Safety Corner September/October 2003

1. A safety corner reminder—if there are members who are contemplating filing hearing loss claims, be aware that the rules per Labor and Industries have changed and not necessarily for the good.
   • There are no more lump sum disability cash payments.
   • The employer is still responsible for hearing aids and batteries for a lifetime.
   • Again, if you are in doubt call the Local for clarification and report any pending claim actions to Unicall 1-866-864-2255.
2. A recent incident experienced by a technician prompts this reminder to all members. This incident involved a work area set up and a disagreement between the technicians and their supervisor concerning same. Cutting to the quick on this incident, the two parties involved could not reach an agreement as to what was right. The techs called in a Local Safety Rep who responded and the situation was supposedly rectified to everyone’s satisfaction and to all WAP code requirements. I said “supposedly rectified”. The next day the techs were told that they were not to call any Union safety person as they were “worker bees” (my term) not safety experts. That was, I am sure, a statement only uttered after years of research and deep insight by the supervisor.

Since we all have problems accepting that statement, I am sure we can all agree that this voiced tirade by this supervisor was hot air, smoke and mirrors, and an attempt to intimidate. Needless to say, after a couple of phone calls this supervisor will be enlightened. We have all had an experience like this if we have been around very long, some worse but most workable.

I want all members to be aware of a couple of “your rights.”

1. You may call a Union rep at nay time, but especially if you feel that a situation is developing with a Qwest management individual, i.e. disciplinary, intimidation, safety, etc. If you are denied this right, clam up, don’t become insubordinate and report the situation and refusal to a Union officer immediately.
2. Under OSHA, WISHA, and Qwest SLPP, the employee has the ultimate right to challenge the health and/or safety of an assigned work operation. You as an employee, have the right of declaring “imminent danger” in questionable safety situations and requesting another opinion. You need to contact a Union officer and/or safety person immediately to represent you.

Again, if your request is denied, politely inform the company ,management person that you are more than ready and willing to complete your assigned task just as soon as your concerns are resolved.

Be sure to initially contact your supervisor and report your concerns. Let them attempt to resolve the concerns. No one has to do something because so and so’s crew do it that way all the time. So and so’s crew may have been bucking the safety odds for years or may just not know what is right.

Use your training and experience, and the old sixth sense of preservation. After all it’s your life and limbs, so protect them.

I, as your V.P., 7804 safety officer, and CWA Regional MOSCH rep, have absolutely no patience with any supervisor who attempts to short cut safety, or creates an intimidating situation towards any employee who questions or requests second opinions on any safety or contract situation.

A supervisor who yells “show me in writing” or a local member who says “no one can tell me how to safely do my job!” are of equal ignorance as to their people’s or their own responsibilities.

So don’t be side tracked by rhetoric. Question any and all potentially unsafe or questionable safety situations. I can assure you that not to do so would result in disciplinary actions or worse.

In all my 37 years as a Net Tech and Union rep, the number of managers who foolishly disregarded safety policies and forced an issue can only be counted on the fingers of one hand.

The present Qwest management team is fully committed to the safety and welfare of the employee and those managers who “drift”, we h ve been assured will be dealt with. You have the ultimate responsibility to yourself and your survival. If you cut corners only you and yours will suffer.

Be safe and don’t be afraid to question any situation.

Dennis Garrett
Local 7804 Vice President and Safety Officer
Regional MOSHC Representative.
253-640-1253

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