Norfolk Southern
Workplace Accountability Record
· Railroads & Freight
· NSC
February 2023 East Palestine, Ohio train derailment released hazardous chemicals including vinyl chloride, triggering federal emergency response. Subject of DOJ enforcement action, EPA emergency orders, and NTSB investigation finding systemic safety failures.
Accountability Snapshot
$600M+
East Palestine settlement
Class action settlement with affected residents
Multiple
EPA emergency orders
Hazardous materials cleanup and monitoring
5+
Hazardous chemicals released
Including vinyl chloride (known carcinogen)
Observed Pattern
East Palestine derailment exposed systemic deficiencies in hazardous materials safety protocols, train inspection practices, and emergency response preparedness. NTSB investigation identified overheated bearing as cause with failures in detection systems. Federal scrutiny extended to industry-wide practices including train length, staffing, and inspection frequency. Company reached $600M+ settlement with affected residents.
Accountability Timeline
Jun 25, 2024
Workplace Safety
National Transportation Safety Board final report identified an overheated wheel bearing as the cause of the derailment. Report found failures in Norfolk Southern's bearing detection systems, inadequate train inspection protocols, and insufficient emergency response planning for hazardous materials. NTSB issued recommendations for industry-wide safety improvements.
Feb 28, 2024
Workplace Safety
OSHA inspection of NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY at CHATTANOOGA, TN. Found 1 violation(s): 1 .
Feb 1, 2024
Consumer Protection
Company agreed to pay over $600 million to settle class action lawsuit filed by residents of East Palestine and surrounding communities affected by the February 2023 derailment and hazardous chemical release.
$600000000 penalty
Mar 31, 2023
Environmental
EPA ordered Norfolk Southern to pay for the complete cleanup of contamination from the East Palestine derailment and controlled release of hazardous chemicals. Order required ongoing environmental monitoring and health screenings for affected residents.
Mar 2, 2023
Workplace Safety
OSHA inspection of NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION at EAST PALESTINE, OH. Found 5 violation(s): 5 .
Feb 3, 2023
Environmental
38-car derailment including 11 cars carrying hazardous materials. Controlled release and burn of vinyl chloride, a known carcinogen, ordered to prevent uncontrolled explosion. Approximately 1,500 residents evacuated. Contamination affected air, water, and soil in surrounding communities.
Oct 21, 2021
Workplace Safety
OSHA inspection of 64332 - NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY at LOUISVILLE, KY. Found 1 violation(s): 1 .
Jun 30, 2021
Workplace Safety
OSHA inspection of NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION at BELLEVUE, OH. Found 1 violation(s): 1 .
Oct 8, 2020
Workplace Safety
OSHA inspection of NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY at MELVINDALE, MI. Found 1 violation(s): 1 .
Apr 4, 2019
Workplace Safety
OSHA inspection of NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY at NORFOLK, VA. Found 2 violation(s): 2 .
Apr 2, 2019
Workplace Safety
OSHA inspection of NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY at NORFOLK, VA. Found 1 violation(s): 1 .
Primary Sources
Verified public records and government databases
NTSB Investigation — NTSB
https://www.ntsb.gov/
https://www.ntsb.gov/
Checked May 22, 2025
EPA Enforcement Orders — EPA
https://www.epa.gov/
https://www.epa.gov/
Checked May 22, 2025
Federal Railroad Administration — FRA
https://railroads.dot.gov/
https://railroads.dot.gov/
Checked May 22, 2025
OSHA Enforcement Data (Bulk) — Dept of Labor / OSHA
https://enforcedata.dol.gov/
https://enforcedata.dol.gov/
Checked May 23, 2026