What is Safety? Safety is proper equipment. Safety is constantly updated training. Safety is OSHA and WISHA laws. Safety is corporate commitment. Safety is attitude.
The combination of the above and adherence to the same by all employees always helps assure you of an incident free-hazard free work environment, but guess what? US WEST Washington has added another category and it's called intimidation. Along with ever increasing job pressures, the lack of compassion for needed time off, pressure constantly exerted to return to work from illnesses or injuries, and managers with no job knowledge or people handling skills. US WEST state leaders now have a zero accident and personal injury criteria for all employees. To be honest, this isn't a great change from past goals, but what is different is the new wrinkle of punishment by loss of pay is now being considered as a good way to instill compliance by all who serve the great leader of OZ.
None of us come to work each day planning to wreck a vehicle or cut a hand. Sometimes it happens but at times I have a hard time understanding some attitudes and failures to follow mandated safety guidelines exhibited by some technicians. It's surprising that more incidences don't occur due to lacsidasical attitude.
With the addition of safety manager Dan Scarvie, along with Dan Kusmirek, much needed safety reviews are now being conducted of both craft and management. They are in the field not only inspecting tools, trucks, work area protection, tech safety, knowledge, but also supervisor records and commitment to safety. If and when these people confront you don't be reclusive, let your safety concerns and associated problems be known.
The worst misconception is that the job takes precedence over safety. Wrong mind set! Out of date safety gear, unreported vehicle problems, failure to use WAP, not wearing required safety garb, and an in general negative attitude towards safety and safety reps shows a disregard for ones own well being.
WISHA citations require a business to prove they are in compliance with all state and federal rules. Conversely when our own safety people inspect and issue a citation to the employee the employee must prove themselves innocent or possibly suffer the consequences. How can one avoid the above? Simple, practice safety and demand safety rights, i.e. training, equipment, meetings on the job. You do this and the onus falls on the supervisor to prove they are in compliance.
Don't hesitate to contact me, a union officer or steward when undue intimidation is exerted, or a contractor is seen doing their own thing. I can assure you that the appropriate US WEST manager will be contacted along with Washington workers greatest ally WISHA.
Yours in safety
Dennis Garrett
Safety Chair, Local 7804
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