Rise in Recordable Injuries, Vehicle Accidents Cause Concern for Safety Committee

8/16 The District Safety Committee met last week, and below are five topics from that meeting.  

WRF Ergonomics Participatory Project: The team suggested putting together a handout to be distributed at various meetings so that there is a clear understanding of what the project is about. There is a perception that this project is for office ergonomics, but it is a field ergonomics project. The main tasks that are being evaluated for discomfort are: Weed raking, slope protection (throwing sandbags and walking on uneven, slippery ground), lid pulling, valve turning and carrying plywood. Next, the team will work on developing prototypes or purchasing new equipment to pilot test. This topic was discussed at Management Team Meeting as management will need to support this effort by allocating funds to purchase the equipment and allowing team members time to test it.

Recordable Injuries: There has been an upward trend in recordable injuries in the last couple of months - primarily in sprains and strains, heat illness, and wrist strains. The Committee was asked to remind their work groups that if they are working in a situation where they feel uncomfortable or where they think they are at risk of getting hurt – to stop and speak up. There may be a safer way to do the work, and if staff have good ideas or suggestions on how to do a task in a safer manner, they should bring them up.

Vehicle Accidents: There have been a lot of vehicle accidents in the last couple of months. Staff should always be aware of their surroundings and perform a vehicle check before getting into the car to leave. There has been discussion about having focused driver’s training by the Sheriff’s Office, for those who have been in an accident. There was also discussion about the O&M policy stating that if staff are in an at-fault accident and there is damage of more than $2K, there may be disciplinary action. Staff are encouraged to have back-up cameras installed, if necessary. Work with supervisor and analyst to identify funding and take it to either Mobile Living in Central County or Pantell’s Music Box in East County.

AWWA Award Drawing: The Acting Manager of Health and Safety drew a name from the pool of Star Award winners from FY17 to attend a District-funded trip to the CA-NA AWWA Fall Conference in Reno. The winner will attend the conference and bring back safety-specific information to share with the District staff.

Silica Exposure Plan: Silica exposure testing was conducted on Thursday doing one hour of dry-blowing at District Center and another hour at one of the pump stations. The results should be back in 7-10 days. These were the last two pieces of the testing to complete the silica exposure control plan. Once the results are received, the plan will be completed and training will follow. A list of training participants was sent out to division heads and managers for review. Training classes will be two hours long – one hour of training and one hour for questions and answers.