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SAFE CSX in Action: Employee's Smart Safety Solution Enhances Workplace Practices


April 29, 2025 – Safety is a core value rooted in day-to-day operations at CSX. At the company’s Service Center in Cumberland, Maryland, one employee’s keen observation and quick thinking have led to a significant improvement in workplace safety.

John “JJ” Ganoe, a machinist at the Cumberland facility, identified a recurring hazard involving forklift operators frequently mounting and dismounting their equipment to open a shop door. Recognizing the potential risk of falls and injuries, Ganoe proposed a practical solution: equipping the door with a garage door opener that forklift operators could control without leaving their vehicles.

Nathan Ramsey, plant superintendent at the Cumberland Locomotive Shop and Service Center, commended Ganoe’s initiative, saying the change has contributed to a safer work environment.

Ramsey explained that JJ’s suggestion is a simple yet effective modification that directly reduces exposure by minimizing the need for forklifts to be placed close to the building. He emphasized that JJ’s attention to detail reflects the attributes of the SAFE CSX culture where “we care, we speak up, and we work safely every day.”

The Cumberland Service Center, a bustling facility with a workforce of 148 employees, has embraced the use of employee feedback and proactive hazard identification to ensure safety remains the top priority.

The initiative is part of CSX’s ongoing focus on fostering a culture of safety and collaboration. Ramsey emphasized that the company’s commitment to safety extends beyond rhetoric.

“We aren’t just setting high safety standards; we’re backing them up with deliberate actions,” Ramsey said. “We’re providing resources, training, listening to our employees, valuing their opinions and feedback, and working towards solutions together.”

Through efforts like Ganoe’s, CSX continues to highlight the importance of safety and teamwork, ensuring employees across all locations operate in environments where their well-being comes first.