WISHA is here! That statement causes more employee concern than someone saying “Nacchio is back!” Why? Partially because in most instances the employee feels that they have committed the ultimate sin and are about to be punished or, more importantly, how will a potential citation bring the Qwest Safety Violation Disciplinary Policy down on their head.
In most instances WISHA inspectors stop to do just that, inspect. They may ask questions concerning your knowledge of your safety gear, ascertain your level of overall safety training, and your satisfaction concerning your safety meetings and Qwest’s overall safety emphasis.
You can be assured though that if you are in violation of a WISHA code that you stand a good chance of receiving a citation.
You have a right to contact your supervisor and abide by their directions but keep in mind one thing – citations are issued to Qwest no to you the employee, any possible fines are issued to Qwest not you the employee. What you will have to deal with is the potential of being disciplined by Qwest under their safety violation policy but this is only for a gross violation by you not what WISHA may consider inadequate training or a situation beyond your control i.e. batteries, out of date safety gear that was brought to supervisor’s attention or ignored by management.
If improper WAP or PPE is in use or aerial or underground rules were knowingly violated be sure of one thing photographs are taken long before you as the employee are contacted by the WISHA inspector. If you are approached don’t be belligerent or aggressive. WISHA is there for your protection both from any failures of your employer or yourself, it is the name of the game. Remember worker injuries or worse yet fatalities were instrumental in OSHA, WISHA and Qwest safety policies and codes.
Just as WISHA can make contact with you you can contact WISHA if you feel that your work place safety concerns are not being met by the contacts available to you as an employee or union member.
Be the concern be training, equipment conditions and another area that you are guaranteed, a hostile free workplace. A worker should utilize all available in house resources available to him be it corporate or union but if no resolution is forthcoming a call to WISHA will bring a compliance officer into the situation to investigate.
Above all be sure that you individually are “up to snuff” so to speak. When contractors were being reported for violations – they in turn were reporting our employees and when WISHA or the Qwest Safety Manager arrive on any scene generally what is seen first gets the visit and inspection be it you or them.
Be aware that such items as:
Fatalities none – thank God, but as with most pyramid effects it’s just a matter of time
Your Responsibilities are that you:
Another thing, listen to the WASH/ORE State Safety line each morning 206-345-7233 or toll free 888-772-5491. The information provided is timely and hopefully informative.
The CWA safety goal is to be pro active and not to be forced into a reactive posture due to a member being forced into a compromising safety situation. Sometimes this pro active stance may seem repetitious but believe me intercepting an unsafe move is much more acceptable than trying to react to a suspension, serious injury or worse.
So follow policies, be safe, and remember – report problems – if it isn’t brought up for consideration it can’t be rectified.
Dennis Garrett
Local 7804 Vice President and Safety Officer
Regional MOSHC Representative.
253-640-1253
If you didn’t vote, shame on you! Due to a lack of a concerted effort by the worker bees – the business owners of Washington State were successful in overturning the only legislated ergonomics program in the USA. I-841 was victorious. Ergonomics protection is dead, but heck folks we all know that those generous employers will take up the slack and develop their own plans !
They will, won’t they? Yeah, just as soon as corporate raiders go to jail and everyone’s 401k’s are fully refilled.
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