It is alleged too. (but not the OTMR) I've heard mixed messages from both Managers and Drivers. I do know for 100% certainty that they were specifically checking every single unit on a daily basis if they had an emergency brake application.
Up here during leaf-fall, the managers would be talking to probably 90% of drivers on a daily basis if they did that. Careful use of the emergency brake is I think mentioned in the PDP, plus our wheelslip season is always horrendous.
Which reminds me, the trackside clearance from last year hasn't done much so I'm expecting this autumn to be bad.