What will it take to convince every Local 7804 member that safety rules and regulations, be they USWest, WISHA or OSHA apply to them? In less than a year WISHA has cited CWA/USWest employees for improper utility hole ventilation procedures; improper use of or complete failure to use OSHA mandated aerial lift harnesses and lanyards; improper work area protection and wheel chocks; failure to be wearing hard hats or safety glasses or orange vests.
Its not that our people don’t know better. So what is left? ATTITUDE! A poor safety attitude!
I recently encountered a work location involving two USWest tower trucks where safety seemed to be taking a holiday. On truck was slightly off the roadway with four cones out but no hi level warning device. The other truck was partially on the road way but had nothing out and neither tech wore his orange vest or hard hat. Why? Who knows? But experience dictates that again it’s an attitude problem and a complete disregard for not only their safety but for that of the general public as well. If a WISHA citation or USWest safety manager write up was what these individuals were striving for then they were definitely on the right track. We can’t use management’s failure to meet their safety obligations as an excuse for our failure to follow the rules. We all know that many supervisors are safety blind but remember it is you who will suffer the injury or worse for cutting safety corners. Most employees strive to "follow the rules," but those who don’t do a disservice to themselves, their families and co-workers.
This leads into that pain in everyone’s behind-the contractor. Contractors are here and probably to stay and that’s a fact. They are supposed to follow all safety regulations, and thats a fact. Do they? No, and that’s unacceptable! Do I investigate any violations brought to my attention? Definitely yes, but unless our own people wear ID and follow safety guidelines complaining about contractors oft times is an uphill battle, and if WISHA is brought onto the scene we can and have been cited along with the contractors for any observed violations. The latest decision by USWest legal and EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) is the following: There is to be no more USWest employee/contractor contact concerning contractor safety violations. A toll free contractor safety hotline has been established which is to be called by any USWest employee to report contractor safety violations. Continue to contact me but also call 1-877-333-5454 and have the following information ready: time and date of violation; location; vehicle license number and company name if possible; type of violation. Calling me will enable me to go to the location and take a picture. I will make contact and then demand a USWest follow up. Another route to go especially if the conditon is life threatening or is a repeated violation is to contact WISHA on 253.596.3891. A few WISHA citations hopefully will improve a contractor’s safety dedication but again make sure we are in compliance.
USWest doesn’t feel that we should not be bothering these work stealing, poor quality, above the rules individuals, but that attitude fails to create an even playing field for us. If we fail to comply to safety we could be looking for a new job-if contractors fail to comply they are just trying to make a living and we are picking on them. Our greatest weapon is to make the calls!
Cont. Safety Violation Hotline: 1-877-333-5454; WISHA 253-596-3891.
Point of Interest: USWest motor vehicle accidents in Washington for 1999 totaled 101. 70% of those were backing or intersection related.
Personal injuries in Washington for the year of 1999 totaled 136. 40% of which were ladder related. Shocking statistics and too much pain and suffering. The following are safety items you are guaranteed: monthly safety meetings; safety content in said meetings; up to date safety equipment; safe work conditions; safe and properly maintained plant conditions; security in USWest facilities. If any of these are compromised contact me. Remember, we, not management suffer for failure to comply with all safety mandates; and you know that we get paid to BE SAFE.
Listen each day to the safety message presented by yours truly: 1-206-345-7233 or toll free on 1-888-772-5491. You can leave a message on the lines recorder or call me direct on 253-640-1253.
Have a safe day—everyday
Dennis Garrett
Vice President
Safety Officer
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