WM Utility Department has perfect quarter for on-the-job safety

WM Utility Department has perfect quarter for on-the-job safety

Zero accidents, injuries mark successful effort

news@theeveningtimes.com As far as reports go, it can’t get better than this. The utilities department recorded perfect safety during the preceding quarter. Brett Sims reported second quarter results during the October meeting of the West Memphis Utilities Commission.

“This is the kind of report we like to see,” said Sims.

In the performance category it was all goose eggs with zero reportable accidents for 80 workers logging 40,960 hours. There was no lost time, no new restricted duty, no new injuries requiring medical treatment. No dents, or tickets for motor vehicle accidents accounted for more good safety news. Overall, a complete turnaround from the last year-end report came into view during the months leading up to September.

Last year there were five reportable accidents, ranging from a dog bite, slipping on ice, a minor electrical contact and an at fault motor vehicle accident. Training was put in place to address those particular safety concerns following the incidents.

Tackling the proactive side the Utilities continued a lot of safety training during the second quarter. The Arkansas Department of Labor conducted sessions on slip/trip/fall, back safety, chemical right-toknow, and heat stress. The training sessions were open to other city departments. 52 utilities worker showed out in force and logged 208 hours focused on safety.

Training heightened awareness as demonstrated in the perfect report according to Sims.

“We trained during the quarter,” said Sims. “We conducted two sessions in a one day class. 83 employees from the city attended.”

Utilities Manager John Rimmer appreciated the good report and Sims undertaking safety.

“This is something we’ve needed for years but never put in place,” said Rimmer.

“When we started Brett doing safety and training, we thought he’d have a lot of extra time on his hands, that we needed something else for him to do. But up to this point that isn’t the case. He’s been pretty busy. He is doing a good job for us.”

By John Rech