D3 Winter Prep Safety Stand Down

Special report from the District 3 Accident Reduction Committee

As winter approaches, the work duties in district offices across the state are changing. Different jobs come with their own set of safety concerns. So, the district took an entire day to stand down and go over best practices for winter work.

With a renewed focus on employee safety, we took a close look at why on-the-job accidents happened and ways to prevent them. This spring, D3 set a new record for days worked without a lost-time accident. Then, in the span of a couple weeks, we had three. Looking back at past accidents, a pattern emerged – accidents increase when we switch operations from fall to winter and winter to spring.

Many accidents were simple mistakes that were the result of not performing certain tasks for a while. Our idea to prevent these accidents in the future was to have everyone take the time to go over safe procedures and discuss lessons learned over the years.

District management was in full support of this idea and called for a full-day safety stand down. Every working group gathered with their co-workers for a briefing that went into detail for their unique jobs.

In sheds, crews went over and updated plow hazard maps. These maps are a critical resource for plow operators to know where obstructions or unique road features are on any given route, such as median curbing, concrete rails, bridges, and new construction. Crews refreshed their knowledge on pre-shift plow inspections and safe ways to change plow blades, to name just a few.

Office groups discussed their own unique safety concerns. They discussed winter preparedness for personal and pool vehicles, as well as guidance on packing a “go-bag” with essentials to take with you when heading out to a job site. Demonstrations how to safely traverse snow or ice by “walking like a penguin” kept things lively.

We are grateful for the support to take the time to discuss our safety during the winter months. We hope the conversations, demonstrations, and preparations set us up for safety success this year.

To learn more about the D3 Safety Stand Down and receive ideas or materials for your own work group, contact Janet Gregory at *38350.

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The District 3 Accident Reduction Committee was formed to analyze on-the-job accidents or near misses and find ways to improve safety in the district. It includes representatives from every working group across the district.

Committee Members: Janet Gregory, David Dansereau, Eric Copeland, Lori Fox, John Hall, Aaron Bauges, Brian Inwards, Chris Cunningham, Elmer Nickerson, Grayson Fredrick, Kelly Byrne, Larry Rebich, Randy Gehrke, Randy Norris, Shawn Strong, Steve Erichson, Toni Walker, David Dopps

Published 11-23-18