This month’s meeting was informative as always. We covered the usual subjects and really took a step back to focus on safety. We talked thoroughly about the incident that put one of members in the hospital here recently. Also, we investigated things we could do outside of work to get together in fellowship and just unwind.
There were two committees formed during this meeting. One committee was designated for the annual union picnic, and the other was formed to help organize events for our members and families to get together and know one another better. With many folks retiring and having such a wide spread of departments, it’s difficult to get to know one another. Giving the opportunity to meet outside of work in a different environment would be a good way to learn about each other and put some faces with the names. Of course, the 1st Annual Union Picnic was a blast and there were many people that couldn’t attend that was hoping for an opportunity this year. The date for the picnic will be locked in soon. Shortly thereafter, information will be sent out to the members.
I’ve seen a lot of worn 304 T-Shirts and Sweatshirts out there and it has not gone unnoticed. The stewards will be coming around in the near future with order forms and every member will get one t-shirt, one long sleeved t-shirt, and one pullover or zip up sweatshirt. There will also be an opportunity to purchase any additional t-shirts, etc. at cost if anyone would like to have more than the one each that will be provided.
If you made it to this meeting, then you may have noticed we are moving into the 21st century. The Executive Board has received their computers and a few other things to help with fillings, meetings, etc.. Stu Whitehair showed off some of the benefits when certain subjects were mentioned during the meeting that Stu was able to go back in the files and pull all the notes that surrounded these topics on the spot. These computers will be passed down to every Executive Board Member as they change hands over the years making our filling and data collecting much more efficient.
Lastly, we talked about safety and what happened in May to our own Steve Bolyard. I would like to take the time now to remind everyone to work safe and keep your mind on the task at hand.
Unfortunately, we have a **Behavior Based Safety Program (BBS) here at the plant that basically means no matter what happens, the employee involved is assumed as having done something wrong. There are procedures, training, engineering controls, etc. that are meant as the first lines of defense, but the sad reality is that we are all too often left to rely on ourselves and our Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
The safety slogans Prevention-Detection-Correction (PDC), Situational Awareness (2-Minute Drill), Stop Think Act Review (STAR), etc. that are used around here should are pretty catchty. We hear them so much they’re just turned into acronyms for our obedient consumption. Forget the slogans, I urge everyone of us to use common sense and take a moment to think about what you are about to do and stop if there is even one inkling of doubt or fear. Safety stops all jobs no matter what. There will be no recourse for refusing to preform an unsafe act when asked, but there will be recourse if you are injured while preforming that unsafe act you were told to do.
Not to mention that no one wants to be injured or maimed.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Steve Bolyard and his family in this difficult time. We hope for a speedy recovery and return to work. Also, I would like to thank our Executive Board for stepping up during a tough time and putting their personal lives on hold to be available for Steve and his family when they needed answers and guidance.
Our next meeting is scheduled for 7-9-19 at Brickside Bar and Grill at 1545. We should have plenty of information about the up and coming union picnic and many other things that have been happening. If you’ve got questions, concerns, or would just like to stay informed then the monthly meeting is the place to do that. Hope to see you there.
** Link to the article “What’s Wrong With Behavior Based Safety”.