In preparation for Railway Interchange 2026, taking place June 2-4 in Omaha, NE, RSI is taking a sneak peek into some can’t-miss sessions.
To chat about the three-day Union Pacific Railroad Safety Train activity, we reached out to Union Pacific Hazmat Sr. Manager of Hazardous Materials Jesse Duplechin. Check out his answers below about this brand-new, interactive way to address safety at Railway Interchange.
What will attendees physically do or interact with during this activity that helps reinforce safety principles?
The Union Pacific Railroad Safety Train will be split into three sessions across the three days of Railway Interchange 2026.
From 12-3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, attendees will meet the UPRR HazMat Leadership Team to discuss the Team’s mission and our Team’s equipment and resources. We will have three 45-minute sessions throughout the day for these activities.
Then, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, attendees will be able to meet the UPRR HazMat Leadership Team to discuss everyday rail safety and view the UPRR HazMat Team Training Cars. Attendees can stop by the car at any time for Wednesday’s activity.
Finally, from 8-11:15 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, we will focus on industry shippers’ and receivers. Attendees will have an opportunity to have a hands-on Pamphlet 34 overview from the UPRR HazMat Leadership Team on the Training Cars through three 45-minute sessions.
How do these sessions bridge the gap between written safety standards and what actually happens in live operating or maintenance environments?
These sessions translate written safety standards into real-world applications by allowing attendees to directly engage with HazMat professionals and equipment used in daily operations. Through hands-on interaction with training cars, equipment, and Pamphlet 34 guidance, attendees see how regulatory requirements and company procedures are implemented in actual rail environments.
How can attendees take what they learn here and apply it immediately when they return to their own organizations?
Attendees can immediately apply what they learn by incorporating observed best practices into their daily operations, training programs, and safety discussions. The hands-on experience and direct dialogue with HazMat leadership provide practical insights they can use to enhance compliance, improve hazard recognition, and strengthen emergency preparedness. Additionally, attendees can share these learnings with their teams to reinforce a safety-first culture and ensure consistent application of industry standards.
Learn more about this session, and we hope to see you on the safety train in Omaha!