Many operators and contractors will begin wrapping up projects and buckling down for the winter months. While everything is fresh on the mind, now is a great time to meet with workers about the season and get them involved in making the next year start off in the right direction. Include all levels of personnel so everyone feels a part of the team, meeting either individually or with crews together. Here are some examples of questions to ask:

  • Overall, how do you feel the season went?
  • Did you have any concerns about safety at any time during the season and is there anything you suggest for us to improve on?
  • How did you feel our communication and organization went with projects?
  • Do you have any suggestions on what we can do as a company to make our operations better for our employees and more efficient all around?
  • Are there any concerns you want us to know about?

By meeting with your employees, you are giving them a chance to be heard; offering feedback to make your company stronger. The more involved your employees are, the more willing they will be to take their own advice or suggestions and follow through with any organizational changes that are made.

This is also a great opportunity to discuss maintenance and repairs that have been put-off for the mechanics to work on during the winter. Meet with your plant and equipment operators to document and prioritize what needs to get fixed before the 2020 season.

Lastly, when it’s officially lay-off time, does everyone disappear leaving your company unsure about supplies in job trailers/tool shacks, vans, or control houses? Then do you find yourself trekking through the snow to get fire extinguishers, SDS books, training plans/records, production reports, first aid kits? Or maybe you find these areas a mess and unorganized. Since we are talking about year-end items, this can also be added to the “to-do” list by tasking someone to gather applicable items to get updated or replenished for the upcoming season or having the crews complete an inventory of supplies and have everything put away neatly so it’s ready for next year.

I have prepared a form for you to consider, covering the items mentioned in this article. Feel free to tailor and use anyway reflecting your specific operations. CLICK HERE 

Ashley Gillund

Safety & Health Instructor

Workforce Development Solution

 

ashley.gillund@northlandcollege.edu

Office: 218.683.8642