BNSF Honors 2013 Safety Employees of the Year

FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

BNSF honored the accomplishments of seven employees as Safety Employees of the Year for 2013 at an awards ceremony last night in Fort Worth, Texas. These individuals demonstrated the highest regard for upholding BNSF's focus on everyday safety practices across its nationwide transportation network.

Those honored as Safety Employees of the Year were:

• George Eaton, brakeman, Haslet, Texas
• Phillip Gabel, locomotive engineer, Trinidad, Colo.
• Jason Harris, electrician, Memphis, Tenn.
• Steve Jewell, signal maintainer, Williams, Ariz.
• Michael Lunak, locomotive engineer, Grand Forks, N.D.
• Joe Sypal, carman, Lincoln, Neb.
• Matthew Thomas, intermodal clerk, Corwith, Ill.

"Safety is our highest priority and an integral piece of BNSF's culture," said Carl Ice, president and chief executive officer of BNSF. "The 2013 Safety Employees of the Year have gone above and beyond to help advance BNSF's safety vision of an accident- and injury-free workplace, working to instill a culture of commitment to safety and to emphasize the importance of behavior-based safety among their co-workers and peers."

About BNSF

BNSF Railway is one of North America's leading freight transportation companies operating on 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods such as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food and beverages. BNSF's shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. We work continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve. You can learn more about BNSF at www.BNSF.com.