A Milestone Anniversary for the Team Safety & Improvement Committee Program

This year marks 10 years since Watco launched its one-of-a-kind Team Safety & Improvement Committee (TSIC) program to its locations throughout North America.

What makes it different? This program was specifically created for frontline team members to lead. They’re tasked with proactively identifying safety solutions that improve the workplace and ways to support team members, their families, and the communities they serve.

Director of People Services Cris Hatcher describes this program best with: “Our frontline team members are our day-to-day experts. The TSIC empowers them to channel their ideas together and be solution providers.”

• The Blue Ridge Southern Railroad’s TSIC proactively put together emergency response kits designed to slow down and contain oil or diesel spills. This solution offers an important stopgap until authorities arrive to assist with cleanup.

• After learning about a team member at one of Watco’s ports who was financially struggling to send his child on a school band trip, the local TSIC stepped in. They coordinated a fundraiser to pay for the student’s travel costs.

• A high-traffic corner with blind spots at the Omaha Repair and Maintenance Terminal was a point of concern for the TSIC. After talking to their fellow teammates about potential solutions, they elected to hang convex mirrors to increase visibility.

TSIC members may juggle many responsibilities, but they’re not without resources. To start, each committee member is encouraged to complete an online TSIC module available through Watco University. Then, they’re encouraged to attend a two-day in-person TSIC training offered throughout the year at different locations. Hatcher primarily leads this training.

Neil Heerdink, director of operations for Watco Repair and Maintenance services, recently sat in on a TSIC training led by Hatcher at Watco’s Overland Park, Kansas, office. A big supporter of the TSIC, Heerdink stressed how important these committees are in building future leaders and team member retention.

He said, “Team members that normally wouldn’t have the chance to lead, get the opportunity to do so. The collaborative efforts of a Team Safety & Improvement Committee help improve the morale and performance for the whole team.”

Like everything else, the pandemic affected many TSICs. Instead of meeting in person, some committees elected to meet virtually. Others temporarily suspended meetings to focus on the daily safety initiatives.

Now as everyone adjusts to a new normal, Hatcher’s priority is to continue growing this leadership program. This year he hopes to help all Watco locations, big and small, stand up a TSIC.

“If you’re interested in joining a TSIC, ask your manager,” Hatcher said. “Each TSIC looks different and has the autonomy to create the committee that works best for the specific location.”

Are you interested in joining or starting a TSIC?

Check with your manageron how to get involved