Safety Programs That Get Attention

 
General Foreman Clyde Davis, who oversees Asplundh crews in Detroit Edison's Lapeer Division, came up with this
attention-getting bell and sign that reminds his people to focus on safety every day. It may seem hokey
at first, but the division's injury incidence has been reduced by 80% since the program started in July 2000
and the bell has been a great way to get everyone's attention for the weekly safety meetings!

Taking safety for granted can be a serious problem. A fresh approach is needed now and then. Our Corporate Safety Department encourages each management region to come up with programs that get the crews’ attention and focus it on safety.

Featured on this page are two ideas that came from the Frank Payne Region in Michigan. You can also read about two interactive programs developed by our corporate safety supervisors as refresher courses for our field managers and supervisors.

“It’s important to offer an incentive to people to consistently work safely,” commented Supervisor Dave Holder of the Payne Region whose crews work for Detroit Edison. “Monthly prize drawings and plaques at the end of the year are good, but we also need to give more frequent recognition to people who work accident-free so they know someone is paying attention. Our pilot safety programs have helped to constantly remind the crews that working safely matters.”

Once you have checked out these safety ideas, we would love to see what other attention-getting programs are out there. Let the Corporate Safety Department know, and maybe your idea will be featured in an upcoming issue.

In February, the Safety Deparment's "Asplundhopoly" game show was previewed at the annual Supervisors' Meeting in Philadelphia. Based on the board game Monopoly, Supervisor George Piner (right) of the Bob Atherton Region responded to a question posed by Senior Safety Supervisor "Uncle Penny Bags" Rick Bentley (center). Safety Supervisor Chuck Combs (seated) played the pirate in charge of the "Safety Chest." Contestants had fun re-learning important safety procedures.