CSX Corporation’s Commitment to Safety and Culture through Innovation
CSX Corporation
Jacksonville, FL
Chad Varney, Sr. Manager IT of TFO and Field Services
Company Background
CSX Corporation, one of the nation's leading transportation suppliers, offers rail-based services that span traditional rail and the transport of intermodal containers and trailers. The company’s vast network plays a pivotal role in facilitating national commerce.
“We’re a 24/7 company, helping transport goods and services up and down the East Coast. Our interconnected network and partnerships enable us to serve nearly two-thirds of the nation’s population,” said Chad Varney, Senior Manager IT of TFO and Field Services at CSX Corporation.
Mission
In furthering its mission of "One Team, One CSX," CSX launched an initiative focused on bringing together the people and systems that power its operations. A key element of the company’s success lies in the partnership between employees and management, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. CSX continually seeks new ways to empower its employees, elevating both the company culture and the workplace experience.
Safety, however, remains at the forefront of their mission.
“The passion and training of every employee allows us to provide the most reliable rail service while ensuring the safety of our communities,” Varney noted.
The LifeSaver Mobile Partnership
When CSX sought to further enhance its workplace experience, they looked for technology that would empower employees while upholding their stringent safety standards. That’s when CSX partnered with LifeSaver Mobile, a leading provider of solutions to prevent distracted driving in the workplace.
LifeSaver Mobile offers mobile software designed to restrict phone or tablet access when a vehicle, such as a car, engine, or forklift, is in motion. This tool encourages safer driving habits by allowing hands-free calls and navigation, but restricts other phone use, ensuring full attention is given to driving. Any unauthorized attempt to use the phone or tablet results in a violation that is tracked and reported to the company’s leadership.
Benefits
Today, LifeSaver Mobile plays a crucial role in CSX’s daily operations. When a CSX employee reports for their work shift and is considered “on duty”, LifeSaver integrates with the company’s mobile device management (MDM) system, dynamically shifting the configuration of the employee’s iPad from personal to business use.
“We value the privacy and personal empowerment of our employees. It’s incredible that we can provide them with a device they use to communicate with their families at home, but also ensure they remain focused on their tasks when on duty,” Varney added.
“The collaboration with LifeSaver Mobile allowed us to achieve something unprecedented—a perfect balance between employee empowerment and corporate safety, all with one device!”
Chad Varney
Sr. Manager IT of TFO and Field Services
Key Innovations
One of LifeSaver Mobile’s key innovations is its ability to eliminate distractions for conductors and engineers while trains are in motion. The LifeSaver Mobile app uses the accelerometer and GPS on iPad to detect when an engineer is operating a moving train and automatically disables certain apps and notifications, ensuring full attention is on the job.
“We simply cannot afford any distractions when our employees are moving tons of freight across the country. The risks of accidents are far too great, and we have a responsibility to our employees and the communities we serve,” Varney emphasized.
Conclusion
To date, CSX and LifeSaver Mobile have successfully deployed over 8,000 iPads to their conductors and engineers.
“It was no small feat to balance corporate policy with employee empowerment, but we created a solution that supports CSX’s mission and vision of One Team, One CSX,” said Ted Chen, Co-Founder & CEO of LifeSaver Mobile.
Through their innovative partnership, CSX and LifeSaver Mobile have proven that technology can enhance the workplace experience while ensuring safety is never compromised.
