 Implementing
a safety program via weekly toolbox talks, jobsite visits,
and training makes Ralph Bohannon, Safety Director of
American, Inc. a busy person. Overseeing everything is
done the "safe way" by all 250 employees is
quite a challenge to him.
"I have been in this company for 2 years (as a
Safety Director) and the first thing I tried to do was
provide more education regarding safety, safety procedures,
and training. I had to face the poor attitudes of workers
toward safety on a daily basis — I guess every
safety director goes through the same thing." He
wasn't intimidated by these challenges because Ralph
was determined to do everything he could to improve their
level of safety.
He had been successful. Achieving such requires a lot
of work — Ralph himself has taken several classes
to give him the tools he would need to implement his
safety program. He was there in almost all the classes
FBE puts on — "I appreciate the training opportunities
offered by FBE — they are organized, comprehensive
and the convenience is unbeatable." He also finds
the FBE Safety Hotline very handy — "anytime," he
says, "my questions and concerns on certain issues
are answered in a timely manner."
 Knowing
that there is no such thing as a "perfect" safety
culture, Ralph prides himself in being able to penetrate
his workers concept of safety, which to him, is already
a big success. The rewards for being in compliance are
many — fewer injuries, the habit of wearing their
hard hats and safely glasses because "you don't
want the safety guy to get you." He takes that as
a complement and he really feels happy about it. Aside
from his persistence to safety, Ralph attributes his
safety campaign success to his crew and a very supportive
management.
American Inc. has also taken advantage of Cal-OSHA s
free consultation services — "We ve been through
pretty good consultation results. I guess it s one of
the services all companies should make use of — best
of all, it s free and you talk to the authorities on
safety."
For now, Ralph s goal is to improve further their Hazard
Communication Program — managing MSDS, as he feels
this is one area where workers are to be informed well
and the latest information that can be given.
In the mean time, he remains dedicated to increasing
training, update himself by attending more seminars so
he can give better safety training for their new hires
and continue to decrease injuries. |
