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Reporting a Close Call

  1. Who can report close calls?
  2. Can I report a close call that happens to either me or to someone else?
  3. When should I file a report?
  4. What should I do if I see a situation that could endanger me or someone else?
  5. How do I report a close call?
  6. Can a single close call report be used to cover multiple events or are separate close call reports required?
  7. Where do I obtain a blank report?
  8. What happens after I call in my report?
  9. If one employee reports a close call event and has an accepted report receipt from BTS is the entire crew protected by C3RS?
  10. Is there a limit on damage incurred to report a close call?
  11. What is the FRA reporting threshold?
  12. Can I report an event over the FRA threshold?
  13. When an event incurring damages of less than the FRA reporting threshold is observed by a manager in real time, can the event be reported as a close call?
  14. Could someone use C3RS to get someone else in trouble?
  15. How often can I use C3RS?
  1. Who can report close calls?
    Any operating craft employee, including those in training or on probation, working within the boundaries of the C3RS Program can report close calls, but only union represented employees covered by the IMOU will receive protection from discipline, as defined in the carrier’s IMOU. Managers can also report a close call confidentially, but unlike union represented employees will not receive protection from discipline.
  2. Can I report a close call that happens to either me or to someone else?
    Yes.
  3. When should I file a report?
    File a report if you are involved in an event occurring inside the boundaries of the C3RS that meets the close call definition.
  4. What should I do if I see a situation that could endanger me or someone else?
    In an emergency, always call the carrier first. After you have contacted your supervisor or the person in charge, submit a report to NASA.
  5. How do I report a close call?
    Fill in the mail-in form available at sign-up locations or submit online at: http://c3rs.arc.nasa.gov/report/electronic.html

    • Submit the report within 3 business days after the event occurs to receive protection from discipline.
    • Complete the close call report form either electronically or on the form available at all sign-up locations.
    • Mail or electronically submit the form to NASA within three calendar days, not counting weekends and Federal Holidays
  6. Can a single close call report be used to cover multiple events or are separate close call reports required?
    No. A separate close call report is required for each close call event.
  7. Where do I obtain a blank report?
    You can obtain a blank report at your on-duty location or from the C3RS website.
  8. What happens after I call in my report?

    • A 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.
    • PRT evaluates the effectiveness of the corrective action and reviews it with BTS.
    • NASA shares information to close call reporting employee at employee’s request.
  9. If one employee reports a close call event and receives an accepted report receipt from BTS or NASA, is the entire crew protected by C3RS?
    Only if each crew member is named on the report.
  10. Is there a limit on damage incurred to report a close call?
    Yes. Damage must be below the FRA reporting threshold.
  11. What is the FRA reporting threshold?
    $10,500
  12. Can I report an event over the FRA threshold?
    Yes. But you will not receive protection from carrier discipline and/or decertification and FRA enforcement.
  13. When an event incurring damages of less than the FRA reporting threshold is observed by a manager in real time, can the event be reported as a close call?
    Yes, but there will be no protection from carrier discipline, FRA de-certifications, or other sanctions.
  14. Could someone use C3RS to get someone else in trouble?
    No. All information that could identify someone is removed (de-identified) before it can be shared. Even if no names are given, NASA will not share any information that could enable someone to determine the person making the close call report or people and information referred to in the report.
  15. How often can I use C3RS?
    There is no limit to the number of times that you can file a report.