BNSF Railway Cicero Yard:
The BNSF Railway Cicero Yard, located in Cicero, Illinois, just outside of Chicago, is a vital hub for freight operations in the Midwest. Established in the early 20th century, Cicero Yard has expanded and modernized over the decades to meet the increasing demands of freight transport. Today, it serves as a critical intermodal facility, where goods are transferred between trains and trucks, playing a significant role in the distribution network that connects the Chicago metropolitan area to the rest of the country. The yard employs approximately 350 workers who manage and maintain its daily operations, handling an average of 25 to 30 trains per day, which facilitates the movement of a wide variety of goods across the nation.
Workers at Cicero Yard are exposed to various environmental and occupational hazards due to the nature of their work. Diesel exhaust, a major source of air pollution in rail yards, contains harmful substances such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), all of which pose significant health risks. Prolonged exposure to these toxins can lead to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and an increased risk of lung cancer. Additionally, the transport of hazardous materials through the yard presents further risks. To mitigate these dangers, the yard implements stringent safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), air quality monitoring, regular health surveillance, and comprehensive safety training programs. These measures are essential to protecting the health and well-being of the workers who keep Cicero Yard’s operations running smoothly.