Safety Snoozes Going System-Wide On Up

Railway Age, March, 1999

"Scientific studies have demonstrated that naps can increase both alertness and performance levels," says Denny Holland, director-alertness management for Union Pacific. That's why UP is going system-wide with a policy that permits one crew member to take a nap for up to 45 minutes while the train is stopped.

Approximately 2,700 operating employees took part in a pilot napping program that started last March. "About 6% of those participating in the pilot were surveyed and indicated they averaged about three and one-half naps during a seven-day work period, with the average length of the nap just over 30 minutes," said UP. The policy began in the Southern Region and will be introduced in the rest of the system by April 1.