Steve Rossiter
Chair, Management Services Committee
C.W. Silver Industrial Services
Salt Lake City, Utah
EASA’s Management Services Committee has focused on promoting safety awareness to members over the past 12 months. As I write this,
I have a new appreciation for the importance on taking the first step in creating a “culture of safety” and then continuing with ongoing efforts for constant improvement.
Yesterday, our field service manager reported a safety incident to me that occurred while performing on-site work for a large international customer. The technician had accidentally caused a direct short while connecting a test lead to a small control power transformer. The resulting explosion brought everyone to the scene and a thorough investigation was conducted. Fortunately, no one was injured. However, the investigator indicated that our company would no longer be allowed on their property if any safety violation was found.
As a result of the significant burn marks left, it was clear that all of the proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) was in place including insulated gloves with an outer protective glove, Nomex® clothing, a face shield, etc.
The PPE prevented what would have otherwise been a very serious injury with hospitalization or worse. Our efforts to make sure that our employees understand the importance of wearing PPE paid off. Our employee wasn’t hurt and we’re still working for this customer.
It was a sobering moment as I thought back not too many years prior when our company did not have a culture of safety. I also thought of the times in my younger days when I had made many similar tests without the proper PPE in place. This recent incident was proof that our proactive training efforts to create and maintain safety as a mindset is vital to our company’s success.
EASA resources
Regardless of a company’s size, everyone should implement formalized safety policies and programs for continued awareness and improvements. Among other safety products, EASA’s “Safety Resource Manual” can be an excellent starting point if you do not already have a documented program. This manual also lists more than two dozen additional resource references. Be sure to review this valuable document that is now available in the “Members Only” section of easa.com. It was produced a number of years ago by the former Technical Training and Safety Committee, but it is still relevant and useful. Other valuable resources for “Members Only” include past “Focus on Safety” CURRENTS articles and an online training session on “Arc Flash & Shock Hazards Training.”
Your own insurance agent
Companies that already have safety programs will always be on the lookout for additional information and training resources. An Internet search can be overwhelming with the number of programs, some at a very high cost. An often overlooked resource is your company’s own insurance provider.
An inquiry to our company’s insurance agent resulted in dozens of no-cost or low-cost resources. These included safety training DVDs in Spanish and English, printed materials, online access to safety articles for newsletter insertion, a yearly visit from a safety specialist, seminars and Webinars, etc. We were also given free access to a professional safety Web site that the insurance company pays for exclusively for its clients. The agent also advised us of the trend toward “e-learning” which is a little more expensive (averaging $1,500-$5,000 per year, depending on usage).
As more insurance companies fund these, costs are expected to go down for professional programs. These programs have the additional advantage of including individual short exams so that each employee can be tested to verify an understanding of the material.
Reasonably priced options
Another popular safety resource is The National Safety Council. States have local sponsoring chapters and a modest yearly membership fee applies (starting at approximately $200/year in my state). Other “fee-based” sites with full-service programs include:
- www.Safetyinfo.com ($289/yr.)
- www.Safetysmart.com ($247+/yr.)
- www.Safetyservicescompany.com ($220+/yr.)
- www.Safety.BLR.com ($895/yr.)
Whether you’re just starting a formalized safety program or you’re a seasoned veteran, don’t forget these valuable resources provided by EASA, your insurance agent and other agencies and organizations.
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