Is this really risk management at work? I think not. What's lacking is training and education at all levels.

For instance, it did not make me feel safe to read that the transit workers union had to hire its own security consultant to train members on how to spot suspicious packages and people. With all the billions being spent on homeland security, why haven't all transit workers received such training at government expense?

In addition, what about us dumb passengers? After the horrific London bombings, I couldn't help but think of my own vulnerability. As I watched footage of riders staggering out of smoky stations, I realized I don't have a clue how I would respond in a similar emergency–mainly because no one has told me what I am supposed to do if there is a bombing, or even a fire in the subway tunnels.

The lights go out, and smoke is filling the train…Do we stay put and wait for help? Will the conductor and motorman come and lead us to safety? Do we wait for instructions over the train's intercom? Will the intercom even work? Is it safe to walk on the tracks? Where would we go?

Meanwhile, we are continually warned to be on the lookout and to report anything out of the ordinary. If you see something, say something, we're told. But what are we supposed to look for?

We ran a story last week in which a security expert acknowledged that riders and workers are not getting enough safety training–adding that we're not taking advantage of technological and structural improvements that could mitigate the effect of a transit bombing.

He suggested that riders carry around a “poor man's emergency response kit”–a bottle of water and a small towel (to dampen and place over the mouth and nose to screen out smoke), a pair of swim goggles (to protect your eyes from smoke), a flashlight and heavy gauze. (That sounds like a lot of stuff, but if I can lug a copy of Harry Potter around, why not this?)

Mass transit systems in New York and the rest of the country need some serious risk management. Evacuation procedures and safety instructions should be widely distributed through pamphlets handed to riders, ads and press reports.

Perhaps local risk managers and their associations could offer to help. After all, they are the experts on loss control and safety. Insurers, agents and brokers could also pitch in–such a gesture might repair damage to the industry's reputation from the Spitzer probes.

Sam Friedman

Editor-In-Chief

“Mass transit systems in New York and the rest of the country need some serious risk management…Perhaps local risk managers and their insurers and brokers could offer some advice.”