Railroad worker injuries are covered under the Federal Employees Liability Act which requires that a railroad maintains their fleet, ensuring that their trains are in good working order and free of defects. If a railroad does not comply with these standards, they may be liable for injuries to their workers. Damages railroad workers may receive include medical treatments, present and future lost wages and mental trauma. An injury on the railway can range from a minor sprain to a spinal injury so severe that it leads to death. Some of the most common injuries that affect railway workers are head trauma, knee injuries, back injuries, neck injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, brain trauma or spinal cord injuries. The Federal Employees Liability Act protects railroad workers and others as diverse as clerical employees whose day-to-day functions do not directly involve trains or outdoor activity.
Ravendale is an unincorporated community in Lassen County, California. It is located 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Termo, at an elevation of 5305 feet (1617 m). Almost exactly halfway between these two cities, Rand McNally shows 54 driving miles to Susanville and about the same distance to Alturas. The Ravendale post office opened in 1910, closed in 1920, and re-opened in 1921. Wired telephones in this area have telephone numbers following the pattern, 234-xxxx. There is some cellular telephone coverage from unknown providers. The availability of PCS and Nextel coverage is undetermined. The ZIP Code is 96123. There is a Ravendale Airport with the FAA identifier O39. Susanville District, Ravendale Resource Area, Bureau of Land Management operates a fire station here. The fire station transmitter call sign is KMC407. There is also a Ravendale Volunteer Fire Department according to the California Department of Forestry, Lassen-Modoc Ranger Unit 2005 annual report.