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.
Twin Bridges is a small unincorporated community on U.S. Route 50 near the Desolation Wilderness in El Dorado County, California. It is located 5 miles (8 km) west of Echo Summit, at an elevation of 6115 feet (1864 m). It has a population of 14 people according to census figures, however as of 2008 the road sign lists the population at 10. Right after the town, the U.S. 50 eastbound starts a steep ascent to Echo Summit passing Sierra-at-Tahoe ski resort shortly before the summit. When snow chains are required on the summit, Caltrans often establishes chain control in Twin Bridges. This is likely because of very limited availability of shoulders where chains can be installed on summit approaches. The ZIP codes are 95721 and 95735. The community is inside area code 530. The former ski area Edelweiss was just above Twin Bridges on US-50, at what is now called Camp Sacramento. It was the home hill for future Olympian ski racer Spider Sabich. He was raised in Kyburz, twelve miles (20 km) west, in the 1950s and early 1960s. A post office opened in Twin Bridges in 1947.