3 minute read
Training
Safety Challenge
WTS sponsors bi-annual safety challenges, focusing on continued training and learning from field and at home experiences.
These challenges focus on identifying, documenting and submitting safety hazards. They aim to highlight the importance of being always aware of your surroundings and communicating these hazards and their solutions to those around you – whether it be crew members, coworkers, or family.
According to OSHA, one of the root causes of workplace injuries, illnesses, and incidents is the failure to identify or recognize hazards that are present, or that could have been anticipated. A critical element of any effective safety and health program is a proactive, ongoing process to identify and assess such hazards.
From June 6 through June 26, WSC employees were invited to participate in the safety challenge with the theme being home and office. The challenge highlighted the importance of being aware of your surroundings at all times and communicating these hazards with those around you. Groups of up to five employees were allowed to submit their safety hazard with each week having a different focus.
Weekly categories included: ‒ Week 1: Electrical (14 entries submitted) ‒ Week 2: Slips, trips and falls (13 entries submitted) ‒ Week 3: Environmental hazards (6 entries submitted)
Judging was based on the following criteria:
‒ Does your hazard fit into the specific week’s challenge topic?
‒ Does the picture you provided best show the hazard identified?
‒ Is there an Approved Work Method (AWM) already in place to mitigate this hazard and does that provide the right solution?
‒ How likely is this hazard to expose you or others to risk?
‒ Is your statement for how you mitigated the hazard you found suitable and does it define the actions you took?
To get credited for participation, staff had to watch an introductory broadcast to the challenge and follow-up by taking part in a survey.
32.77% OFFICE PARTICIPATION RATE
CPR & First Aid
Thirteen WSC employees became CPR, First Aid and AED certified in 2021. Field staff have weekly safety training and have the opportunity to obtain their CPR, first aid and AED certifications.
First Responders
In 2021, the WSC Legal and Risk Mitigation Department organized a first responders’ team with the goal of having trained employees onsite in case of emergencies. The team includes 15 employees from different departments in the office and have designated areas they are assigned to within the building. They meet periodically, receive training, and are involved in the planning and performance of emergency drills.
A first responder is:
‒ Prepared to take action during emergencies.
‒ Expected to be available at the office on a regular basis.
‒ Required to work with the Legal and Risk Mitigation Department for evaluation and enhancement of the Emergency Action Plan.
‒ Expected to collaborate in trainings.
‒ Required to keep a CPR, first aid, & AED certification; with additional training to be provided at company expense.
Juan Contreras, Bilingual Risk Specialist
Our first responders organized a fire drill to provide direction to staff, evaluate and time the evacuation. An emergency evacuation plan was distributed to employees prior to the drill with a first responder assigned to each section on the plan. Feedback was collected to evaluate and improve the plan.
Highlights
33
Corporate Office Safety Challenge Submissions
58
Employees Participated
13
New First Aid, CPR, & AED Certified Employees
15
WSC First Responders
