 |
|
|
|
|
03/01/2006
OSHA Relations Committee Update
Is it time to re-assess your relationship with OSHA?
It seems like an unusual question, doesn’t it? I get numerous calls from folks asking about OSHA and the caller’s hesitant demeanor is not altogether unreasonable.
“Let me get this straight. I’m supposed to put my arms around a government regulator like they’re my business partner and give them the access to the inner sanctum of my operations?” This is something most businesspersons would find counter-intuitive.
I know because I used to have those same thoughts and reservations. The old cliché, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help you” comes to mind and makes you shudder.
I look back on over ten years of working closely with many facets of the Department of Labor and, yes, there have been challenges. But on the whole, I’ve met intelligent persons dedicated to helping achieve reduction in accidents, understanding the economics of business and continuing the education process. I’ve met some boneheads, too, but thankfully very few.
I know of one contractor in the tall tower business that calls OSHA each time his company mobilizes for a new tower construction project. His company is one of the new industry leaders and exemplifies what we were explaining to OSHA early on. Some changes will come over time.
It was hard work to train all employees on new safety rules and regulations that were at times repetitious and seemingly wrong-minded or counterproductive.
But we suspected it would be the youngest and newest workers who would eventually become the leaders. What has been born out of those efforts is that we have seen those “new kids” are now 10+ year veterans. Those veterans are today teaching the newest workers.
Generational changes expected yesterday are being realized today and ever increasing safety awareness has taken root and is on everyone’s minds in the tower industry. NATE Members, I am proud to say, are quick to point out deficiencies or oversights in another company’s safety protocol. It used to be dropping a dime (this would be a slang term from geezers about making a phone call and references when there were such things as pay phones and each call cost ten cents) was considered bad form.
Now it serves a more useful purpose. It adds another element to a company’s resources when competitors are quick to raise a flag.
None of us want the spotlight of scrutiny shined our way, but if it gives us an opportunity to prevent an accident, then bring it on and with open arms.
I received a call the other day that one of our crews was working at-risk and that I needed to investigate. Sure enough, the outward appearance was correct. We were not using one important element of our safety program. However, when I got our supervisor on the phone, he told me an alternate procedure was in place and all the appropriate documentation had been reviewed, explained, discussed, signed by all the employees on the job and placed in the job site records.
OSHA is not the same as it was years ago. The OSHA website is a marvel of resources to behold. It gets better all the time. OSHA has been good for NATE and NATE has been good for OSHA. We both have similar goals: to eliminate worksite accidents, provide safety training and awareness and to be a resource for companies seeking to know the latest developments.
Using all the tools available takes time and dedication. Now is the time, again.
Don Doty serves as Chairman of the NATE OSHA Relations Committee as well as Vice Chairman of the Association. He is the Vice President of Doty Moore Tower Services, LLC of Cedar Hill, Texas and can be reached at 215-631-1300 or Don.Doty@StainlessLLC.com
Don Doty
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
