First of significance to all of you fine people is that the Washington State legislature has pending legislation to raise the “click it or ticket” and failure to provide proper child restraint fine from $86 to $147 per individual. This is a rather significant increase but richly deserved for those who like to “buck the odds” not just for themselves but for their youngsters.
Does wearing seat belts and using restraints work?
A few quick facts and figures:
In this writers opinion that’s 5,128 drivers that definitely need a wake up call especially where those who depend on them the most for their safety – their children.
One last interesting statistic. Over Memorial Day 2002, 5 people died in motor vehicle accidents in Washington. That’s not good but compared with 10 the year before it was a significant decrease. What was even more relevant was that of those 5 who tragically died 4 were not wearing seat belts. Think about it.
Second –
I want to stress the need for anyone who is requested to attend a palsy – walsy meeting with supervision especially where safety may be the subject – request a union rep. You may think that you and fearless leader are best of buds but that attitude could only hasten your trip to unemployment. Union representation is your right and anytime you feel that Qwest gives a rusty rip about you or your family’s welfare just eyeball the surplus, your 401, Sedgewick, GPS monitoring – the list goes on and on. Protect yourself! Request a rep.
Third –
New night working hi viz standards go into affect Oct 2002. WISHA will require not only hi viz vests but hi viz pants or white coveralls with horizontal reflective leg stripes. In Washington’s wet conditions hi viz rain gear with stripes is acceptable. Hard hats must be hi viz with 3” - 360 reflective stripes.
Work in construction areas will require the wearing of hi viz vests. More info will be forthcoming.
Fourth –
I have received numerous complaints concerning:
In all of the above contact me, Dennis Garrett, on 640-1253 and we will discuss and pursue. Reliable facts will be necessary so “keep a log” – always.
Upon discussing this situation in Denver at our quarterly Regional MOSHC meeting the EHS (Environmental Health & Safety) Director was at a loss as to how management could be brought in the safety stream whereupon I threw the Qwest Safety Violation Disciplinary Policy handbook out on the table and pointed out that this little document that is so readily used against craft employees is just as binding on supervision.
After some clucking and scrapping I was reluctantly assured that the matter would be investigated. We have heard it all before so keep me informed of any problems as I will not let this fade away.
One last item. Sedgewick is still an a pain in the hurt so be thorough in any dealings with them. Report per policy – keep detailed records and logo – duplicate any and all info sent to them by you or your Doctor – have your Doctor write all correspondences in detail -. Call us for help, Everyone must do their part or pay could be jeopardized.
Dennis Garrett
Local 7804 Vice President and Safety Officer
Regional MOSHC Representative.
253-640-1253
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