CABL Forum - Re: safety

OSHA requires that every employee be properly trained to do the work that he or she is doing before they start working in the field, and that an on going safety refresher continue through out every year be continued and documented. This is usually once each month in the way of documentation and discussion.

The telephone companies have had new hire training and qualification before a new hire go's in the field for years along with ongoing training and once a year re certification of an employees abilities, They hold what they cal a safety rodeo.

It is long over due for the cable industry to follow these same procedures as they are required. OSHA has to few inspectors to visit each company every year to see if they are in compliance with regulations for safety and training.

Here is a link to telecommunications related topics on the osha web site http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owasrch.new_search_results?p_text=TELECOMMUNICATIONS&p_title=&in_clause='FULL_SITE'&p_status=CURRENT&p_category=&p_logger=1

Many cable contractors do not provide the proper training or even the proper safety equipment to there employees. If an employee is provided the proper tools and training to preformed there job and an accident occurs as a result of the proper equipment or procedures not being followed then the employee is at fault and the company is not liable. If the employer did not provide the proper training or safety equipment and an employee is injured the employer could be liable for millions. You would think this would be enough to get them going on safety.

About the only time OSHA get involved is if there is a serious accident or death on a job site that is reported to them or there have been several complaints by employees.
So it is up to you to police your employer if you think they are placing you in danger.

OSHA's web site is http://www.osha.gov/

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Re: safety