Safety Corner November/December, 2000

As the year draws rapidly to a close let’s reflect on safety in 2000. The brightest light of 2000 was that there were no on the job fatalities—the disturbing aspect of 2000 was that the motor vehicle accident rate continued to rise as did the personal injury incident rate.

Another plus was that the aging vehicle fleet is gradually being replaced by new, more comfortably equipped vehicles. But on the minus side these vehicles experience many built-in glitches, such as side mirror vision problems—high ground clearances that created ladder removal problems. These problems are presently being addressed by the Wash State and Qwest CWA Regional MOSCH.

Tools and training are still not completely readily available but conditions are gradually improving.

A big plus is that the State of Washington Dept. of Labor and Industries with much help from Washington Unionists has passed an ergonomic WAC which will put more teeth in Union demands for ergonomic improvements in the workplace not only for the present workplace but more importantly the future workers. This WAC covers both the inside and outside work environment.

As we enter 2001 there are a few safety terms that need to be stressed as a reminder to all employees that there are safety laws that we all MUST obey and should do so willingly because for every safety law that has been enacted a worker had to become a statistic.

New Year items to remember:

1. Safety meetings are mandatory EVERY month. There are no exceptions and each meeting must be presented in a knowledgeable, quality manner.
2. One does not flag traffic unless one possesses a current flagger card and have the new State required flagging vest with 250 square inches of reflective material. This is per Qwest EHS and Wisha.
3. In any power down or severe storm or severe storm situation do not proceed with work operations until you have contacted your supervisor or myself as to the current status. The employee warning system has been completed but don’t just depend on it as the know all-see all. Use your common sense in all potentially unsafe situations your life can and will depend on it.
4. Any after dark work requires full work area protection illumination, I.e., lights and employee clothing.
5. Work in excavations or trenches must adhere to OSHA_WISHA and Qwest rules. All employees that potentially could be required to work in one of these conditions must be trained as an other than competent person by a competent person before being cleared to work in these situation. Failure to comply has a citation and time-loss potential. Your supervisor is responsible, or, again, call me.

The above work list could go on and on but is expected that you as a Qwest employee will protect your well being and life by demanding safe work conditions—following established laws—demanding comprehensive, knowledgeable safety training—and that you will contact myself—another officer—e-board member—steward or safety committee member whenever a conditional or procedural doubts exists. Remember you are responsible for your life and limbs. The support groups are there to make sure it happens.

“No job is so important and no service so urgent that we cannot take time to perform our work safely.”

Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Dennis Garrett
Vice President
Safety Officer

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