Switch Operation: Manually operated railroad track switches are an important part of your railroad and facility infrastructure and should not be operated by untrained personnel. Incorrect operation can lead to equipment damage, derailments, injuries and fatalities. One of the principals of Rail Safe Training was acquainted with a co-worker who was fatally injured when he released the handle of a misaligned switch as it was being traversed by a locomotive. The wheels of the locomotive forced the switch handle to swing, causing it to strike the employees head, resulting in a fatal injury. Keep all body parts clear of the switch handle swing path and review proper switch operation procedures.