Brothers and Sisters Keeper/Peer Checks

Brothers and Sisters Keeper -Peer Checks

Over the last few months, there have been several incidents with line workers in the field making simple mistakes resulting in injuries, property damage, and contractual issues. Its not as though incidents and accidents all of the sudden just started happening, working on powerlines has always been extremely dangerous, riddled with near misses, injuries, and fatalities. Times have changed from the days when lack of equipment and training was a plausible excuse for hazard prevention, but with an abundance of both, we seriously must ask ourselves why.

After sitting in on dozens of safety meetings this month, listening to everyone’s concerns, I feel that we are at a collective loss of ideas to rectify these issues. Everyone is frustrated for good reason, but it seems as though we are now all listening and paying attention.

What I have assessed and what I believe many of the professionals in this industry have concluded themselves, is that most of this can be boiled down to attention or lack thereof. The most dangerous hazard on any job is lack of attention, whether it be simple complacency or some other distraction, not paying attention will always enhance the risks associated. We have known this from the start, when the IBEW was formed, the fundamental principles were the bedrock on which it was constructed. To be our brother’s keeper does not just mean saving a life when in jeopardy but preventing that life from being in harm’s way at all.

I am new to the term, “Peer Checks” but after getting familiar with the concept, I quickly realized it was the exact same thing as what we have been promoting for over 100 years. It makes more sense to me today than it ever did before, but it will not work unless we work it. I am so often reminded of how imperfect I am, everyday making minor mistakes doing simple tasks with little to no consequences. We are fallible creatures with ego and pride which can make for a dangerous situation if left unchecked, especially in hazardous situations. We need to be present first in order to be situationally aware, being mindful of the task at hand, void of distractions, focused and diligent. The next step is watching out for others, making sure they are on point, doing all the right things at all the right times. Couple that with a cooperative mindset and you have the omni directional attention necessary to prevent incidents and accidents. Sounds easy I know, but this will take everyone’s involvement to work, and it won’t happen overnight.

There are so many dedicated people in this industry that fight for the safety of our line workers in the field every day. The fight from the top is evident, but the fight from the field is lacking and we need to bridge that divide. Dan Pollock, Safety Director for Local 1249 coordinated a safety call with field leaders and various others a few weeks back to discuss the incidents that have been occurring. It was a heartfelt message to the men and woman in this trade that something must change, that we need to do better. It seemed to bring us all together and resonated with everyone equally which is rare. I encourage more of these meetings as I think they have a definite impact; it reminds us that we need to stay vigilant and focused.

Pockets of successful safety programs exist all over the country, but we need to make this industry wide with every crew in the field everywhere. My goal is to help my fellow brothers and sisters to understand how important it is to be present and stay focused. This is a collective effort that will not work unless we all work it together. This should transcend any of our differences, any of our divides, it should be the first thing we think of the start of each new workday, and it should be our passion. Inspiring one another to be the best keepers possible so that we can all go home safely to the things that matter most.