Safety Policy

Safety, Health, and Risk Policy Statement

The objective of the Safety, Health, and Risk program of the Fort Payne Improvement Authority is to establish a “Zero Incident” safety culture where employees look out for the safety and wellbeing of themselves and others. The safety of employees and the public is our number one priority and will be at the forefront of all activities of the FPIA. This program will focus on hazard recognition and incident prevention. It is the responsibility of each employee to identify the hazards in the workplace and take appropriate action to eliminate the hazard or take the necessary precautions to mitigate the effects of the hazard. Employees will receive the necessary training and personal protective equipment to safely accomplish their task. However, the success of this program will lie in the application of this training, proper use of equipment, and most importantly the practice of safe behaviors and the exercise of Human Performance Tools.

The ultimate goal is no one gets hurt and everyone returns home to their family in the same condition as they left.

Mike Shirey
General Manager
Fort Payne Improvement Authority
December 1, 2017

 

Safety, Health, and Risk Program Attributes

Safety Manual – The FPIA endorses and subscribes to the guidelines set forth in the American Public Power Association (APPA) Safety Manual. To the extent possible FPIA will follow these guidelines as written, with any and all exceptions reviewed and approved by the Safety Committee and Management.

Safety Committee – To reinforce the safety program and these attributes a Safety Committee for FPIA will be established consisting of a Safety Coordinator and a cross representation of all personnel at FPIA. The Safety Committee will plan safety meetings, conduct incident investigations, and coordinate other safety events and recognition as needed.

Safety Meetings – FPIA will conduct formal Safety Meetings on monthly basis. These meetings will involve all personnel and will be conducted by a combination of in-house and contract personnel. The meeting times and subject will be posted in advance.

Safety Training – A core safety training curriculum will be developed that includes specific work related safety topics, as well as general safety topics such as CPR/First Aid, Defensive Driving, proper lifting and back wellness, etc.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Personnel will be required to wear PPE as prescribed in the APPA Safety Manual. It the responsibility of each individual to ensure they have the required PPE for the task. Also it is the responsibility of each individual to be observant of others and ensure that everyone has the required PPE.

Hazard Recognition – All personnel shall be on alert for both known and unknown hazards in the workplace, “If you see something, say something”. Preferably hazards will be eliminated, but in the event the hazard cannot be eliminated appropriate precaution and mitigation measures will be taken.

 

Safety, Health, and Risk Program Attributes

Human Performance (HP) – FPIA believes in the application of Human Performance Tools to ensure safe work practices are followed and hazards are identified and appropriately mitigated. Five basic HP Tools that will serve as the foundation of safe behavior are:

  1. Pre-Job Briefings – recognize and discuss the hazards associated with the work
  2. Two Minute Rule – survey the area for potential hazards and changing conditions
  3. STOP When Unsure – if you see something that is not “right” stop and evaluate
  4. Procedure Use and Adherence – follow the safe working procedures
  5. Self-Check – Check your work and don’t be complacent

Observation – To further reinforce safe work practices, management and crew personnel will observe the activities of field personnel and point out safety highlights and areas needing improvement.

Incident Reporting and Investigation – It is the goal of our safety program to have “zero” incidents. If an incident occurs it should be reported immediately to the supervisor, and sufficient information gathered to document the incident on a “First Report of Injury” form. If medical attention is required the approved medical protocol shall be followed. All incidents will be investigated and lessons learned communicated.

Recognition and Reward – The reward for a successful safety program is no one gets hurt. FPIA will recognize significant contribution to the safety program and results achieved over time.