Let=s Talk Safety

During a recent Labor/ Management meeting with OPPD, the question was asked, ATo what extent does the Union discuss safety with your membership?@

I guess I was a little surprised by the question because I believe worker safety is the number one reason for organized labor=s existence.  

The labor movement was started by the need for a safer work place, to improve training and provide better equipment to protect the worker.  I believe the Company feels the same way.  We work for a Company that is placing more emphasis on safety than most of us old timers have ever seen.

To me, it all started with Fort Calhoun.  Everything associated with a nuclear power plant has to involve safety and reliability.  That mindset has started to work its= way down through the rest of the Company.  And that=s a good thing.

Every employee of the Omaha Public Power District has a responsibility to themselves and their families to go home at the end of the day in the same condition they came to work in.  And the Company has a responsibility to provide the employee with everything they need to insure that.  This all starts with making safety the first thing that is discussed in the morning, and the last thing we talk about before we go home.

The electric utility industry is an inherently dangerous business.  Every part of our business has its= own set of hazards.  From generation, to delivery of the product to the consumer, there are risks.  In cooperation with the Company, we can minimize those risks.

We all have the ability to Astop work@ if we feel uncomfortable with what we are doing.  If you are uncomfortable with any part of the job, call time out.  With all of the safety programs we have available, from DUCS, to STARS, etc everyone needs to know that safe work habits are one of our most important talents we can develop and pass on to all of the new employees coming into the workforce.