1.)      Drug & Alcohol Policies which include pre-screen testing and/or testing if a worker (on the job) is suspected to be influenced by these substances, is becoming a standard practice with our customers.  Therefore, in order to comply, we are requesting that each of our employees sign a form which confirms their acknowledgement and acceptance that they could be required to engage in this testing.

2.)      We need all of you who have service vehicles and/or job boxes (or job trailers) to select the appropriate form on the Sharepoint site, and complete the Tools & Equipment Checklists.  All Checklists need to be completed and submitted by Friday Sept 7, 2012.

3.)      The daily safety talks are to be used as an opportunity to discuss job specific safety issues like: changes in the work environment that may affect safety (i.e. other trades, power outages, weather conditions, etc.), safe use of our tools & equipment, care & maintenance of tools and equipment, proper use of fall protection gear, safe ladder use, hot surfaces, sharp objects, airborne debris (i.e. safety glasses/filter masks), aerial work (by us or others working around us), hot work environments (heat stress), snow and ice (slips/falls), housekeeping (a tidy and organized work space is essential for safety and work efficiency)… the list goes on.  We need each of you who are responsible for initiating these discussions each day, to take it seriously, and make it meaningful.  It is not intended to take any more than 5 minutes (maximum)… but copying and pasting the same few words into the allotted space on the forms each day, is not the intent.

4.)      For Comms wiring: All cables must be labeled at both ends following this model Rack#, Patch #, Port# (e.g. 1A18 is Rack#1, Patch A, Port #18… if the Rack# includes another identifier like a floor number, for instance, it needs to be included also e.g. 2-1A18 is Floor#2, Rack#1, Patch A, Port#18).  This meets the TIA labeling standard as it creates a generic and unique identifier for each cable which directs you to its source, using the cable termination point.  (We never want to label our cables using things like people’s names, office numbers, equipment names, etc., because these things change over time, and render the label useless to people looking for its source in the future… this is not TIA compliant!).  Our ComCabling labeling Standard will match that of DSBN (Rack#-Patch Letter-Port#… i.e. 1A01).  This will be for NEW rack installations only!  (At all existing sites  we will have to match the existing labeling scheme in order to maintain consistency).  One exception to this rule is DSBN sites that currently use Room# or Room Name (i.e. LIB-18… for Library drop #18).  This is not acceptable and in this case, the DSBN has asked us to begin a new patch panel with their “standard” labeling.

1.)  Ladder Safety:  Ladders should be inspected each time before use – if damage is noted the ladder should be immediately taken out of service (tagged as such)… let the office know and we will arrange to deliver a replacement and repair/replace the damaged unit.  DO NOT attempt ladder repairs yourself, as there are liability risks with using “unapproved” methods of repair.  Review 44 Tips on Ladder Safety & What to Look For When Inspecting a Ladder.

2.) Summer heat is still upon us.  We have had no incidents with heat stress so far, and we want to keep it that way.  Remember, if you’re thirsty, your body is already indicating to you a lack of water, so drink regularly… even if you’re not feeling thirsty.

3.)  Hilti performed training for Powder Actuated Tools for all field staff today.

1.)   Heat exhaustion/stroke & Sun stroke… Gatorade vs. Squincher.  Gatorade is more of a performance drink (higher in sugar and not as good as squincher for maintaining body fluids).  Signs of heat exhaustion or sun exposure that we need to be keen in recognizing early include: dark coloured urine, confusion, dizziness, fainting, headache, severe muscle cramps, nausea, pale skin, profuse sweating, rapid heart beat.  If it progresses to heat stroke the symptoms will likely be as follows: very high body temperature, red/hot/dry skin (no sweating), dry swollen tongue, rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, collapse, eventual unconsciousness.

2.)  Gloves… much of our work involves the need to protect our hands.  We have the gloves in various sizes; you must use them when there is risk of injury to your hands.

3.)   Follow up on Safety Forms.  The new Sharepoint online services are rolled out and we are working on reliability of login and form submission.

4.)  We as a company must be organized, efficient, personable, & safe… driven by quality and customer satisfaction.  8hr Work Day… less 15min morning and 15min afternoon break (30min unpaid lunch). Foreman – 15min safety ‘paperwork’.  8hrs work on-site… trip home (within Niagara) is unpaid.  Come to work a few minutes early and be working at the assigned ‘start time’ (don’t show up at the assigned start time).  Customers and SYE expect (and quote based on) 8hr work days.