WORKPLACE SAFETY (T.O.W.S)

orkplace safety. When most people hear the term they think of large warehouses with forklifts in constant motion, manufacturing machines with major forces at play, construction, or whatever may apply directly to them. I’d say that few really consider that one of the most dynamic and ever-changing work environments is that of a tow operator, along with EMS, fire, police, etc. There are seemingly limitless variables that converge to create what becomes the ‘workplace’ on any given day or night.

Topographical features such as steep grades and sharp turns can make for a treacherous stretch of highway. Toss in traffic density and adverse weather, and you never really know what you will be pulling up to. Not to mention night, day, dawn, and dusk with varying degrees of each of the above in the mix. And finally, how is the casualty situated within it all. Surely, no two calls are the same.

If you are a long-time subscriber, you may have read my articles in the past addressing everything from developing a routine centered on safe practices, to a multi-layered approach when it comes to lighting the scene to optimize motorist awareness of your presence. Consider this a brief commentary on those things in a more generalized manner. An up-to-date reminder for some, and perhaps an impetus for new ideas for the uninitiated.

Before diving into the safety-enhancing gear available today, let’s talk workplace practices. I suppose they are referred to as practices because, for the true aspiring pro, there is always room for improvement and refinement of method and form. “There is an art to everything,” they say. This could be anything from the initial sequence of actions from the moment the truck is shifted into park to the storage of the tools of the trade once the job is done. As with most things in life, there are many opinions, some critical safety standards enforced by law, but certainly no broad consensus on an authoritative approach to the matter. Be it one that is primarily focused on minimizing the time spent on site, the hook-and-go, or that which is more geared towards establishing your worksite boundaries with a prominent perimeter of cones and triangles, or even another truck in the fleet running interference; there are indeed many ways to skin that cat. Clearly, T.O.W.S is completely situational and lands somewhere between calculated risk and seasoned know-how.

Perhaps there is a happy medium to be found. One that provides a significant benefit, similar to a well-defined perimeter of cones/triangles/lights, but perhaps more effective in several ways, not the least of which being the time required to deploy. A veritable risk-reward “sweet spot,” if you will. A funny way to say it, but if you are one who takes to task with a get-in-get-out approach, have you taken a moment to assess how exposed you might be leaving yourself once that bed is tilted and blocking the light from the overhead bar and tailboard at once? Or before that box truck with its incandescent hazards flashing is ready to roll? Remember, nobody thinks it will happen to them, but it only takes an instant. In addition to reviewing your routine and identifying when you are most venerable while in action,

I would also encourage you to explore some of the quick deploy options that have recently become available and have been shown to have a significant impact when it comes to risk reduction on the roadside.

In the 10 or so articles I’ve contributed to trade publications over the years, I’m not sure I’ve ever really stated my background or, more importantly, what inspires me to stick around and find enrichment and satisfaction in my career. I have been around the industry nearly all of my 37 years, as my father started TowMate in 1985 when he invented wireless tow lights. He demonstrated the merits of a relentless work ethic and helped me see just how incredible it can be to be part of a company that has several high level manufacturing capabilities such as in house engineering and electronics manufacturing, relative to its size. This translates to a unique ability to be nimble and take a concept and convert it into a physical product for the market in relatively short order. But above all, he believed in himself and toughed it out when most would have abandoned ship. Truly, he is a shining example of what an innovator and entrepreneur can achieve with a can-do attitude and a healthy dose of perseverance and gumption. I believe they call it, “The American Dream.” I have since spent my professional career with the company being fully immersed in the towing world over the past 15 years.

Meeting you all at tow shows, hearing stories, testimonials, and even complaints while there, or simply over the phone, that is where the every day issues you all face come to light. In turn, as a manufacturer whose goal it is to increase safety, reduce harm, and produce a positive effect on others at every turn possible, it is our responsibility to not sit idly and turn out the same thing that has always been but with a different tag. Rather, to the contrary, we have gradually and organically branched out with our product development as a direct result of listening to and identifying our customers’ needs. Our forward-thinking approach to engineering new products has resulted in the development of a myriad of products that fit the real world needs of the individual.

One example is our Power-Link 2-wire install Class I LED light bars and the complementing array of versatile auxiliary warning lights that bring greater functionality with more ease. You can view a video where I discuss how it all works and some of the useful functions that were previously unattainable by clicking here or searching YouTube for TowMate TV. We have taken our efforts a step further by creating systems off of the truck as well, mounted on traffic cones or otherwise (The Life Saver : p/n TM-LS-STND and the Move Over Pro : p/n MO-PRO), and even perimeter warning devices that alert you when someone breaches your work zone (See also: Safety Alert System : p/n TM-SAS-RC).

We are an Arkansas based manufacturer who takes an earnest approach to business. Our goal is to make a difference for the heroes who put themselves at risk to serve the public at large, day in and day out. We strive to utilize our resources to put the pieces together and unify emerging technologies with new and innovative ways to address such issues in a more effective manner. In other words, it is a two way street that involves listening to those in the field on a daily basis, being receptive to critique, all the while being in tune with what emerging technologies may be able to improve upon what is available in the present.

In summary, the main idea is to keep everyone thinking about safety. The more heads on the case, the higher the likelihood for further progress in bringing the number of fatalities on the roadways down. As with our products, we will be doing our part by putting our best and brightest on the “case.” We have some very exciting projects and collaborations to come in 2023, so be sure to keep in touch and come see us at the trade shows in support of our quality dealer network. To find a dealer near you, visit www. TowMate.com/dealer.