Good Catches The Good Catch program in Public Works encourages staff to proactively report near misses and hazards encountered in the workplace. This program promotes a safety culture by enabling early identification and resolution of potential risks before they result in incidents or injuries. By participating, employees contribute to creating a safer work environment through continuous monitoring and improvement of operational practices. Reporting through the Good Catch Program allows for valuable insights that support risk mitigation and enhance overall safety performance. Good Catches in Public Works Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations : Staff noticed a coworker positioned dangerously between a trailer and a loader’s bucket during the unloading of straw bales. Quick action was taken to instruct the individual to move to a designated safety area, preventing a potential severe injury. Had the loader advanced, the consequences could have been serious. This good catch highlights the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety protocols to ensure a safe work environment for all.
Transportation and Fleet Management Services : During a routine circle check, a staff member discovered that the CVOR slip for his vehicle had expired and immediately reported it to his supervisor. This issue affected not only the Roads department fleet but also other City vehicles. Thanks to this proactive observation, the gap was quickly addressed, leading to the renewal of the CVOR for all vehicles, effectively preventing any potential complications related to expired documentation. This highlights the importance of diligence in routine checks to maintain compliance and safety. Environmental Services : After repairing a damaged fire hydrant, a worker tested it, causing the breakaway flange to fail. This caused the hydrant to jump and water to erupt two to three feet from the ground. Fortunately, the hydrant’s fail-safe mechanism closed the valve, and safety precautions ensured no injuries occurred. The key safety measure is to always operate hydrants slowly, never standing directly above them, and to open the secondary valve only slightly for quick closure if needed. As a corrective action, reinforcing these safety protocols during hydrant operation training is essential to prevent future incidents.
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PUBLIC WORKS 2024 YEARBOOK
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