Safety Summit 4: Staying focused, aligned, and accountable

Operations leaders recently gathered for the fourth NS Safety Summit in the past two years, focused on improving communication and strengthening our commitment to the core value of safety. The summit provided an opportunity to review performance, recognize what’s working, and act on what we can do better.

“There’s a lot of distractions,” said Dewayne Swindall, VP Intermodal and Automotive Operations. “We’re pulled in a lot of directions, and we see that in the numbers when we lose focus. We also see the positive impact when we regain our focus and provide the right leadership and guidance in the field.”

Key Themes and Messages

Focus, teamwork, extreme ownership, and accountability were common threads across discussions. Leaders emphasized that every NS railroader must live the core value of safety every day, taking personal and team accountability to lead with clarity and intention.

Groups from Transportation, Engineering, Mechanical, Network Operations, Intermodal and Automotive Operations, NSPD, Enterprise Resources, Safety, and the standout Elkhart LSSC (Local Safety and Service Committee) shared notes of progress as well as areas for improvement. Through their outstanding efforts, the Elkhart team earned LSSC of the Quarter earlier this year and continues to exemplify the standards of extreme ownership and committed leadership.

Chief Safety Officer John Fleps (right) introduces Elkhart LSSC members (from the left) Jake Wise, Victoria Bronson, Jason Holmes, and Ryan Daniels.

Throughout the summit, several important messages stood out:

• Guard against distraction. Focus on what matters most: executing safely every day.
• Engage to effect change. Leadership and engagement drive results.
• There is no progress without change. Be willing to adapt and improve.
• Don’t let go of conversation. Stay connected, reach out, and keep communication active.
• Trust is earned. Lead with humility, consistency, and genuine commitment.

From the left, Chief Safety Officer John Fleps, VP Intermodal & Automotive Operations Dewayne Swindall, COO John Orr, retired AVP Mechanical Jamie Williams, VP Enterprise Resources Mina de Oliveira, and VP Engineering Ed Boyle participate in a panel discussion with the group.

“Bi-annual Safety Summits are designed to test the effectiveness of our SMS (Safety Management System), and to commit resources that build the skills and create an environment for best-in-class risk mitigation and safer outcomes,” Chief Operating Officer John Orr added.

Looking Ahead

Rounding out the year and moving into 2026, the charge is clear: Take extreme ownership of every decision and action. Build on momentum, work together safely, and remain focused on what we can control.

Why It Matters

Safety Summits are a key part of NS’ tiered approach to building a stronger safety culture at every level of our organization. Alongside Safety Camps, Safety Walkabouts, and more, each plays a crucial role in ensuring that we’re all on the same page — and ultimately, that every member of our team goes home the same way they arrived.

This week, that continues with our next Safety Camp and Safety Walkabout. Together, our team will continue improving with the value of safety at our core.

“Safety and service are two things that cannot be compromised at NS.” — Chief Safety Officer John Fleps