Studies suggest that cognitive impairment may distract drivers for up to two minutes after a cell phone conversation. Additionally, new studies completed in 2011 show that using a cell phone while driving is actually equivalent to being 4 times over the legal alcohol limit in most states.
Remedial Construction Services, (RECON) has a no cell phone usage policy while operating company equipment, let's ensure it is followed and enforced.

Most common reasons to want to ride on equipment are,
• Hitch a ride - easiest way to get to another location
• Talk to operator while working - not to slow down operation
• Observe unusual noise on function -mechanics or supervisors assisting
• Training purposes - new or refresher
• I am sure there are many more.

Before you ride ask yourself what are my intentions and what best practice should I use. Best practices for riding on equipment are generally identified in the operator manual. Manufactures will identify what devices are installed for safe operation. Such as extra seats, walkway with rails, etc

Several UNAUTHORIZED riding practices are
• on pickup truck tail gate or in bed
• in bucket or on forks
• outside cab of equipment
• riding without seatbelt ON
 
At Remedial Construction Services, (RECON) NO ONE shall ride on equipment unless authorized in JSA/JASP using "best practices" in accordance with equipment manufactures specification and onsite engineering controls. General rule; if you cannot utilize a seat belt DO NOT RIDE.

Okay football fans. Ever watch a game where you questioned the referee's call? Coaches do all the time and they can do something about it. They can throw the "red challenge flag". Ever think about how similar that action is to Remedial Construction Services, (RECON's) "Stop Work Authority"? Can you name some similarities between the two?
• Throwing the red flag stops the game (work).
• Referee seeks help from the booth or other officials (superintendent; foreman; other)
• An evaluation is conducted to determine correctness (safety).
• A decision is made.
• If it's right, play (work) continues.
• If it's not right, decision is reversed (JSA revised; task is modified)
• The bottom line for both (the referee and us) is to "get it right!"

At Remedial Construction Services communication with SSE's (short service employees) is of the upmost importance.  Communication is a key resource for avoiding failure on any environmental remediation, bioremediation, or geotechnical construction project as it promotes awareness and training throughout the day.  New people coming in to RECON may not be new to the industry but they are new to RECONS policies and procedures.  There are many employees that hire on to this company that say "I have never worked for a company that was so intense about their safety program and shows a genuine concern for my health.”
 
Mentoring offers a couple of different opportunities and if you don't mentor then you have robbed yourself of the chance to:
1.) Teach someone the right way, the safe way to do things.
2.) Hear a fresh new concept.  Let's face it when we have done the same job for years we tend to develop tunnel vision.  A young person coming in with little to no experience may surprise you with new ideas.
3.) To prove that you have what it takes to be a leader.  It's difficult to increase your opportunities with any company if you're not willing to be a leader.
4.) To save a life!  To be the one that saved another person's life is rewarding.
 
Safety Slogan: Communicate with your SSE's, because mentoring is the key!!!!