Railroad worker claims repetitive work caused injury

Dennis Hall of Poplar Bluff, Mo. filed a Federal Employers' Liability Act suit against Union Pacific Railroad in U.S. District Court July 31, alleging his employer failed to provide him a safe place to work.

Seeking damages in excess of $75,000, Hall claims since his employment began in 1974; he was required to make highly repetitive back motions and was required to work with equipment that had excessive vibration and stress.

According to the complaint, Hall also was required to place his back in awkward positions causing his back and lower extremities to be exposed to injury and repetitive trauma.

Hall alleges Union Pacific failed to enact a comprehensive ergonomics program, failed to provide him with a reasonably safe chair and failed to provide safe conditions to work.

He claims his injuries have caused pain and mental anguish, medical expenses and he has lost wages and fringe benefits.

Hall is represented by Gerard Schneller of St. Louis.

The case has been assigned to District Judge James Foreman.