous
l
m
j I would say something if I thought the situation was immediately dangerous
l
m
j I would safely stop the job until the device was turned off and a job briefing was held and safe conditions were restored
l
m
j Not sure
l
m

When a crew member is using personal electronic devices in an inappropriate manner (in
non-compliance with rules/regulations), which of the statements below best reflect your
opinion regarding such use?
j It is the responsibility of each crew member to not use his/her personal electronic devices
l
m
j It is the responsibility of the entire crew to ensure personal electronic devices are not used
l
m
j It is the responsibility of management to ensure personal electronic devices are not used
l
m
j It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that personal electronic devices are not used
l
m
j This question is not applicable to my craft
l
m
j Not sure
l
m

OMB Paperwork Reduction Statement (Forms)
Public reporting burden for this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. According to the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information
collection is 2130-0605. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of
this collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection Officer, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., N.W.,
Washington D.C. 20590.

FRA F 6180.158 (3-13)

Expires 10/31/2017

9

10

OMB No. 2130-0605

Section 4: Attitudes and Culture in the Workforce
Do the following statements below describe how your company regards electronic device
use while performing safety critical duties?
Yes

No

Not Sure

When it comes to inappropriate use, the company has a strict enforcement policy

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

When it comes to getting the job done, management consistently looks the other way

j
l
m

j
l
m

j
l
m

Company issued devices can cause safety concerns, but management approves their unrestricted use

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

The company does a good job in making all its employees aware of the risk of electronic device

j
l
m

j
l
m

j
l
m

distraction

Which statement below best describes how the managers in your company personally
use electronic devices?
j Managers frequently set a good example in their personal behavior
l
m
j Managers occasionally set a good example in their personal behavior
l
m
j Managers seldom set a good example in their personal behavior
l
m
j Not sure
l
m

OMB Paperwork Reduction Statement (Forms)
Public reporting burden for this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. According to the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information
collection is 2130-0605. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of
this collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection Officer, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., N.W.,
Washington D.C. 20590.

FRA F 6180.158 (3-13)

Expires 10/31/2017

OMB No. 2130-0605

11

Section 5: Rules & Regulations
Does your company have rules/regulations governing your use of electronic devices?
j
l
m

YES

j NO
l
m
j Not sure
l
m

Do you understand when and how you are allowed to use electronic devices?
j YES
l
m
j
l
m

NO

j
l
m

SOMETIMES

j Not sure
l
m

In the last three months, about how many times have you seen electronic device use that
was in violation of rules/regulations?
j 0
l
m
j 1-5
l
m
j 6-10
l
m
j 11-20
l
m
j 21 or more
l
m
j Not sure
l
m
j Prefer not to say
l
m

When was the last time you saw something in print (poster, brochure, safety rule) or had a
safety blitz or briefing on the dangers of Electronic Device Distraction?
j Within the last week
l
m
j Within the last Month
l
m
j Within the last 3 Months
l
m
j More than 3 months ago
l
m

OMB Paperwork Reduction Statement (Forms)
Public reporting burden for this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. According to the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information
collection is 2130-0605. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of
this collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection Officer, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., N.W.,
Washington D.C. 20590.

FRA F 6180.158 (3-13)

Expires 10/31/2017

OMB No. 2130-0605

How
l
m

12

often have you seen railroad employees using a prepaid or disposable phone (also

called “drop phones”, “burn phones”, “throwaway phones”)?
j Never
l
m
j Once or Twice
l
m
j A few time a week
l
m
j Every day
l
m
j Prefer not to say
l
m

Why would a railroad employee use a prepaid or disposable phone?
j Cheaper
l
m
j No need for contract
l
m
j Avoid traceability in the event of an accident/incident
l
m
j Backup for communication
l
m
j Prefer not to say
l
m

OMB Paperwork Reduction Statement (Forms)
Public reporting burden for this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. According to the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to
a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for
this information collection is 2130-0605. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or
any other aspect of this collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection Officer, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200
New Jersey Ave., N.W., Washington D.C. 20590.

FRA F 6180.158 (3-13)

Expires 10/31/2017