Members of the safety committee, along with RCI, try to meet on a regular basis to discuss safety issues. A copy of the minutes is forwarded to each location to be posted for employees to read.
Members of the committee: Terry Totten, Chairman; Terry Bahl, Bruce Lauver, Jodi Meyer, Harley Spencer, Sherry Green, Mark Knop, Bill Dixon, Travis Cozad, Troy Hurt.
If a safety problem occurs, we evaluate the situation to see if it was handled properly and if it could have been prevented. Training classes are held to keep employees up to date. In September, RCI held a grain safety meeting at Henderson for all employees dealing with grain. Topics included confined space, lockout/tag out and grain handling. In February, RCI held Right to Know and Forklift training. Classes were held in MV and Henderson and were mandatory for all employees.
DOT books have been distributed to all for pre and post trip inspections, a responsibility of the driver. Safety violations must be corrected. Managers are responsible for each vehicle to be DOT legal. Employees also forward a copy of their driver's license and medical card to CB to be kept in their driving file.
We also review what locations need to do to make their work surroundings safe including fire extinguishers and proper NH3 equipment such as gloves, goggles, and water tanks. SMV signs are generally in place and the data plate issue is being addressed. James was appointed as the responder for NH3 spills. Numbers should be posted at locations to call if a leak occurs. It was also suggested and encouraged (many do) to have local fire departments do a walk-through of our facilities.
Our goal as a company is to have a safe working environment. Employees are encouraged to do what they can to help prevent injuries and workman's comp claims. Working together to make our company safe is a benefit to everyone.