STUDY BOOK OF RULES, SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS, TIME TABLE, AND SAFETY RULES

   Don't rely on memory! This is an excellent opportunity for you to review the written matters applicable to the incident being investigated.

   When the Superintendent said, "The Book of Rules wasn't written to run the railroad, but to fire men," he was more serious than jestful, for every day at work each of us probably violates some rule, as rules are general and cover many situations.

If the investigation is not a serious one, a meeting may be held prior to the investigation so that the local chairman can explain to the defendant the safety rules and operating rules involved. The defendant may then realize that his actions at the time of the incident were consistent with the written requirements of the company.

A thorough study of the rules may disclose that the defendant did not comply with one rule because he was observing another rule.