C3RS Confidential Close Call Reporting System for U.S. Railroad Safety

Any operating craft employee, including those in training or on probation, working within the boundaries of the C³RS Demonstration Project can report close calls, but only union represented employees covered by the IMOU will receive protection from discipline, as defined in the carrier’s IMOU.

Managers can also report a close call confidentially, but unlike union represented employees will not receive protection from discipline.

When should I file a report?

File a report if you are involved in an event occurring inside the boundaries of the C³RS site that meets the close call definition. Call BTS within 48 hours of the event. Within three calendar days after the phone call, mail a formal, written close call report to BTS.

What should I do if I see a situation that could endanger me or someone else?

In an emergency, always call the carrier first. After you have contacted your supervisor or the person in charge, call BTS.

How do I report a close call?

Call in your report to BTS using the secure toll-free telephone number posted at each C³RS site. Leave your information on the secure answering machine; you will receive a callback to confirm receipt of your message.
Call in the report to BTS within 48 hours after the event occurs to receive protection from discipline.
Complete and mail the written report to BTS within three calendar days of the event (not counting weekends or federal holidays); include times that you are available for a telephone interview.

Can a single close call report be used to cover multiple events or are separate close call reports required?

A separate close call report is required for each close call event.

What does a C³RS report look like?

View a sample report.

Where do I obtain a blank report?

You can obtain a blank report at your on-duty location or from the C³RS website.

What happens after I call in my report?

BTS team member who takes your call passes on your report for further analysis to long-time railroaders with special training.
BTS conducts a telephone interview with you to learn about the event.
BTS determines if the event qualifies as a close call.
BTS mails you a receipt with a C³RS event confirmation number to confirm that the report was received, that the event qualifies as a close call, and that you are eligible for protection.
BTS de-identifies the report.
BTS enters event information into a database, summarizes it, and prepares a report
BTS sends the summary report to the carrier's peer review team PRT.
PRT identifies factors contributing to the accident and recommends corrective action to the carrier.
Carrier reviews recommendations and implements corrective action.

If one employee reports a close call event and has an accepted report receipt from BTS is the entire crew protected by C³RS?

Only if each crew member is named on the report.

Is there a limit on damage incurred to report a close call?

Yes. To receive protection from discipline, the damage must be below the FRA reporting threshold, which is currently $8,500.

Can I report an event over the FRA threshold?

Yes. But you will not receive protection from carrier discipline and/or decertification and FRA enforcement.

Could someone use C³RS to get someone else in trouble?

No. All information that could identify someone is removed (de-identified) before it can be shared. Even if no names are given, BTS will not share any information that could enable someone to determine the person making the close call report or people and information referred to in the report.

How often can I use C³RS?

There is no limit to the number of times that you can file a report.

To initiate a close call report, call C³RS at (866) 683-9265 or (888) LOV-C3RS

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Q&A — Reporting a close call

Who Can Report Close Calls?