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Time to spring forward to new season of safety

During those blustery winter months, it is tough to stay on top of important issues like safety training, equipment repair and housekeeping.

That’s OK. Sometimes in safety we forget it’s not about being perfect; it’s about doing our best. Safety, in fact, is a journey – not a destination. With those thoughts in mind, let’s not forget that springtime is safety time.

Training is a huge issue, and sometimes we use the best short-term solution – such as e-learning – to get new employees up to speed. With hands-on experience and supervisor verification of skill development, we can get the job done safely. However, I firmly believe that further efforts are required to establish roots that help grow our safety training focus.

There are two kinds of wisdom: wisdom learned from reading and wisdom learned from experience. I believe we should pursue both to achieve excellent results.

Everyone has a unique learning style. That is why the combination of e-learning, hands-on experience, supervisor skill verification, seasoned classroom instructors and opinionated classmates cover wide ground when it comes to comprehensive knowledge.

Nothing can beat real-life stories and actual case studies. That’s why I feature many such stories in this column and in my newsletter. You don’t have to experience a tragic accident to prevent one.

Consider a special meeting beyond your normal scheduled sessions that tells your employees how important safety is at your company. Do something unique that will make it memorable rather than the same old spiel or “death by PowerPoint.”

The best time to schedule safety training, meetings or programs is the first time you think of it. Schedule them today before spring has pushed to summer, vacation schedules push into fall and you are once again in a time crunch.

Equipment repair is essential for the safe delivery and service of propane products. Sometimes weather-related economics and receivable problems contribute to the postponement of critical equipment upgrades, maintenance and repair. Pennies saved via procrastination and frugality can cost big dollars in terms of accidents and avoidable injuries. Equipment cleanup and repair are essential parts of achieving safe growth.

Housekeeping issues can drive safety concerns when such issues become fire hazards and/or fire code violations with the folks who carry badges. It always amazes me what gets left behind once the snow melts. Tanks, equipment, rolls of plastic hose under tanks, junk equipment, parts and other debris can really clutter up your plant. A clean plant is ready to grow.

It’s also important that yard personnel be trained to perform specific functions such as tank painting, moving equipment and other duties involving hazmat exposures. This applies to part-time workers hired to paint tanks and do yard work as well. It’s essential that these employees wear personal protection equipment and have been warned of any and all exposures per Occupational Safety and Health Administration right-to-know requirements.

At your next management meeting, make a list of projects that will be required regarding training, ideas for safety meetings, equipment maintenance, repair and housekeeping to ensure a safe harvest next fall.

Until next time – be safe and keep planting those seeds of safety.