Operations Contribution

(5 of 6 parts)

Another aspect of the Exchange formulated by the early members that has been most successful was a plan to invite "operations" personnel to the meetings. The members recognized that first line supervisors are usually the determining factor in the success or failure of a company's safety program. By getting these people actually involved in the Exchange meetings, the members felt they would then become more active in the promotion of safety at their respective companies.

The Exchange developed three sessions at the meeting specifically for "line" personnel. The "Stop Shock" session is structured such that "transmission and distribution" supervisors discuss ways to prevent the serious electrical shock and burn type injuries. The attendees take active roles in the conference by determining ways to avoid the accidents. The "production" session is designed for the production supervision in attendance to share mutual problems, work procedures, unique situations, etc. The attendees are encouraged to participate freely. The "Supervisor's Safety Training" session was developed in 1983 and is designed to assist any supervisor in the investigation of accidents. The attendees take active roles in the session by analyzing case studies.

To encourage full participation by the line supervision in attendance at these three sessions, safety personnel visiting in the sessions are required to act as observers only. The three "operations" conferences have continued to be an outstanding part of the Exchange meetings. The majority of line supervisors who have had the opportunity to attend the sessions have overwhelmingly given high marks for the programs.