JAPC Bulletin # 01-16
March 29, 2016
JOINT ACCIDENT PREVENTION COMMITTEE (JAPC)
SAFETY BULLETIN
Brothers & Sisters
There has been an increase of complaints regarding the condition of equipment at the terminals in our harbor. The membership has to realize there is a specific process that you the operator are directly responsible for following when getting into a vehicle/equipment on the waterfront Section 9 and Section 3 of your Pacific Coast Marine Safety Code (PCMSC) clearly spells out your duties as a vehicle/equipment operator. It reads:
Section 9 – Duties of Vehicle Operators
A vehicle operator shall carry out the following duties:
Rule 901. Shall test brakes, shifting mechanism, accelerator mechanisms, windshield wipers, steering gear, warning safety lights, horn and, where equipped, seat belts and mechanisms for raising, lowering and tilting before starting work. Upon completion of the inspection, the vehicle operator shall immediately report any defects to the foreman, walking boss or other employer representative on the hob, who shall act promptly to correct the defect in the gear, vehicle, machinery or any unsafe working condition.
Section 3 – Duties of Employers
Rule 331. If vehicles, tools, materials, appliances, or any gear (including empty stevedoring boards) are at any time found to be in need of repair, defective, or in any way unsafe, it shall be reported immediately to the person in charge of work. Any such unsafe, or doubtful gear equipment shall be marked and placed so that it cannot be used by employees until properly repaired.
Your Safety Committee would like to point out that if you do not inspect the equipment properly you are putting yourself or someone else at risk of injury. It is important, and your “DUTY” as stated in the PCMSC and to your fellow Union Brothers & Sisters to assure equipment is in good safe working condition before operating it. If you are using a piece of equipment that develops a hazardous condition, take it to the mechanics shop. DO NOT just take it back to the corral and drop it off and get another piece of equipment. If you do not follow the proper procedure, the mechanics have no way of knowing a repair is needed. By doing so, you are setting the wheels in motions for another Brother or Sister to be injured. Remember “An Injury To One Is An Injury To All.” You as an operator are a trained professional, so always do your best to behave as a professional. Our waterfront is an extremely dangerous environment and there is no place for faulty equipment. So do the professional thing, the right thing, and respect equipment we depend on to get through the shift safely. Clean up after yourself and always leave the machine clean and free of debris that may become a hazard or distraction to the next operator.
Fraternally
Joint Accident Prevention Committee
Locals 13, 63 & 94