Emphasis on safety

Local 1245 is putting new emphasis on line safety with its peer-to-peer program known as “Hold the Pull,” which seeks to reinforce safety awareness among linemen and apprentices.

The Hold the Pull committee has been visiting apprentice lineworker classes at PG&E’s Livermore training center since January 2012. The training school has set aside a 2-hour slot in which apprentices learn about the HTP initiative and participate in discussions ranging from how to identify good crew mentors, understanding the importance of speaking up for safety, and developing a strong safety attitude. The HTP committee members use life experiences as linemen and union brothers to explain the importance of safety and job excellence.

Local 1245 has created the post of Safety Steward to help the union monitor safety in the workplace and respond to safety concerns that arise. There are currently 31 Safety Stewards associated with the Hold the Pull program.

Due to an increase in committee activities the HTP committee is expanding to 10 members, up from six members in 2012. The two most recent additions are Casey Kelley, line foreman with Liberty Utilities West and Greg Dydo of NV Energy.

HTP will embark on a tour of unit meetings throughout the year that will take committee members from Redding to the Bay Area to Bakersfield. Among the units visited in 2012 were Placerville, Woodland and SMUD. The HTP committee requests that safety stewards attend unit meetings in support of the peer to peer effort when the committee is in your area.

For more information on Safety Stewards or the union’s peer-to-peer safety initiatives, please contact Business Rep. Rich Lane at RVL5@ibew1245.com.