Muskegon Area Safety Minutes

Minutes of the Muskegon Area Safety Committee Meeting held 09/26/07 in Muskegon.

Attendees - Jeff Novak, Ray Lundeen, Dick Durham,  Joel Wilson, Mike Bastian, and Dave Heylmun.

Any concerns about safety issues in the Muskegon District should be directed to one of the committee members or your supervisor.  If anyone would like to attend the next meeting or participate in the Muskegon Safety Committee, contact Dave Heylmun.



Ladder Repairs - Batavia Ladders has repaired about 15 -28' and 6 7'11" ladders that are stocked at Olthoff.  Call the warehouse at 231-777-5433 to have Mike or Carol pick up a damaged ladder and drop off a new one.  Batavia Ladder's contact number is 800-231-6374 and Herman Eaddy's cell is 517-230-8804.

Safety Signs - It was discussed that the buried drop crew does not have signs for a safe setup on their vehicles and that all the old signs were shipped to Illinois.  Our meetings with the DOT were very informative and had a common sense approach.  The old signs may be acceptable and decrease liability in most of the counties on the western side of the state.  The important thing is to let traffic know what is going on and that a work zone is established with signs.  The buried drop crew should look for spare signs in the warehouses and get them back on the vehicles.  DOT roads may require the newer larger signs and will have to be coordinated with construction.

Eye Protection - This is an area that there seems to be complacency.  All techs should wear eye protection when using tools or exposed to damage to the eyes from moving wires.  Any time a torch is used, eye protection is required.  Anyone that does not have a good pair of safety glasses should contact their supervisor immediately.  Everyone should be in the habit of wearing eye protection when at risk including and especially when mowing the lawn or weed eating at home.

Tree Trimming - Safety issues surrounding tree removal were discussed as the windstorms have blown a lot of trees onto our cables.  When in doubt, call your local tree trimmer.  This can be a very high-risk activity that we do not want anyone getting crushed or hurt.  All safety gear should be worn and 2 people present when a chainsaw is being used.  We have a contract with Acme Tree in Muskegon.  They have been very responsive to our needs.  Their telephone number is 231-788-4644.

Voltage Detector Procedure - The question was asked:  "What is the standard procedure when voltage is detected with the voltage detector?"  The answer is to call your supervisor immediately to identify the next course of action.

Thanks,

Dave Heylmun

---