VISIT THE SCENE

   The chief advantage that the local representative has is his familiarity with working conditions of the men he represents. When one of his men is called to a hearing, it is likely the representative has had personal experience, or has knowledge of other fellow employees that have been involved, in comparable experiences in the past. It is inexcusable for the representative not to know all the facts before the start of the hearing.

   Thus, advice to visit the scene is often unnecessary in the literal sense, but it is most important to realize from the outset that the success of the representative will depend largely upon his superior knowledge of all the facts and background of the case at issue.

   For example, the scene of the accident will furnish many ideas in track curvature, grade, clearances, visibility, etc., that will be integrated in the defense. Then when these matters are discussed during the hearing, the representative can pounce on any discrepancy of physical fact.