“Safety Freeze”

One of the questions you are asked each year in our annual plant survey is whether you are clear about what is expected of you.

Years ago, when I was an HR Pro, I worked with supervisors and managers to find a way to summarize what we look for from our employees.  We came up with a list of 10 Commitments that we would like each team member to embrace. You may have seen them printed up somewhere in your facility.

We have had many people join our team since I last shared these.  So, here’s a refresher. We’re looking closer at commitment #2. “Safety Freeze”

10 COMMITMENTS

1. No Shortcuts

We will teach you the safe way, provide you safe equipment, fix it when it breaks. Do it right and safe.

2. Safety Freeze.

Watch out for others, guide and teach “rookies,” hold others accountable for safe practices.

Here’s the idea: the people in the field can see the unsafe conditions, unsafe equipment and unsafe people before those in management see them.

It makes sense if you see it first, you should be empowered to say something about it and see it corrected.

So, when you see unsafe things, “freeze” it until we fix it. When it’s unsafe, don’t take another step or lift another board. Call someone who can do something about it. Standby until the issue passes.

3. On-time and Quick Start

Be there, start timely.

4. Work Smart-Technique and Consistency

Learn the right techniques and work at a consistent pace.

5. Work Hard-Strength and Speed

Build endurance and push for faster production

6. Teamwork

Teammates support, co-operate, encourage and motivate each other. Be a good team member.

7. “Customer Quality”

Know your customer and exceed their expectations.

8. 100% Uptime

Learn to understand your tools and machines. Maintain them. Report little things before they become big.

9. Lean and Clean.

To run lean, we must have good housekeeping. Keep your area clean.

10. Better or worse?

If you are not moving toward excellence, you are drifting toward mediocrity.