An audit released by the MTA inspector general found excessive work hours for Long Island Rail Road employees are posing a high risk to their safety.

The study looked at fatigue among workers who are not covered by Federal Railroad Administration regulations, which caps the work hours allowed for railroad personnel.

According to the audit, LIRR engineering employees worked 7% of their reported hours - while at risk of severe fatigue.

It includes over 260 track workers who worked shifts of 24 hours or more, more than 4,300 times between January 2021 and June of 2022. One employee was on duty for 84 hours straight.

The FRA recognized the urgency of the situation and took action last July.

The LIRR is now working on developing a fatigue risk program - which it plans to finalize and submit by next month.

Statement from MTA Spokesperson David Steckel:

“The LIRR will never compromise on employee safety and has increased its efforts to reduce excessive hours by filling open positions and starting the process of establishing a centralized manpower office to better plan and coordinate work shifts. The LIRR is always looking for opportunities to work with its union partners and identify opportunities to decrease consecutive hours and improve safety.”