What will it take to convince our technicians that safety rules and regulations, be they USWest, WISHA, or OSHA, apply to them? This year alone WISHA has cited CWA/USWest employees for: improper utility hole ventilation; improper use of or complete failure to use OSHA mandated aerial lift harnesses and lanyards; improper work area protection; failure to wear vests and hard hats. These incidents are not due to a lack of knowledge, but to a poor safety attitude.
Most employees strive to "follow the rules," but the significant number who don’t do a disservice to themselves and their families.
For violations by contractors please call me. Have the time and date of the violation, location, vehicle license number, company name, and type of violation. I follow-up on all incidents reported to me.
Yours in safety
Dennis Garrett
Safety Chair, Local 7804
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