During their frequent visits seasoned insurance loss control consultants begin to identify trends or patterns in their clients’ safety management systems. Some are good – such as formal hiring practices or routine workplace inspections, while others may be substandard – such as inadequate supervision or inconsistent new hire training. Identifying these trends enables the consultant to commend or offer correction to a business owner with the ultimate purpose of injury avoidance and productivity.
One such trend in the transportation industry involves the company mechanics. Too often these employees are overlooked when it comes to occupational safety. There are several reasons why they are overlooked, and the results can be tragic, so don’t forget about your mechanics!
Reason #1 – Supervision: It would probably be better stated that the lack of adequate supervision is the problem. The number of mechanics is always much smaller than the number of drivers. The mechanics are working on site, while the drivers are out-of-sight. The occupational hazards faced by the mechanics are not as dangerous as those faced by the drivers. What’s the end result? The mechanics are ignored. Not totally, but they often don’t receive the type of supervision necessary to avoid loss.
Reason #2 – Training: Most often the “help wanted” announcement specifies that the company is looking for an experienced mechanic and when the applicant “confesses” during the interview he will describe his experiences, maybe even stretching the truth to get the job. So his polished interviewing skills got him the job, not his polished mechanical skills. Another factor comes into play. The mechanic may be fully qualified and experienced doing what he did from where he came, but what about at his new job – your company maintenance garage? Does he need to be trained on your policies and procedures? Absolutely!
Reason #3 – Tools: This issue is linked to both of those described above. If an employee is not familiar with the use of a tool, and he has not been trained in its use, then “undesirable events” will most likely result. Many of us have experienced this in our personal life. Do you remember the first time you used a tool/device and had absolutely no idea how it was supposed to be used? What did you do? Most likely you used it as you thought it should be used, and that may not have been correct or SAFE. Now you see the link to the Reasons # 1 and 2. This is not limited to new employees. New tools are frequently introduced into the workplace and this represents an uncontrolled hazard until the employee (user) is trained on its use.
Reason #4 – Work Environment: Where you work is just as important as how you work, what you work with and what level of supervision might be present. Fully competent mechanics who are placed in less than desirable work environments can get hurt. Inexperienced mechanics who are placed in less than desirable work environments will get hurt. So what is a less than desirable work environment? How about a facility without adequate lighting, space or equipment? Ever been in a garage where extension cords ran all over the place? How about using a forklift to temporarily hoist a vehicle while repairs are made? And what about performing repairs outside on an unlevel surface instead of in the garage on a hard, flat floor surface?
Summary: Don’t forget about your mechanics. Just because the cost to insure them is less than the cost to insure a driver – don’t forget about your mechanics. Just because they are next door in the garage – don’t forget about your mechanics. Just because their risk of injury is less than the risk faced by drivers – don’t forget about your mechanics. Select, train, equip and supervise properly. All employees are entitled to and deserve management’s attention – don’t forget about your mechanics.
