The newsletter is running a little late due to a myriad of meetings that we officers were required to attend and our desire to share information garnered.
The first meeting that I attended was the CWA/Qwest “ALL HANDS” meeting in Denver. MOSHC Co-chairs from each state meet at this meeting with those of us of the Regional MOSHC for a “State of Safety” within Qwest conference. At this meeting I was able to resolve the problem concerning the orange coverall situation also the issue of hand held/battery light availability is now being researched.
A disturbing item that was discussed was the steady increase in motor vehicle accidents within Qwest. The industry national average is 4.61 per 100 vehicles – the Qwest average is 8+ per 100. The incident rate creeps up continually whereas the Qwest personal injury rate is less than the national rate but strangely the severity of the incidents is greater. The two biggest MV accident causes were backing and rear ending other vehicles both easily avoided by following the constantly harped on circle check and space cushion procedures. The accident rate is of such concern that the possibility of a less tolerant attitude is being considered.
Personal injuries stayed static but severity wise rose. Shattered ankles, broken hips and legs, severe concussions, fractured arms. From what you may ask? Improper extension ladder procedures! Failure to lash ! Failure to use the scare strap! Six incidences and guess what the injured employees where very senior and knew the right way but did the “just this once” trick and paid the price Our prayers go out to these injured workers and their families. At times we forget when in our efforts to placate the boss that we suffer and our families suffer when we cut safety corners and become a statistic. The boss goes home and the corporation continues but those that become a stat and their families suffer and begin the long road to recovery.
Safety is personal. It is a personal commitment to yourself, your family, your fellow employee, and your employer. It is the obligation of the more senior to follow and practice safety as well as set the example.
We as worker bees have safety rights – very efficient safety rights that we can use to protect our skin.
We have the ultimate OSHA/WISHA “Eminent Danger” right to refuse unsafe work.
We have the Qwest SLPP
We have the CWA/OSHA/MOSHC safety umbrella.
All of these are designed to protect us, to give us the ability to protect ourselves.
BUT
On the other hand we also have the right to injure ourselves and lose our jobs. This is a land of freedom and opportunity and for those of our fellow workers who have a need to disregard safety policies, feel free to cut corners and push the envelope but be prepared to pay the price for your indiscretions because eventually you will.
Again a safe work environment is you as a Qwest employee’s right. It isn’t a matter of convenience – it’s a right. You must be your protector. You must demand the tools, the training, the upgrading of unsafe plant, the safety meetings etc. etc. etc.
You need to circle check, do daily vehicle inspections and turn in defects. Who but you can put out WAP, wear your P.P.E, and regularly test safety and use safety test gear.
Most certainly safety is an attitude and is personal. Our primary responsibility is to take care of ourselves but as CWA brothers and sisters we also need to watch out for each other on the job.
Never hesitate to respectfully suggest to a fellow employee a safer way to do a task. More senior people (years with company, not gray hairs) should mentor newer employees by following safe standards and policies. Of course we have all heard the old saying concerning leading horses and drinking water but even attitudes can change and setting examples where safety is concerned can and will return everyone home at the end of the day. A quick reminder:
If supervision requests your presence at a one on one session where discipline is the subject but especially where safety discipline is involved request that a CWA officer or steward be present. Safety discipline can and has had immediate impact. So work smart, work safe, protect yourself.
If one needs help or questions answered call the Union Hall on 253-572-7804 or myself on 253-640-1253.
Dennis Garrett
Local 7804 Vice President and Safety Officer
Regional MOSHC Representative.
253-640-1253
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