| Research
and counter measures to reduce suicide on railways |
Brothers and Sisters,
As per the
attached information, Transport Canada is funding a study
relative to suicides incidents on rail properties. What the
study group would like to do at this point is interview 50
persons in Canada who have been involved in critical incidents
where a person has committed suicide by placing themselves in
front of an oncoming train. These interviews will take
approximately one hour more or less depending on the answers to
the questions that are asked. Two people will be involved in the
interview. One individual will be asking the questions and the
other person will be a health care professional who will be
available if needed in case the person being interviewed
requires professional help. In addition to this, arrangements
will be made with a local health care facility again in case
further help is required. It is not anticipated that the
interview will initiate any psychological concerns but these
arrangements have been made to cover all possibilities.
The TCRC has agreed to participate in this program as we feel it
will be a benefit to our members who have been involved in
traumatic accidents during their employment. Needless to say any
participation by our members in this program is strictly on a
voluntary basis. The interviewing segment of the study is
separate and apart from railway employers to maintain strict
confidentiality, the company will not be aware of who is going
to be interviewed in this research program. We asked that you
solicit the names of members in your division that have been
involved in incidents where it was clear that a person was
intentionally trying to take their own life. Please forward the
names of the members to our office and we will forward them to
the research team who will contact them with a time, date, and
location for their interview please note that neither you nor
anyone from our office will be aware of the final selection of
persons who will be participating in these interviews. Again
this is so that confidentiality is strictly maintained.
A fifty dollar compensation will be paid to any participants to
help cover expenses that may be incurred.
If you have any further questions related to this program please
contact our office at your convenience.
Your cooperation in this program is very much appreciated. We
have been lobbying Transport Canada for a number of years to set
up such a study. Hopefully the results that are gained through
the interviews will be used to make changes that will assist our
members in dealing with these very serious accidents.
Fraternally yours,
Mike Wheten
National Legislative Director
Teamsters Canada Rail Conference
