What is the FIRST action an employee must take before crossing any track?

The first action an employee must take before crossing any track is to look and listen in both directions. This fundamental safety procedure is crucial because it allows the employee to assess the immediate environment for any oncoming trains or other hazards before proceeding. By looking, the employee can visually spot any trains that may be approaching. Listening is equally important, as trains can be quieter than expected and may not be immediately visible. This dual approach of looking and listening maximizes the chances of safely identifying any potential dangers, thus ensuring personal safety as well as the safety of others in the area.

While monitoring the speed of trains or contacting the Control Center are important safety protocols, those actions come after ensuring that the immediate environment is clear. Signaling to other trains also plays a role in safe operations, but it presupposes that the employee has already ensured their own safety by observing the tracks. Therefore, the most immediate and critical action is to look and listen before crossing.