NM MOS&HC for your review:
I have identified a few items out the NM MOS&HC for your review:
1. “Las Vegas Yard Parking Issue: Andy and Mary were at Las Vegas yard on 6/18/19. There are not any plans to retrofit any existing vehicles with backup cameras; however, all new vehicles per Mary are coming equipped with backup cameras.”
The CWA has addressed the issue around the Company’s refusal to retrofit their fleet vehicles with backup cameras at the Regional MOS&HC and the District 7 level. The Company has stated the cost is the main driver for not retrofitting their fleet vehicles without backup cameras.
A few months ago this issue was addressed in a Safety Alert this issue, Q-139 – see attachment.
If we have a member discipline for MVA involving backing up that does not have a backup camera in their Company Vehicle, the local Union could raise as a reasonable defense the lack of a backup camera depending on the case. As in all discipline cases, each case will be different depending on the facts of the case, but the lack of a backup camera could be a reasonable defense if there are no extenuating circumstances.
2. “3 -month Trial of LyTx Drive-Cam (cab cameras). Trial timeframe possibly October-November 2019. Trial locations possibly Denver and Phoenix.
1) Hard Brake
2) Hard Acceleration
3) Hard swerve
*Total of 12 seconds recorded (4 backwards & 8 forwards) 3rd party reviewers – their call center reviews and if they feel the action needs forwarded to supervisor. Can’t selectively go look at specific truck and ask for everything.”
CWA D-7 has had several meetings with Company on this issue. We reviewed numerous concerns with the Company ranging from the “true” purpose of the installation of this Dash Cam system, potential discipline issues, to the lack of backup cameras. Although this system has the capability for back-up cameras for an additional cost, the Company initially refused at their installation in this system.
The Company has notified the CWA, as of today, the trial of the LyTx Drive-Cam has been put on “hold”. The Company did tell the CWA they will look at our concern around a back-up camera – we will see how seriously they will look at our concern around back-up cameras.
3. “Electrical Gloves: Loren discussed cable tech had just been in Ped on VV ticket where power pole within inches Ped. Power went into Ped to other Ped and caught fire. Tech did not use foreign voltage tester. Xcel Energy had the problem – but we need to stress heartily the need to perform foreign voltage testing.”
4. “Electrical gloves in workgroup BG2 (over 20 technicians) were found to be expired at the safety rodeo over 45 days ago. Supervisor Manny was supposed to order the gloves at the time; Union officer notified Neil who said we have even more issues in southern NM with replacements. So we need to somehow get everyone on the same timeframe again like we did years ago where we had replacements two times (approx every 9 months). If we could get back to single schedules, would keep these incidents from happening. We also need to make sure that technicians (during safety rodeo would be good time) know how to test gloves.”
The issue around yearly certification of electrical gloves has been an on-going problem which the local union and state MOS&HC should focus on to ensure the Company is complying with OSHA requirements.
5. Manhole Entry & Meter calibration and testing need to be done as a crew in safety meeting at least annually to ensure all techs are trained and refreshed on meter calibration and manhole testing. Discussion ensued regarding contractors in manholes without testing and proper ventilation. Andy has requested the technician needs to notify him immediately as well as supervisor or manager. A contractor needs to shut down until proper testing and ventilation are performed.
Several issues around safety within the “underground” environment have been discussed at the Regional and several State MOS&HC. The major issue as outside technicians and supervisors retire who had traditionally worked in the underground environment; they are being replaced by inexperienced supervisors and technicians that have not been properly trained and do not know the safety rules for the underground environment. A Safety Alert, Q-199, was sent out on June 4, 2019, that reviewed this issue (see attachments – Q-199 vk Safety Alert – CTL 9.1 Safety Practice – Utility Hole (Manhole) and CTL Safety Practice 9.1)
6. “Still having issues with the MIB (meeting in a box) being sent out to technicians via email, told to read and let supervisor know if tech has any questions. This is unacceptable. All supervisors need to be on board; must be by guidelines, i.e., in person, via conference, or Skype screen share presentation.”
This again has been an ongoing issue that was addressed in a Safety Alert, Q-139 that was sent out on April 11, 2019 (See attachments – Q-139 vk Safety Alert, Q-139a Information Sheet Supervisor Safety Meeting in a Box Delivery, and Q-139b 1.6 SH Training Meetings).
7. Fire Extinguishers in trucks: Fire extinguishers in most trucks have not been inspected for probably close to 10 years. We need the process on inspections. Techs should have a routine to check their fire extinguisher every month or at least every quarter. The Fire Extinguishers should be included on the Safety Rodeo annual inspections as well.”
The issue of Fire Extinguishers applies to Company vehicles and buildings. Fire Extinguishers should be inspected routinely to ensure that they have not expired. I have attached the CTL Safety Practice, “this practice provides fire safety guidelines for administrative offices, garages, central offices, warehouses, and joint occupancies. For complete guidance and information, refer to the CenturyLink Fire and Life Safety Manual.”
Joe Gosiger
CWA Representative – AZ & NM
1951 West Camelback Road, Ste. 440
Phoenix, AZ 85015
Office – 602-266-2620
Fax – 602-266-2560
