Train accident investigations have identified workstation tables as a cause of severe abdominal injuries and fatalities in train accidents. As a result, the FRA has sponsored research to develop a prototype workstation table to minimize the severity of secondary impact injuries that occur during train collisions. Prototype tables were built and dynamically tested using advanced anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs) during a full-scale train-to-train test using cars modified to incorporate crash energy management. A draft APTA standard was developed based on the results of this research effort.

Detailed information about the prototype table design may be useful to companies interested in developing workstation table in accordance with the draft APTA standard for workstation tables. FRA research reports describing the development of the table and the full-scale test results are available at DOT/FRA/ORD-12/06 and DOT/FRA/ORD-09/14, respectively.