SAFETY
“It’s everybody’s business”
Your Union Staff here at IBEW Local 1288 is continually making statements to the Membership, that SAFETY IS NUMBER ONE. But, we would like to remind Management that it is their responsibility to lead and help us with these safety goals. We would like to offer some tips to them on how to work with us. Simply discussing proper work habits is rarely adequate for habit change. You must appeal to the individual’s self interest when you:
1. Describe,
2. Demonstrate,
3. Allow time to practice,
4. Provide feedback, and
5. Praise new habits
Never rely on an employee’s “common sense” for accident prevention. Common sense is actually a combination of common experiences. New, young, or inexperienced employees never have personally shared these experiences. With good supervision and an effective orientation and training program, allows them to learn on the front end, rather than on the back end through personal pain.
Many employees have shared with us that they feel management is confusing “safety training” with “safety meetings”. You cannot have a 4 or 8 hour safety meeting, have people sign their names and call it training.
There is a major difference between the two and we ask that this be scrutinized closely, for the safety of all MLGW employees.
Also:
* Focus on the “unsafe act” rather than the employee, their personality, or attitude.
* Talk with employees rather than at them.
* Be assertive rather than aggressive.
* Set the example. Your actions speak louder than words.
* Ask for cooperation instead of demanding it, by asking for their help in solving problems.
* Be generous with kind statements. Gratitude is not a common thing. But, by giving appreciation you stand out as a positive leader and foster an atmosphere of cooperation.
* Praise employees for good work practices and good ideas. Look at your role as a team leader. You want to encourage your team to win and play the game without getting hurt.
We hope this is an encouraging message to all. Please be careful and practice safety for yourself, your family, your co-workers and the community.
Does anyone know what the 10 lighting bolts stand for in the IBEW Logo?
They represent the original 10 founding members of the IBEW organization.