Sheehy highlights safety for workers, communities on May Day

State Rep. Michael Sheehy (D-Oregon) today urged fellow lawmakers to support House Bill 186, Sheehy’s bipartisan bill alongside Rep. Brett Hillyer (R-Uhrichsville) to modernize Ohio’s outdated rail safety laws. Sheehy’s call comes on International Workers Day, or May Day, the international celebration of workers and labor rights.

A 40-year veteran of CSX Transportation, Sheehy highlighted the bill’s wide-reaching implications for Ohioans, “These changes are long overdue and will allow the state to act in defense of both workers and their communities. I am grateful that Rep. Hillyer and a bipartisan list of cosponsors have joined the fight for a safe, worker-friendly transportation system.”

House Bill 186 would ensure that all rail workers have access to safe walkways, and well-lit railyards, and adequate staff to operate freight lines. Additionally, the proposal would establish penalties for rail lines blocking at-grade crossings so that first-responders can quickly and safely access the people they serve.