Confidential Close Call Reporting System
As of October 2009, approximately 1,700 NJT employees can confidentially report C3RS – Close Call incidents.
TO INITIATE A CLOSE CALLS REPORT
Use a reporting form available at all of the sign-up locations or visit: https://c3rs.arc.nasa.gov/
Use a reporting form available at all of the sign-up locations or visit: https://c3rs.arc.nasa.gov/
- What are the boundaries of the New Jersey Transit C3RS program?
All New Jersey Transit owned and/or operated territory, including the Southern Tier and Pascack Valley Line and Amtrak (excluding Conrail not covered by C3RS).
- Will relief crews working within the boundaries be covered by the program?
Yes.
- Are PRT members permanent?
The union members are appointed by their respective General Chairmen. There is no requirement for periodic replacement but members have been replaced.
- What close call events are accepted by C3RS?
| Event Category | Example |
|---|---|
| Event occurs frequently with low consequences | A run through yard switch, other than main track switch, that does not result in a train accident, improper blocking, or missed repeat of NORAC Rule 241 |
| Event with potential for high consequences | Train proceeding beyond its authority in non-signal territory |
- How do I report a close call?
- Use a reporting form available at all of the sign-up locations or visit: http://njtc3rs.com/report-to-c3rs/
- Report within 3 business days after the event occurs to receive protection from discipline.
- Complete the close call report form either electronically or on paper.
- Mail or electronically submit the form to NASA within three calendar days, not counting weekends and Federal Holidays, from the date of the phone call.
- What happens after I call in my report?
- NASA team member who takes your call passes on your report for further analysis to long-time railroaders with special training.
- NASA conducts a telephone interview with you to learn about the event.
- NASA determines if the event qualifies as a close call.
- NASA mails you a receipt with a C3RS event confirmation number to confirm that the report was received, that the event qualifies as a close call, and that you are eligible for protection.
- NASA de-identifies the report.
- NASA enters event information into a database, summarizes it, and prepares a report.
- NASA sends the summary report to the carrier’s peer review team PRT.
- PRT identifies factors contributing to the accident and recommends corrective action to the carrier.
- Carrier reviews recommendations and implements corrective action.
- NASA shares information to close call reporting employee at employee’s request.
- Are there conditions for receiving protection?
Yes. For an employee to receive protection, the following conditions must be met:
- The employee’s action or lack of action was not intended to damage carrier operations, equipment, and/or personnel.
- The employee reports the unsafe condition to NASA within 3 business days of noting it, and NASA accepts the report.
- The employee mails a formal, written close call report to NASA within three calendar days after the phone call.
- The employee’s carrier has an active IMOU with FRA.
- The employee violates a law, regulation, or operating rule under a direct order from a supervisor.
