Safety-First Logistics: BNSF Faces Record Low Injury Rates

BNSF Railway says 2025 was the best year ever for safety results, marking a record in the company's 177-year history. 

Through its investments in technology and its added value onto worker safety, the company has seen a significant reduction in risk over the years.

As a result, it is presenting itself as a valuable and reliable player in global supply chain operations.

Prioritising people

Operating one of the largest freight railroads in North America, BNSF Railway acts as a critical part of the supply chain, connecting consumers with the global market for more than 175 years. Its work has played a significant role in building the economy, keeping transport running and materials moving. It offers cost effective services which takes products to where they are needed, meeting the needs of each customer. 

The company runs off a set of shared values, including:

• Working hard to listen to customers and meet their expectations
• Consider the well-being and respect of each colleague
• Continuously work safely and efficiently
• Build on the success of the past to shape its future.

BNSF is a leader in railroad safety, dedicating resources to ensuring people and products remain safe across its network. Among major railroads, BNSF's grade crossing incident rate has consistently been the lowest among major railroads. Part of this is through the development of new technology that repeatedly improves operations.

Now, it is celebrating its 2025 safety results, having reported the best year ever in the company's history.

“This year marks an important milestone in our safety performance,” says Chad Sundem, BNSF Vice President of Safety.

“It was earned through steadfast commitment, competence and courage of our teammates throughout BNSF. I believe our results are a direct reflection of strong collaboration between labor and management and a shared belief that safety is a value and guides every decision we make.

"I am proud of our teammates and grateful for the trust, discipline and teamwork that made this historic year possible.”

All supply chain, sustainability, Scope 3 and net zero leaders should attend:

• Procurement and Supply Chain LIVE: The Net Zero Summit - QEII Centre, London, March 4-5
• Procurement and Supply Chain LIVE: The US Summit - Navy Pier, Chicago, April 21-22

Co-located with Sustainability LIVE, these events brings together CSCOs, CSOs and senior decision-makers at a moment when sustainability, supply chains and commercial performance are increasingly interconnected.

Tickets can be booked online today for The Net Zero Summit and The US Summit. Group discounts available.

Safety impacts

The company has approximately 35,000 employees and operates across a 32,500 mile network. In 2025, it had its lowest ever injury frequency rate - marking a 10% decrease since its previous record in 2023. 

In its 177 year history, BNSF has worked to ensure safety is its main priority and continuously improve on its effectiveness and performance. It aims to ensure all known hazards will be eliminated in the work environment, with the promotion of work practises and training across all employees. 

As well as witnessing a decrease in employee injury frequency, BNSF has also reported a 13% decrease in rail equipment incidents. This surpasses the Class I railroad target for 2025 and demonstrates to the industry how to successfully reduce risk. 

“I am so proud of what our teams were able to accomplish in 2025, marking significant progress toward our ultimate safety vision of operating a railroad free of accident and injury,” says Katie Farmer, President and CEO at BNSF.

“This milestone is proof our entire team remains united and dedicated to prioritising safety. We are deeply grateful to every person who played a role in reaching this accomplishment, especially our team who is out there every day delivering for our customers.”

Gaining industry reputation

BNSF is making itself an appealing partner for high-value industrial and chemical shippers who need safe and secure supply chains. Its work to maintain the safety of its employees and consistently invest in technologies that ensure the integrity of its equipment makes it a successful partner, putting its clients at ease with its low incident rates.

Part of BNSF's success is a result of collaboration, particularly when the employees develop locally to address task- and location-specific risks. The company hosts site safety teams at more than 100 terminals, helping identify and reduce human and environmental safety risks. 

The site teams are made up of union employees, as well as chaired by union and management representatives. BNSF has safety teams across all 10 of its operating divisions, ensuring issues are raised and appropriately delt with.

As a result, the company undergoes significant operational efficiency and cost savings - limiting the spend and resources used on employees who are off work with injury. Through investing in safety measures, the company is protecting the supply chain of its clients and ensuring its own company-wide resilience.