[Post by Chuck Krugh, July 15, 2022]
In the next series of blog articles, I want to provide more details about the expectations I talked about with all of you my first week here and in my first blog. It is important that my expectations are clear and that we all understand what they are. In doing this, we will create a common language about our work. The first expectation that I want to address is “Work Safe.”
Work Safe is broad enough to cover a wide range of safety related topics. It seems obvious that a safety message would be directed to someone on the deck plates, but in fact it’s meant for all of us – deck plates, office, shops, executives – every worker in all types of environments.
Nobody comes to work expecting to get injured. Just the opposite—everyone comes to work expecting to go home the same way they arrived. As I’ve said, I don’t want to see anyone get injured at work – I count on you going home in the same condition as when you came in.
But Work Safe covers more than just your personal safety. Work Safe also includes things like your work area – is it safe? Is it clean? Did you clean up after your work? Does your area meet the 5S principles (Sorted, Set in order, Shined, Standardized, and Sustained)? What are you doing to keep your work area clean and safe?
As I believe we have learned as mechanics, it’s easier to work in a place that is clean and organized rather than dirty and disorganized. Looking for tools or pushing items out of the way is inefficient in the work process. Worse – if you’re doing hot work with combustibles around, bad outcomes become guaranteed.
In addition, a clean work space helps protect you as well as others working in the area during your shift and on the other shifts after you have left for the day. Leaving a clean space for the next person is a matter of pride in your work and a sign of respect for your coworkers – showing that you care about keeping them safe. It doesn’t take a lot of extra effort to keep your work space clean!
Keeping your work area clean is one of the best ways to stay safe on the job; however, probably the best way is ensuring you have the right PPE (personal protection equipment) on for the work that you are doing. As an expert tradesperson, you should know what equipment you need to do your job safely. However, your Front Line Supervisor (FLS) or the Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) team can help if you have any questions.
Work Safe also includes being aware of your surroundings. Situational awareness is imperative in the work area. Our work is inherently dangerous – big and heavy pieces of steel moving, small tight spaces to work in, hot work areas…the list goes on. You need to be cognizant of what is happening around you. Keep your eyes open so you don’t hurt yourself or another teammate.
Finally, Work Safe encompasses you keeping an eye on your brothers and sisters who work alongside or around you. Sometimes we become blind to the hazards around us, and this, to me, is the most dangerous situation because you may not see the hazard in front of you or your coworker.
Never be afraid to say something to keep someone else safe!
Remember, Work Safe!
Chuck
President, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works
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