Suggestion Brings Eye Wash
Bottles to District Trucks
2/10
Eye wash bottles will soon be fitted to all CCWD trucks, members of the District Safety Committee were told at their Thursday meeting.
The bottles contain fluid to help employees flush dust out of their eyes. The idea to equip the trucks came from the committee’s safety suggestion program.
Committee Chair Greg Dixon said the bottles are already been equipped on trucks at the Los Vaqueros Watershed.
Following another employee suggestion, “sharps containers,” used for safely storing hypodermic needles found by crews working along the canals, have also been ordered for equipment that works in the canal.
The Committee discussed how an employee sprained his back while turning a large reluctant valve. Safety Officer Spiro Zapantis said that in the future employees finding themselves in difficult positions should: “Stop work, talk to your supervisor, and not risk injury.”
The back injury ended the District’s “No Lost Time” Safety Clock at a record 145 days. “We’re gaining ground,” said AGM Steve Welch about the sharp decrease in injuries in 2011 and so far in 2012. “We need to keep focusing on ways to be more ergonomic about our work, and need to keep up the good work.”
The Committee is looking into finding ways to safely cut or enlarge “mouse holes” into meter boxes. Some saws or grinders create a lot of dust, which could be a hazard without some type of respirator. Committee members also discussed the importance of communicating to other employees the work of the committee.
The committee will meet again in March at the Antioch Service Center.
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